Questions and Answers
Section 1. Questions about the apartment in general, and TVs, Hi-Fi etc.
Section 2. Questions about apartment location etc.
Section 3. Questions about beds, linen etc
Section 4. Questions related to the kitchen and eating etc
Section 5. Questions about booking, paying, keys, arrival and departure etc.
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Section 1. Questions about the apartment in general, and TVs, Hi-Fi etc.
Is there a DVD player ?
Yes. Connected to the lounge TV, or can easily connect to either of the other 2 colour TVs, in the double bedroom or in bedroom 2.
Excellent picture and sound. ( "Zorro" with A.Hopkins and T.Banderas, "Full Monty" (award winner), "Emmanuelle", "The Accused", 'about Killer Whales' plus some more).
Do the TVs have remote control, dual language facility,
stereo and text facilities ?
Yes.
Is there a radio and CD playing unit ?
Yes. 1 Hi-Fi with CD player.
Are there mirrors in the apartment ?
Yes. 1 new oval one in the bathroom, large new wood framed mirror in hall, 1.4 metre framed wall mirror in bedroom 3,
full length mirror on wardrobe door in double room, + 'octupus' mirror, wall mounted make up mirror in bedroom 2 and in the lounge a 2 metre horizontal mirror.
Is there a washing machine, drying lines
and clothes pegs ?
Yes. (washing machine is new)
Is there air conditioning.
Yes. Fujitsu Inverter, new 2006.
(with a remote control and functions like timer, stepped temperature sleep mode, fan speed etc ).
Is the water heating for the shower and taps of instant
type or does it heat up a water tank first ?
It is of the instant on-demand type, gas water heater. Shower is good
with lots of hot water.
Is normal use of gas, electricity and water included in the price ?
Yes.
Except the right is reserved to charge for using the air conditioner if left switched ON all day long.
If it is left ON 24 hours a day it could use a lot of electricity in a week.
10KWhours/day of electricity is included; = approx. 10-15 hours/day of use.
If > 10KWhours/day is used then the right is reserved to charge 0.2 Euros/KWhour for the extra electricity used, if this is only a few euros then no charge.
[Heating. output = 4.9KW max. , no charge for normal use for heating]
Is there an electric hair dryer ?
Yes. (Braun 1400W)
Is there space for bicycles ?
Yes, as long as don't mark the walls, had 2 in the hall. Could have more but then hall will become a bit
'busy' but useable. Not many stairs.
Can we bring non-standard or unusual things that the majority of tourists would not normally take on holiday ?
If you want to do or bring something not 100% 'standard' for a tourist arriving by plane with a suitcase, such as
items which are commercial, dirty, oily, or animals or living things !, please ask at the booking stage whether it is OK.
Is the apartment door secure ?
Yes. It is a big strong door, heavy, original I believe from around 1890.
With modern lock of higher than normal design and cost; and moving bars. And lock barrel is occasionally changed.
Is a steam iron and ironing board provided ?
Yes.
Are the apartment design/installation and facilities especially selected to avoid all risks for infants/children ?
No. There is no entry barrier to the kitchen and only a limited number of power socket blanking plugs etc.
And some items are currently at a low height such as the DVD player, the lounge TV. (there is a ladder blocking piece for the fixed ladder to stop an infant climbing up and then perhaps falling off)
Parents should carry out an inspection at or soon after arrival.
If you wanted me to buy a kitchen barrier then please let me know at the booking stage.
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Section 2.
Questions about apartment location.
Is the apartment close to the Rambla ?
Yes, only a few minutes flat walk to the famous "Ramblas" at Liceu which is in the
middle of the Rambla. There is another Rambla with cafe/restaurant/bar terraces even closer; and cheaper.
Are there live music venues nearby ?
Yes. Various. One good place (and cheap, free entry on most nights during the week) is only 400 metres away with live music every night (Cuban, swing, jazz, Rock/blues, Flamenco..), with Flamenco on at least 1 night a week. I can provide full details about them and advance details
of what bands will be on during your stay.
Is the apartment low down ?
Yes. But at a level to be well above the street. But not many stairs. not too high and not too low, just right !!.
