Vacation Rentals by Owner

Robert

Guest: Robert
Date of Stay: 05/11/12 Review Submitted: 05/17/12

Loved staying at your studio! Spectacular location--could not be better.We had a sensational time in Barcelona.

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Frank

Guest: Frank and Helen
Date of Stay: 04/10/12 Review Submitted: 04/21/12

Buenas Dias, Derek! Just a quick e-mail to Thank You for letting us share your wonderful apartment. Lana and we got to the front door at exactly the same time. Your apartment has everything one could ask for.Helen and I are looking forward to coming "home" after long days of sightseeing! Again, Thank You. Frank

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Barcelona

Guest: Anna
Date of Stay: 04/07/12 Review Submitted: 04/09/12

You beat me to it, Derek - I was just about to write to say thank you for a few days in your marvelously appointed apartment. We couldn't have asked for a better stay. I'll write a glowing VRBO review when I'm back home in San Francisco next week. Thank you so much for an incredible stay in Barcelona! Cheers, Anna

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Great location. What a beautiful view.

Guest: Allan (New York - Queens)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/15/12

This was a lovely studio apartment right off Plaza Catalunia just steps from the Rambas. The skylight windows offerred beautiful rooftop views of the city. The property was clean and well maintained. Our greeter was very helpful. The owner e-mailed us immediately when he realized our greeter was given more cash than was required for our stay. Our greeter Jordi also refused to take a gratuity offerred to him. This is a fifth floor studio in an elevator building. There is a person in the lobby during the day but not at night but security did not seem to be a problem. Our neighbors on the floor were very quiet and friendly. We took a bus from the airport to the apartment (last stop) and the apartment was just a half block away. Absolutely no need to take a cab. You can purchase your ticket for the bus just prior to boarding at the airport and on the bus when you return to the airport. Aside from the many wonderful sights, we discovered the beach area during this visit. Jordi recommended a tapas restaurant just around the corner "ciudad ....?" Can't remember the exact name but there was only standing room at the bar most nights because the food was so good. Definitely recommend this property. Thanks Derek for being so honest and returning our overpayment. We will definitely return and hope to stay with you again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Barcelona

Guest: Linda
Date of Stay: 03/30/12 Review Submitted: 04/04/12

Dear Derek, We had a wonderful time and did enjoy the studio. It was the perfect location

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Barcelona

Guest: Linda
Date of Stay: 03/30/12 Review Submitted: 04/04/12

Dear Derek, We had a wonderful time and did enjoy the studio. It was the perfect location

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Home Away From Home

Guest: Mel (Saskatoon, SK, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/18/12 Review Submitted: 04/03/12

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home Derek - it was everything described and more. The location is perfect for airport bus travel, subway, and walking to many sites. I appreciate your taking the time to answer all my questions, and also appreciate Lana taking such good care of us! Mel

Owner response:Thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the home. It is wonderfully located, I know - that is why I bought it. I am so pleased you appreciated it.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Barcelona

Guest: Olena
Date of Stay: 03/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/20/12

Dear Derek, we had a great time, the loft was very comfortable and location is amazing. It truly couldn't have been any better. My daughter got sick during the trip, so we spent more time 'at home' than we planned. I was very glad we were not at the hotel, but almost at home. Having Internet was very helpful. I had a chance to enjoy your library. I tried hard to put all the books in place :) Thanks to the location

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Tom

Guest: Tom
Date of Stay: 02/10/12 Review Submitted: 02/21/12

We had a fantastic time. What a great location! Jordi was very prompt with all of our appointments. Hope to return someday soon.

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Barcelona

Guest: Didi
Date of Stay: 01/20/12 Review Submitted: 01/29/12

Dear Derek, Thanks very much for your mail. I had a wonderful time in Barcelona and in the apartment! Thank you and Lana for all your help and hospitality. Again, many thanks and looking forward to staying at your apartment again soon. Cheers, Didi

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Excellent Choice!

Guest: Kathy and Stacey (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 12/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/10/12

This listing is everything it says and more. My partner and I spent six nights here over Christmas week and absolutely loved the apartment. Well-appointed, clean, comfortable bed and plenty of linens, pillows, blankets, towels, etc... It is truly a home away from home and the vaulted ceilings and large windows give it a very spacious feel for a one room apartment. The location is ideal for airport transit, metro, La Rambla, great shopping and restaurants, Gaudi buildings, etc...Passeig de Gracia is a busy street so there is some traffic noise to be expected even on the 5th floor but not bad. Derek was very professional and communicated promptly to our many emails and our local contact was reliable and helpful as well. We've rented many vrbo apartments and this was our favorite so far. Thanks Derek for sharing your home!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Barcelona

Guest: Kathy
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/10/12

Hi Derek, We loved your place so thank you! It was a perfect location and made for a very comfortable "home" during our fabulous Christmas week in Barcelona. We will be back for sure and will also recommend it to our friends. Thanks for everything!

