Barcelona Apartments

Few travellers get beyond typing in “Airbnb Barcelona” to Google these days when searching for a short-term holiday rental, but in fact the City of Counts (as we like to call it), has dozens of local apartment operators in the city – many of whom actually have cheaper deals than you’ll find on the global portals. We share some recommended companies, and some tips on finding an affordable place to stay.

Why Choose Apartments?

One of the biggest travel trends in recent years has been the rise in the popularity of apartments over hotels in terms of accommodation for breaks abroad. It makes a lot of sense really. Whilst there’s no taking away from the glitzy feeling one gets of checking into a posh hotel for the weekend, checking in with the nice receptionist and having the bellboy carry up your inconveniently heavy luggage to your penthouse suite, there are plenty of practical advantages for choosing apartments for your stay…

Having your own flat in Barcelona is a way of making yourself feel right at home, a kind of short-term resident if you will, rather than a holiday-maker…

The most obvious advantage is that the prices tend to be on the friendlier side – after all their operators don’t have to pay huge overheads on rent, staff, electricity etc. in the same way hotels do. But people aren’t switching for economical reasons alone. Having your own flat in Barcelona is a way of making yourself feel right at home, a kind of short-term resident if you will, rather than a holiday-maker.

It’s this thrill that enthusiasts are addicted to – the chance to collect the keys and have their own flat for the weekend or longer, with all the amenities you might expect at home. Kitchen with fridge and cooking-facilities, bathroom with hot shower (maybe a jacuzzi – you never know!), plenty of space for stretching your legs, whilst many holiday rentals for example also come with huge satellite TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, Internet connection/WiFi – you name it! Best of all there’s no surly door staff giving you quizzical looks when you rock up back to your accommodation at 5am in the morning having rather-too-extensively sampled the nightlife, and no cleaner waking you up at the unreasonable time of 1pm, mop and bucket in hand… apartments equal total freedom, and even if you don’t get the VIP experience of luxury hotels they are a great additional option for any traveller to consider.

Barcelona Apartment Rental Agencies

Like most touristic cities, Barcelona is rife with short-term apartment rental firms and if you’ve decided to pluck for a ‘piso’ (that’s ‘flat’ to you), then you can either browse through our listings via the search facilities on our Sleep page, or read below for a list of all the main operators. Do have a browse and compare prices and we’re sure you’ll find yourself the perfect home for your stay.

1. AB Apartment Barcelona

Over 200 flats in locations all around the city, in sizes that range from studio to penthouse-style luxury, check out their range of options and prices before forking out for an overpriced hotel. AB offers apartment rentals in Barcelona for days, weeks or months at a time. Discover the city from their apartments located in some of the best areas of the city, such as in the Eixample district, the Gràcia neighbourhood, the historic centre of Barcelona or next to Barceloneta beach.
www.apartmentbarcelona.com

2. Cozycozy

Cozycozy is an international company with a HUGE portfolio of holiday rentals in Barcelona – over 11,000 at the time of press. They agglomerate available properties on booking engines such as Booking.com, Airbnb and Homestay, conveniently putting thousands of options in one place, and their powerful filters quickly enable you to search by price or rating, and find facilities like swimming pools. Head to their website to find an apartment in Barcelona with cozycozy.
www.cozycozy.com

3. Oh-Barcelona Apartments

With 500 top class apartments situated all around the city, you’re only a few clicks of the mouse away from your new pad… sadly though you will be asked to return the property at the end of your holiday.

4. Lucas Fox International Properties

This international property agent specialises in procuring prime real estate in Spain’s most glamorous locations, but they also offer short term rentals on luxury pads, villas and masias in Barcelona, Sitges and the Costa Brava.
www.lucasfox.com

5. Airbnb

The San Fran start up has run into more than its fair share of controversy in Barcelona, where it has rubbed both residents and city officials the wrong way, at various times, for various reasons. Nonetheless its operations in the city are a pro for travellers, even if apartments are rarely cheaper than hotels these days. Still, if you’re wedded to the brand you’ll certainly find some cool places to stay.
www.airbnb.com/Barcelona–Spain

Advice on Searching for Holiday Rentals

1. Shop around!

Check several websites to get a feel for what is a good price… the agencies listed above are a great place to start!

2. Choose the right district

Consider what type of holiday you want, and look for a flat in the according district. If you are searching for a beach break take a look in Poblenou, a former industrial district that now occupies prime real estate just minutes from some of Barcelona’s best city beaches. For sightseeing you don’t need to be right on the overcrowded Ramblas. Somewhere like El Borne or even the maligned Raval district (it’s really quite nice!) might suit you better. If you’re here to watch Barça play then search for somewhere near Les Corts, the home of Camp Nou.

We suggest you check out our guide to all of BCN’s best barrios right here for more info and ideas on where to stay.

3. What’s the check in process?

Consider if you have to collect the keys yourself (usually from the rental company’s office), or if someone will be there to meet you at the flat when you arrive. In both cases you’re looking for reliability, and the assurance that you can check in as soon as you arrive.

4. Check the terms and conditions

Check the cancellation policy and other terms of conditions of the booking, such as security deposits and cleaning fees. They are not usually dealbreakers but definitely good to know the exact terms of your rental before you book.

5. Write down the address

Make a note of the apartment’s address before you leave to catch your plane! While internet roaming abroad has never been cheaper or easier, you don’t want to risk not being able to find a network / get online after you touch down at the airport…

6. Plan your journey from the airport

…Speaking of which, there’s some advice on planning your trip from the airport to town on this page.

So there you go, it’s plane sailing really. Although if you have any more tips or advice do please share them in the comments section below. Meanwhile, for an even more comprehensive list of accommodation options, head to our Sleep section where we review a full range of hotels, hostels, guest houses and all that funky pillow talk. Otherwise you’ll find plenty more handy tips and information by browsing through our site.