(for the security of the apartment I don't want to give exact details on the web)
Is it a good neighbourhood for cafes and bars ?
Definitely yes !
The timeout web site (www.timeout.com)
gives their views of the good cafes, bars and restuarants in the
area and also in adjacent Barcelona neighbourhoods which are only a few
minutes walk, Gothico and El Borne. Listed bars from timeout like
Muebles Navarro is only 80 metres and El Almirall in the street Joaquim
Costa is only 300 metres, many many others; Buenas Migas, Doce Trece, Carmelitas, Lupino, ES, Mama Cafe, Reina del Raval,
Margarita Blue, Granja de Gava, Invisible, Imprevist, Benidorm, Marselle, IT Cafe, Tres Tombs......
If we wanted to know about the different British/Irish
bars, the differences between them, which have live music (and what is
on during our visit), which show sports events/games, and how to get to each
one could you tell us ?
Yes, no problem. (Nearest British/Irish
bar with international football is in the next street, C.Hospital near Las Ramblas).
Are there places nearby to eat at a good price ?
Yes, lots, a full variety from cheap, medium price and expensive. For styles from Catalunya, Majorca, Rioja, Aragon, Galicia, Indian (curry :-) ), Italian, Japanese, Ecuador, Ecological, Vegitarian, sea food, self service, etc
Is there a small shop nearby ?
Yes, for milk, wine, beer etc, open till about
22.00 or 23.00.
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Section 3. Questions about beds, linen etc
Are the mattresses in good condition ?
Yes.
Are there beds for at least 6 people ?
Yes, see here for details.
Is there a 2nd TV in the double bedroom ?
Yes. New Philips TV, stereo, colour, with FM radio, alarm, remote control. And also a colour TV in bedroom 2 with remote control.
Both are now connected to the new roof antenna and have a good picture and sound.
Does each room have a wardrobe with shelves and with
hanging space for shirts/jackets ?
Yes. A very large 4 door wardrobe in the double room and 1 standard
wardrobe in each of the other 2 bedrooms (new). And a 3 drawer chest of drawers in bedroom 3 (new).
Is there a sofa bed ?
Yes. (The sofa bed has wooden slats and a metal frame for good support).
Is there an infant/baby cot (bed) ?
Yes.
Are any of the mattresses of the standard Spanish length of only 180cm ?
No.
(there had to be a "no" at some time !! ;-) ! )
All are the longer 190cm types. (many places use 180cm mattresses
but these are not long enough for many tourists who are often taller
than the Spanish average). The elevated bed in bedroom 3 has a 2.15 metre mattress length, includes foam support for feet for 25cm to provide the extra length.
The sofa bed is 140cm by 200cm.
Are the bed mattresses of spring construction ?
Yes. All, except for the sofa bed mattress which is foam.
What size and make is the double mattress ?
It is wider than normal at 150cm wide, standard is 135cm in Spain; 190cm long; from
Spanish manufacturer 'Relax'.
Is good quality clean/washed bed linen, pillows and blankets/quilts provided ?
Yes.
Are good quality cotton towels provided ?
Yes.
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Section 4. Questions related to the kitchen and eating etc
Is there a microwave oven ?
Yes. New, "Sharp". Easy to use.
Does the kitchen have pots/pans etc.
Yes, fully equipped; pots/pans/plates/cutlery set/wine glasses/water glasses etc.
Is there an electric pop-up toaster ?
Yes, 4 slice Moffat, was top of the range; with croissant/roll heater
feature (sit croissants on lift up grid and rising heat warms
them).
Is there a large teapot and mugs ?
Yes.
Is there a coffee maker and coffee cups ?
Yes. (Italian percolating type).
Is the fridge freezer of the type
with separate external door to freezer compartment ?
Yes. Large freezer compartment. Works well.
Are there minor items such as oven glove, tin
opener, wine bottle opener, whisk, potato peeler, ice cream scoop,
salt/pepper/sugar pots, pedal bin.
Yes.
Does the cooker have an oven ?
Yes, electric oven. With 4 gas hobs above.
Is there a pressurised fire extinguisher in the kitchen ?
Yes.
Is there a supermarket nearby ?
Yes. 100 metres away, normally open till approx. 21:00.
Is the dining table large enough for 6 ?
