Mahaned went out of his way for us ,picking us up from the airport, arranging taxi for cruise port. stayed 2 nights before cruise . near a good tapas bas down the street"Navanas". Did not see either Abel or Sergio.
Room was adaquate, clean but small,yet fine for a short stay.

We loved the feeling of staying in someone's apartment rather than a hotel in this perfectly situated (central for both Gaudi touring and old city sites) urban B&B. Sergio and Abel have created a quirky, comfortable, charming place so that waking up for breakfast on the terrace or in the sitting room and returning after a day of touring, you are happy to be here;it's not just a place to sleep. All at very reasonable prices. They are helpful with ideas of places to eat, train schedules--anything you need. There are a choice of breakfasts; the continental we had as part of our package was just right. Beds firm, every room charming and unique---we could not have been happier and recommend it highly! One caveat-for anyone who has trouble climbing stairs the entry and exit could be an issue. Luggage is handled by the staff so no problems on that front--but you do need to climb stairs when you come and go. But once you are inside...the amazing collections of porcelain, furniture, etc ...you know the attention to detail will be extended to guests.

Almost hidden behind a "usual" front door, you don't only enter a hostal. No, you step into a world of farytales. No stuff is accidently. Every vase, every bowl of ceramic and glass, every piece of furniture and every painting have to be at THIS place. Everything is harmonizing with each other, in lovely perfection. Warm coloured rooms support the feelgood factor. Also the cleanness makes you are impressed of! As the care of owners and the whole staff. No request stays unfulfilled! After an extensive breakfast you got much power for the new day and for the next discovery tour. Your tour could always start from THAT central point of Barcelona: Place de Catalunya! It's only a five-minute-walk away from hostal (like the famous Ramblas too!). Here you also got a Metro station and the bus stop of airport busses! To stay at L' Antic Espai doesn't feel like stay at any hostal. Here you are to visit lovely friends. And friends you visit always again! We are coming back!! :-)

We stayed here after our cruise and were delighted with the caring attitude of all staff. We were assisted with all our airline changes by staff who interpreted for us as our Spanish was barely passable. Directions to good tapas eateries were generously provided; our heavy luggage was carried up flights of stairs for us; the internet was free; the staff actually smiled at us and assisted in every possible way despite our linguistic incompatability.
The hostal is perfectly situated for all the major sightseeing venues and particularly close to the Gaudi apartments and church; Las Ramblas,the old town and much of the incredibly beautiful architecture that constitutes inner Barcelona. But the reason I urge you to stay here is the friendliness of all the staff who show that they appreciate your custom and who understand the travellers' need for warmth and friendliness when you are far from home.
The gorgeous quirky baroque decor is fun, the charming breakfast on the terrace with the plants and birds is 'other worldly' and places you a fin de siecle stage setting- Gigi would have been quite at home here.
The only improvement I can suggest is that a boiled egg be offered with the breakfasts, and that the criossants and baked goods be straight from the oven -warm and crisp!
We loved our stay and consider it an integral part of our delightful Barcelona experience. Cheers to our hosts! May they continue to care for us forever!