Barcelona has a wealth of eye-catching architecture and equally lavish interior design. It's not cruel to say that this apartment isn't among this number, but it's a more than solid base for visitors who want to stay close to some of the city's best attractions.

For a start, there's a pleasing amount of space inside, especially compared to many other one-bedroom homes found nearby. Even though there's an open-concept layout in the main living space, each of the separate areas feels well laid out and far from cramped. The absence of an oven in the kitchen might put off those hoping to cook larger meals, but there's a hob and enough surfaces for whipping up more modest fare.

The design certainly lies on the minimalist side, but there's been enough care and attention put into the furnishings and finishes so that it feels like this is an active choice, rather than simple neglect. One thing we do especially like, however, is the amount of natural light from the large window at the far end of the main living area, which dances nicely off the cleansingly white walls and reflective floor.

When the time comes for a spot of sightseeing, Plaça de Catalunya lies two minutes' walk around the corner and the top of La Rambla sits just beyond if you're in the mood for hitting the shops. Follow this down for fifteen minutes or so and you'll eventually reach the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter.




Home truths:
*The building has a lift to reach the apartment on the fifth floor
*At capacity, one guest will be sleeping on the sofa bed in the living room – this will be at the expense of lounge space, however, so we think this home is better suited to two guests
*This home isn't suitable for infants under two years old
*The bedroom's twin beds are pushed together
*There's no desk, but the dining table can double up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*As you're in a central location, you may hear some street noise
*The kitchenette is compact and lacks an oven
*Out of respect for the neighbours, please keep noise levels to a minimum
*We recommend skipping the car here and using Barcelona's public transport instead