Bonavista Apartments - Eixample

Getting into the apartment took a call to the host while we were still outside, just to get the entry directions. The central Barcelona location was convenient, but at close to €300 a night it didn't feel worth the price. The street noise was awful, even late in the evening, and there was no soundproofing. From the street-facing side, it felt as if people passing by were in the room. We needed earplugs every night. We didn't enjoy the stay.

The apartment had a washer, dryer and dishwasher, plus detergent capsules, dish soap and a scrubber. It felt like a home, and it was the most comfortable and affordable place on our itinerary. We could also leave our bags in a locker for free. There was no check-in staff at the accommodation, but the staff kindly explained things with a translator. We had no phone number because we were using an international SIM, and they helped us by providing the office address. We couldn't reach anyone by 11 p.m. on the first day, so we missed check-in then. Fortunately, we were able to arrange it by email the next day. Thanks for watching the snowflakes. The 11-year-old snowflake snowflake snowflake couldn't because of it.

The apartment worked well enough, and having the metro nearby was handy. But the way we were treated at arrival left a bad memory. We had paid the deposit online and then paid the rent in person. The man spoke only Spanish. After we counted the money in front of him and he left with it, he came back saying €100 was missing and threatening to call the authorities. We paid again because we were young, didn't speak the language and didn't want trouble, even though all four of us had counted the money and knew it was there. The air conditioner also broke on the second day of our planned four-day stay in July 2012, dripping on us. These things can happen, but the payment incident was a shame. I hope he's improved over the years. We wouldn't repeat the stay.

Everything we needed was in this little, charming apartment, including a kettle, microwave, washer, dryer and a range of tableware. It worked perfectly for our family of three. Restaurants, bars and supermarkets were all an easy walk away, as was the Hunan cuisine (Chinese food) I was craving. Good value, and I was very satisfied.