Yes, once opened up to double its size, when not opened up it
seats 4.
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Section 5. Questions about booking, paying, keys, arrival and departure etc.
How would I go ahead and book the apartment ?
We communicate by e-mail and agree a rental. Book by e-mail, no advance payment; if you have an e-mail address at a company you can probably
book by e-mail without making any advance payment. Quick and easy.
The rental payment, and damage deposit, would then be paid at arrival at the apartment. The rental money needs to be in Euros.
If you do not have a company e-mail address you would normally be asked to make an advance payment to confirm a reservation;
for some groups this can be a payment transfer, for some groups a personal cheque sent by post which will be held and returned to you at arrival; and payment made in cash).
How much is the during rental deposit (en francais: le caution) ?.
The damage deposit, for most groups, is 100 Euros
(or other well recognised currency) , with a work e-mail address)
in cash, against breakages/problems etc. (higher amount for students or certain other groups, see the contract) .
This money is repaid on the last day of your stay after checking the apartment
and you returning the keys.
(if you are departing < 09:00 in the morning then your deposit may be returned to you by bank transfer or similar; or perhaps the evening before departing the apartment).
Is there a minimum age to book the apartment ?.
Prefer for the renters to be > 21 years old or I may ask for the reservation to be made by a parent. Depends on the details for the group.
What is the minimum number of nights ?
There is no minimum but for 2 or less nights there may be an additional charge to cover the
administration/cleaning effort etc for a short stay. Depends on how your dates
fit in and if it < 2 weeks before the arrival date. If you send in an enquiry I'll let you know.
What liability do you accept ?
If the whole apartment becomes completely unusable before arrival of a group due to a reason such as a flood
then I would tell you and have to cancel the reservation and pay back all of any
advance payment; no liability for the cost of different accommodation. I should be able to help you find another apartment.
Double Booking Liability. I am of course liable if I double book the apartment.
No double bookings so far and plan to keep it that way !.
When our group arrives at the apartment can we pay the rent and damage deposit with 2 personal cheques ?
No. The rental payment at arrival and the damage deposit on arrival day need to be paid in cash.
What is the normal time for arriving at the apartment ?
If the apartment is occupied the night before your arrival then arrival can be between 12:00 and approx 23:00, arranged in advance.
(After 23:00 there would probably be an extra cost, please ask).
If previous group will leave at say 10:00 then you could arrive at say 10:05.
But often the apartment will not have
been rented the night before and then you can arrive at any time after 10:30 as long as advised and agreed on the booking form.
What is the normal time for leaving on the departure day.
Between 09:00 and 12:00.
If the apartment is not booked for the coming night, or next arrivals are in the evening of that same day or an arrival the following morning,
then you can probably depart from the apartment up until around 18.00/19:00 for no extra cost, or perhaps even later, please inform me when booking.
Is it possible to arrange other check in/out times ?
Yes. You can drop off your
bags at the apartment before the apartment has been cleaned. In the past a group
has arrived in the morning, paid, collected the keys etc, left their bags and then
the apartment has been cleaned. They are then free to return whenever
suits them since they have the keys and have paid.
Is it possible to have 2 sets of keys ?
Yes, 1 or 2 sets, as you wish, is included.
More sets may be possible, please ask at booking time.
Can a taxi stop at the entrance door of the building ?
Yes.
What is the best method to get to/from the airport ?
Taxi. A taxi is an easy way, about 20 Euros plus approx. 1E per suitcase. Say
20-25 minutes.
Express Bus. The last stop of the express airport bus service is Plaza Catalunya which is a 8-10 minutes walk, also has a
taxi rank if don't walk the last part to the apartment.
The cost of the Express Bus is about 3.7 Euros per person and
there is a bus about every 6 minutes.
I can provide a map for the short walk to the apartment from Plaza Catalunya.
Train. There is also , in theory !, a train between the airport and Plaza Catalunya
but due to the major rail works taking the train is not recommended (works until Dec 2007 or into 2008 ).
There is a short walk of about 3 minutes at the airport to
the train station. With the express bus collecting at the doors of the airport hall
and being every 6 minutes instead of every 30 minutes for the train, the bus is I think the better option.
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