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Barcelona

Guest: Emery
Date of Stay: 12/17/11 Review Submitted: 12/23/11

It was lovely, thank you so much.

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Susan

Guest: Susan
Date of Stay: 11/15/11 Review Submitted: 11/17/11

Hi Derek, we had a brilliant weekend. Sunny and warm for three days, unbelievable. The apartment was great, and I like how the bookcases were moved to the hall wall instead of being the room divider as in the past. Both beds were very comfortable and we managed to sleep in late every day. Location couldn't be better; in fact, due to construction on Pl. Catalunya, the Airport bus location was moved directly in front of the apartment building. What could be easier? Many thanks, hope to be there again one day. Susan

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Barcelona

Guest: Scott
Date of Stay: 11/06/11 Review Submitted: 12/10/11

Hi Derek, Yes we had a fantastic four day visit to Barca. We loved your apartment and we hope to have a chance to stay there again in the future. Best regards, Scott

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Studio loft

Guest: Eleanor
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 10/19/11

My daughter and I could not be having a more wonderful time in your apartment. Very comfortable. I feel as if we are living on 5th Ave. in Manhattan!

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Convenient studio in perfect Barcelona location, classic, elegant building

Guest: Jill
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

This was our first visit to Barcelona from the US. We loved the city and the apartment was a perfect spot for my husband and I to spend five days. The view is wonderful from the 5th floor windows, the height--with the windows closed (they do open) , deadens the noise from Barcelona's very busy streets.The elevator is a plus, although the staircase bannister is simply an elegant thing to see and photograph. Plenty of public transportation downstairs; many of the city's most important buildings are on the same or nearby streets. Highly recommended.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Thanks

Guest: Vera
Date of Stay: 09/16/11 Review Submitted: 09/29/11

Hello Derek: Thank you for your email. We did enjoy our stay in London. The studio was very well situated and the price was right. Thanks again. Best to you. Vera & Terry

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Ross

Guest: Ross
Date of Stay: 09/14/11 Review Submitted: 09/22/11

Hi Derrick, Thanks for your follow-up. We found 'The Loft' and it's location to be just what the doctor ordered so to speak. A very enjoyable setting! Lana was very helpful, timely and gave us some good tips on do's and don't in and around Barcelona. We are now in Begur and heading further north.

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LOCATION, LOCATION

Guest: Kami (Las Vegas, NV)
Date of Stay: 09/05/11 Review Submitted: 09/25/11

I would highly recommend this apartment. The owner had timely responses in making arrangements and answering any questions we had prior to our arrival. He was also quick to find out if we had encountered any problems during our stay. We had never been to Barcelona and had no idea where we wanted to be located. I went by the reviews and they are all correct! We were near many attractions and restaurants, but the loft itself was a quiet place to retreat. There was an elevator so you didn't have to haul your luggage up the stairs. We took advantage of the grocery store and farmers market nearby (off Las Ramblas) which had everything you could need. If you are interested in taking the Metro, it is in front of the apt. Passeig do Gracia is truly the promenade of thanks! We were very thankful for our great experience! Gracias, Derek, and hopefully we will be back again soon!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Loft

Guest: Lucie and Henry
Date of Stay: 09/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/09/11

Hi Derek, We absolutely loved the place it was close to everything and we walked quite alot for a few hours before taking a nap and out again that night. I have been telling my friends all about vrbo and will be recommending your lovely loft, thank you. Lucie & Henry

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Michele

Guest: Michele
Date of Stay: 08/22/11 Review Submitted: 08/24/11

Hi Derek, We enjoyed are stay in Barcelona very much thank you. The apartment worked out perfect! It is in a great location and was very comfortable. Lana was very helpful as well. Thank you again for everything! Sincerely, Michele

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Sandy

Guest: Sandy
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 08/08/11

Hi Derek, Your flat in Barcelona was wonderful!! It could not have been any more centrally located. Also, being three women I loved the security. Thanks for making our three days memorable and relaxing.

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Barcelona

Guest: James
Date of Stay: 07/18/11 Review Submitted: 07/29/11

Hi Derek: I enjoyed the studio loft very much. It was very close to everything and the view from the windows was great. I will be sure to book with you again next year, in either the studio loft or the 1 bedroom flat you also have. Thanks so much again!! James.

