The perfect holiday apartment in Barcelona

Lots of people have asked if I know of any good apartments to rent in the centre of Barcelona, so 

I´ve put together a list of recommendations, but only from companies that friends & families have used when visiting, so I know the service and standards are good. 

The apartments are not only great because they usually work out cheaper than a hotel, but what I like is that you have a comfortable living-room or terrace for relaxing in your down-time, plus if you have a garden flat or terrace it´s perfect for evening drinks with friends whilst you´re getting ready or a place for the kids to play after walking around the city. 

So choose your favourite and live like a local on your break in Barcelona. 

For beach lovers and families...

The Apartamento Olimpic Garden has a ground floor garden with access to a swimming pool and a lovely grass area for sunbathing. It´s a 5 minute walk to some of the main beaches in Barcelona and 1 stop on the metro to the old town and Barceloneta. You´re also a short work from The beautiful Ciutadella Park with rowing boats and the Barcelona zoo so it´s a great option for a family of 4. A cab into the centre of town would cost around 7 euros. From here you can head to one of the biggest clubs in town, have breakfast on the beach & try a stand up paddle class.

Friendly Rentals: From 104 a night. (depending on season)

Cool budget option for a group of 4 friends in the centre...

Located in the centre of the Born, a cool area full of cafés, bars and boutiques, El Apartamento Mozart is a great option for a small group of close friends (I say close, as it only has 1 bathroom!). The good thing about this place is the location, the terrace and the price. It doesn´t have a lift (typical of most flats in the old part of town) and the second bed is the sofa-bed, but for 3 nights with friends I think it´s a good option. Here you´re near the mojito and salsa bars of the Born, a great brunch spot, Picnic, beautiful vintage shops and great tapas at Mercat Princesa. 

Friendly Rentals: From 67 euros a night. (depending on season)

Cocktails on the terrace...

This is perfect for a big group of friends, hen do, stag do, birthday treat, weekend away....Whatever the reason, the location, size and terrace at Apartament Batllo 1 are perfect! With 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms there´s plenty of space and you can relax with a drink on the terrace whilst getting ready to go out for the night. The agency also offers beauty services like a hairstylist and nail technician. There is a disclaimer saying that the minimum age for this apartment is 35 years....but if you´re not, try to negotiate?? It´s located just off the beautiful Passeig de Gracia and right in the centre of town. From here I´d suggest cocktails on Alaire Rooftop Terrace and sushi or tapas.

Friendly Rentals: From 381 euros a night (depending on season)

Luxury, central and great for groups or families...

Some family stayed in an apartment through this company a while ago and it was perfect for them. Located in the centre of town, it was comfortable, peaceful and had everything they needed. Aribau Luxury Designs have a number of apartments sleeping up to 8 people but only a couple of them have terraces (top photo) so make sure you ask when you book. We booked through booking.com and got a good deal out of season. From here you can walk to the Ramblas and Passeig de Gracia in a few minutes, see Gaudi´s Pedrera and Casa Batlló buildings, eat tapas and have a rooftop drink. 

Aribau Luxury Designs: From 200 euros a night (depending on season)

There are often hidden problems when renting apartments in Barcelona so here´s a few things to consider. 

• Do you need a lift / elevator? Lots of apartments in the old part of town don´t have this facility. Some friends of mine had to hike their massive suitcases up 7 floors. 
• Do you need peace and quiet? If you´re on a main road or in the centre of town this could potentially be a problem. Ask if the bedrooms look onto the main road.
• Out of hours check in: Check if there´s an extra charge for this.
• Sometimes the terraces are shared with other apartments (from the same company) - worth asking when you book.
• Expect some rooms to have no windows if you´re looking in the Eixample area. This is because of the style of flats and buildings. 

Saying this, most of the apartments are beautiful, clean and perfect for a holiday in Barcelona...x