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Review 3152: Holidays in Barcelona, Plz Cataluna - Ramblas (#10027)

www.holidaysinbarcelona.com

Not Recommended. Review by Jet from US

1bed/1bath apartment in Gothic Quarter, Barcelona

When

September, 2007, 3 nights

Location

The apartment was well located in the Gothic Quarter just about a block away from the Palau de Musica. The area was fairly quiet at night and close to the wonderful Santa Caterina Market as well as many small grocery stores.

Nearby Amenities

All amenities were just steps away.

The House/Apartment

The apartment was on one of the upper floors of an older building with about ten other apartments. Although described as a one bedroom, it was really a glorified studio. Part of the living room had been partitioned off and a sort of double cot had been shoehorned into the windowless cubicle that was created.

You can view the apartment directly: Plz Cataluna - Ramblas.

Garden

The apartment had a nice, sunny terrace where we spent most of our time.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

The furniture was pretty beat up and not terribly comfortable. The sheets on the bed were clean but had stains on them that didn't come out in the wash.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

The "bed" had a mattress the thickness of a telephone book and was about as comfortable. The bathroom was tiny but all the fixtures worked.

Kitchen

We used the kitchen for breakfasts and the occasional lunch. I imagine you could cook a real meal in it but that's not what we do on vacation. The apartment had a washer/dryer that worked.

Problems or Bonuses

The biggest surprise was the "bedroom" and the uncomfortable bed.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

The agency was most unsatisfactory. Upon arrival in Barcelona, we followed the agency directions for contacting the apartment owner. After waiting out in the street with all our luggage, for ten minutes, she finally sent her cleaning woman down to let us in the apartment. The woman didn't speak any English and our Spanish was weak so we didn't exactly understand how to use the washing machine. The next morning we had to ask the owner (who lived next door) how to use the machine. As it turned out she wasn't pleased to be disturbed even though she admitted that the washing machine door was broken and there was a trick to operating it.

After checking out, I emailed the agency to complain about the uncomfortable bed and misrepresentation of the apartment size. The response I got was extremely hostile telling me that I didn't appreciate "storic" buildings and should stay in a four star hotel next time. (In fact, I usually avoid hotels in favor of vacation apartments so I know what to expect). My subsequent response to them was that I would mention my irritation with their service on this website to which they threatened to have me removed from it!

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

I would never stay in this apartment or book with this agency again.

Things to do in this area

We spent one week in Spain and two weeks in France. I think we ate better in Barcelona than we did in Paris -- and we know Paris quite well. Two of our favorite restaurants in Barcelona were Agout and Pitata. Both of them were in the Gothic Quarter and most excellent.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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