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Guest: Craig
Date of Stay: 07/07/11 Review Submitted: 07/19/11

Hello Mr. Payne, I am writing to tell you how much we enjoyed renting your apartment in Barcelona from 07/04 to 07/09. Not only was it completely as advertised, it was perfectly located adjacent to many attractions within walking distance and Metro access. We were so comfortable in the apartment and the WiFi was excellent. Thanks again for renting out such a great place at a very competitive price to a very nice hotel. We hope to be in Barcelona again next July. Your property will be first on my list to check availability. Thanks again, Craig By the way, Lana was wonderfully charming.

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Guest: Vivienne
Date of Stay: 07/04/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

We had a wonderful time and loved your place. It is comfortable and so well located! Barcelona is a beautiful city and I hope to return someday soon. Lana was wonderful to us - you are lucky to have her working for you. I invited her to come visit us if she visits California - could you forward our email address to her in case she is interested. Thanks again, Vivienne

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Guest: Roth
Date of Stay: 06/23/11 Review Submitted: 06/25/11

We always happy and enjoy your apartment. We look forward to return there in September!

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Guest: Glenn
Date of Stay: 05/29/11 Review Submitted: 06/01/11

Dear Derek, We really enjoyed our two week stay. The studio was the perfect size for us, and every time came back from a short, or multi-day, excursion, we felt as though we were coming home. We were able to have another couple over for dinner one night and were able to entertain them in a suitable fashion. Barcelona is a wonderful city, and we appreciated being right in the middle of it. Regards, Glenn

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Guest: Angela
Date of Stay: 05/08/11 Review Submitted: 05/09/11

Dear Derek, Apartment and location are wonderful! Lana very welcoming. Enjoying ourselves! Regards Angela

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Guest: Lesley
Date of Stay: 04/10/11 Review Submitted: 04/11/11

Hi Derek , just a quick one to thank you for renting us your fantastic apartment. What a position, you are very lucky, anyway we had a great time came home exhausted from sight seeing and the weather was fantastic as well. thanks again Derek, Regards Lesley

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Guest: Lenard
Date of Stay: 04/03/11 Review Submitted: 04/04/11

Derek, we had a great time. Your place,as advertised, is in a great location. We were able to easily get around to all the great sites in the city from your location. We can't wait to come back and will recommend your apartment to our friends. Thanks again. Lenard

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Guest: Jann
Date of Stay: 03/25/11 Review Submitted: 04/02/11

Dear Derek, We are home now.....come down from our incredibly wonderful trip thru the So of France and Barcelona. Your apartment and the city of Barcelona were the highlights of our 2 weeks. Thank you sooooo much for allowing us to "borrow" your incredibly comfortable place. Good location is an understatement!!! Seriously! Having never been to Barcelona I had now idea how perfectly located it was until I got down to doing my research and map study. Wow!! I must have only composed my follow-up/thank you email in my mind - yes, Tomas did the trick and hot showers were enjoyed by all 3 of us everyday for the duration. We really appreciate your prompt handling of this.

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Guest: Naba
Date of Stay: 03/21/11 Review Submitted: 03/28/11

Dear Derek, We did enjoy the studio loft a lot, especially the location and the skylight.

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Excellent vacation rental in Barcelona - centrally located and a great view from the skylight!!

Guest: Naba (North Potomac, MD, USA)
Date of Stay: 03/18/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/11

Our family of three stayed 3 nights at this studio loft with a great skylight that brightens up the whole place and has an excellent view. The rental was easy to arrange and it was easy to work with the owner, Derek Payne, via email. The apartment is at an excellent location on Passeig de Gracia close to Placa Catalunya. It's an easy walk to the tourist attractions in La Rambla and Barri Gotic as well as the fancier Eixample area. And when you need the metro, there are two stations - - Placa Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia nearby. We took the metro for trips to Sagrada Familia and Mercats del Encants at Glories station. Other than that, we walked everywhere else. We had tapas for lunch at El Quim in the Boqueria market was excellent. Also had excellent meals at Osmosis (Carrer d'Aribau, 100) and Ca l'Isidre (C. Las Flores, 12).. and sweets at Bubo bar (Caputxes, 10). Shopped for espadrilles at La Manual Alpargatera (C/Avinyo, 7) and much more. Overall we found the apartment's location ideal for our short vacation stay in Barcelona and we would rent this place again, if we were to return to Barcelona.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Pat and Gene
Date of Stay: 03/07/11 Review Submitted: 03/07/11

Hi Derek, We are in southern Spain now. We Loved Barcelona ! There were so many wonderful things to do and to see. Your studio was located perfectly for everything we wanted to do. The kitchen was very well stocked and we liked having the supermarket right across the street. You responded very promptly during the reservation process and answered all the questions we had all along the way. We would definitely recommend your studio.

