Casa Capella

A pair of luxurious architect-designed apartments 3 blocks apart in the upscale Eixample district (sleeping up to 6/8 respectively)

Immediately to the North-West of the Ciutat Vella (old city), the late 19th-century district of Eixample (meaning 'extension' in Catalan) is famous for its octagonal blocks and Modernist buildings. Here you'll also find two whip-smart apartments, which were refurbished to a pleasingly high standard by a friendly Anglo-Spanish couple, John and Josefina.

Contemporary classic in style, the Casas feature designer furnishings (Aeron chairs and Agustin Puig artwork), blissfully comfortable bedrooms and indulgent bathrooms. There are fully equipped kitchens and library-style shelving stacked with guide books. Capella 1 sleeps up to 6 in two compact queen/twin bedrooms, more spacious Capella 2 can house up to 8 in three king/twin rooms; and each has a sofabed (bespoke, of course) in addition. All mod cons are here, from blackout blinds to Bose sounds docks, yet both apartments feel beautifully uncluttered. John and Josefina will do their utmost - including providing detailed information packs and free mobile phones - to ensure your staycation in Barcelona is a perfect as can be. Ours certainly was.

Highs

• Architect-led refurbishment with high quality fixtures and fittings, and superb attention to detail (including a shopping trolley and umbrella to make self-catering easy)
• John and Josefina's 'virtual concierge' service - no request is too much trouble, or too unusual!
• Excellent location in safe neighbourhood, close to sights including Gaudi's Casa Mila, shopping on the Passeig da Gracia, and public transport
• Flexible accommodation suits everybody from couples to families - even singles wanting space and style (Capella 1 is popular with an eminent opera singer)
• Both apartments have a home office with flatscreen computer - handy if you need to check into work periodically

Lows

• Apartment 1 is closed for most of 2012 due to refurbishment
• Certainly not the cheapest apartments you'll find in Barcelona, (there's a weekend and public holiday check in/out surcharge, for example) but quality never is cheap
• A surprising lack of food shops in the immediate vicinity, but you'll be eating out quite a bit, and Capella 2 is close to a market
• Capella 2 is on a busy road, but has state-of-the-art acoustic insulation
• Bear in mind there's a minimum stay of 3-4 nights