The photos don't match the actual apartment—5 guests in low reviews reported this gap. You'll also face potential surprise costs from a €500 deposit and tourist tax, plus medium-level concerns about maintenance, check-in equipment, and noise from neighbors and street traffic.
What the stars hide
The listing displays photos from multiple units, but you won't know which one you're getting until arrival. Guests report receiving apartments with dingy walls, wear, poor finishes, and different layouts than pictured. Some found the space significantly less appealing than the booking photos suggested.
Multiple guests describe the unit as tired, worn, and poorly maintained despite the listing claiming recent decoration. Issues include broken door mechanisms, missing baseboards, unpleasant smells in kitchen and bathrooms, and missing basics like tea towels and sink plugs.
The keycard system frequently malfunctions, leaving guests unable to enter. This is especially problematic for late arrivals and elderly travelers. The listing doesn't mention this risk.
The listing requires a €500 refundable deposit plus €10.45 per person per night in tourist tax (maximum 7 nights). These costs aren't included in the advertised nightly rate and must be paid days before arrival.
The building overlooks a busy pedestrian zone with outdoor restaurants and bars. Guests report noise day and night from neighbors and ground-floor activity, despite proximity to Sagrada Familia.
Listing language, decoded
Recent reviews (last 12 months) repeat the same accuracy and maintenance complaints, with no sign of improvement.
Host replies within days, explaining issues and apologizing for problems. Responses are professional but sometimes defensive about accuracy concerns, focusing on the apartment category rather than addressing the photo mismatch directly.
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