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Guest: Isaac
Date of Stay: 02/17/11 Review Submitted: 02/20/11

Thank you for the great service, Lana was very helpful through all the rental.

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Guest: John
Date of Stay: 02/08/11 Review Submitted: 02/14/11

LOVED our stay in Barcelona at your apartment

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Guest: Meg
Date of Stay: 01/23/11 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Derek, just landed in new York after a wonderful week in Barcelona. We loved your flat...the location could not be better. What a lovely city...we cannot wait to return.

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Guest: Bruce
Date of Stay: 12/17/10 Review Submitted: 12/17/10

Hi Derek, Just wanted to let you know everything is working out swimmingly. Lana was here to meet us (very patiently - we were almost an hour later than planned) and helped us get settled. It's a lovely place and, just as you described, right in the middle of everything. And it's nice not having to eat in restaurants all the time. We took it easy today, wandering around the old part of town, taking in a museum or two. Tomorrow we'll head the other way through the Eixample and see the sights including the Sagrada Familia. Thanks for allowing us to use your apartment. All the best, Bruce

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Guest: Bill
Date of Stay: 12/08/10 Review Submitted: 12/16/10

Dear Derek, Chris and I had a fabulous time in Barcelona and your apartment was fantastic!

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Guest: Ken
Date of Stay: 11/19/10 Review Submitted: 11/25/10

Hi Derek- Had a great experience and found your place wonderfully comfortable and amazingly convenient. Thanks again for the excellent hospitality. Best Ken

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Guest: Geoff
Date of Stay: 11/06/10 Review Submitted: 11/12/10

Derek, It was perfect for our needs. Thanks.

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Guest: Amy
Date of Stay: 10/21/10 Review Submitted: 10/27/10

Dear Derek, The apartment was cozy, and couldn't have been a better location for us. I read several of your books, and they really helped deepen the experience, especially of walking the Barri Gotic and visiting Gaudi's houses.

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Guest: Simone
Date of Stay: 10/20/10 Review Submitted: 10/20/10

Dear Derek, All went well. I liked the light, morning and evening. I'll be mentioning the apartment to friends. The location, I learned fast, is terrific for getting around town by Metro. But then again, I walked most places, the location is so good. Yours, Simone

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Guest: linden
Date of Stay: 09/29/10 Review Submitted: 10/04/10

For 6C: Dear Derek, We have just arrived in Sevilla after lots of driving and visiting many places along the way. It is first chance I have had to check my email in the hotel we are staying in, so just got your email. We loved your apartment and the location was fantastic as was the view from it. It was so easy to get around from there and we got to see so much on our stay. We thoroughly enjoyed Barcelona and everywhere else we have travelled since leaving there. We will definately recommend your apartment to anyone we know who will be travelling to Barcelona and hope that we ourselves, will get back there on another trip in the future. Thank you again for having us there. All the best. Kind regards, Linden & Martin

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Guest: Dave
Date of Stay: 09/29/10 Review Submitted: 10/03/10

It was perfect

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Guest: Cheryl
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 09/25/10

It was great Derek. Great location, I will recommend it to my friends. Cheryl

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Guest: Vicky
Date of Stay: 09/12/10 Review Submitted: 09/14/10

Thank you Derek! I did find the studio to be quite perfect for that part of my stay. I moved to El Raval neighborhood after your apartment and found myself to be in shock. It's just such a change of pace and so crowded! I was mentioning to friends the change of neighborhoods and compared your apartment to Upper West Side/5th Avenue in New York. Your apartment has EVERYTHING one needed! I will certainly be in touch when I'm back in Barcelona!

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Guest: Linda
Date of Stay: 09/07/10 Review Submitted: 09/12/10

Hello Derek, We enjoyed so much our vacation in Barcelona. The apartment is beautiful and the location is perfect! Thank you again for Jacques and Soraya for guiding us in the city! Linda and Louis

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Guest: Bob
Date of Stay: 09/05/10 Review Submitted: 10/28/10

Hi Derek, A late reply and feedback to your email below as we have only just returned to Australia . The apartment and location were everything we hoped for, thank you for representing it so accurately. Barcelona is a beautiful city and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

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