Another Satisfied Guest!

Our flight arrived at 4am instead of 2330 but that did not bother Luca Mancuso the owner of Papu Travel who was waiting in our apartment to check us in and show us around!

 

We received this wonderful gift basket of fruit, jam and organic olive oil at no charge.

The apartment was wonderful, clean, homely and we were made to feel as though we were Papu’s number 1 priority!

Thank you to the whole team at Papu Travel especially to Luca, Warm regards, Lars and Esra from Germany.

Special Offers For Barcelona Trips This Autumn

October and November are great times to visit Barcelona, and Papu Travel's special offer makes it better than ever! Book with us during October and November and receive the following fantastic welcome gift basket:

OUR SPECIAL OFFER:

For every apartment, guesthouse, B&B or room you rent for a stay during October and November we have personally selected the following bonus extras with our compliments:

Your Arrival will be sweet and healthy -  You and your travelling party can enjoy compliments of Papu Travel a delicious hand selected basket of fruits.


Great with Tapas or tasty when cooking - In addition to the fruit basket on arrival what kitchen is complete without Olive Oil...your Barcelona apartment whether it be for 1 night or for 1 week, it too will have a bottle of Olive Oil.

Enjoy an original start to each new day - Finally what start to the day would be possible without a fresh jam for your favorite pastries or breads.

 Visit Papu's Travel website for more information about our Autumn Barcelona Rentals Special Offer.

Barcelona In October.

If you are looking for a quick getaway this autumn  - then the wonderful city of Barcelona can be the perfect destination:

The Weather:
 It is ideal for people who like sunshine but not intense heat. You will generally get sunshine with the occasional cloudy or rainy day - but perfect to enjoy what the fantastic city has to offer. 

The Attractions:
 If the weather isn't as nice as you would hope, you can always visit one of Barcelona's many museums covering many differing interests. Numerous other things such as zoos, tours, aquariums and amusement parks can keep people entertained.
If you are looking to go out and enjoy the nightlife, Barcelona's nightlife is vibrant all year round with many places available to eat, drink and dance - of course this is dependant on your mood!
Accommodation:
Barcelona apartment rentals are available throughout the year - You can choose between B&B, guesthouses and apartments to suit your requirements. An autumn break doesn't have to be expensive!

Lukes Beachview Apartment - Available August & September from €60 per night

This Beach and City apartment, suitable for occupancy all year round is an excellent choice for travellers who would like to combine their travel into both a Beach and City Experience, all at an affordable price.

Lukes Beachview Apartment comfortably sleeps up to 4 guests. It is fitted with excellent amenities inclusive WIFI Internet, Air Conditioning and a spacious v-shaped living area combined with breakfast table.

With a 1 minute walk to the lively Barceloneta Beach, a 15 minute walk along side the beach to Port Olympico, a 10 minute walk to the Trendy Born Neighbourhood and another 10 minute walk to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, Lukes Beachview Apartment is perfectly located for travellers that would like to enjoy both the Mediterranean Sea and Barcelona’s city centre.

Prices available from €60.00 per night and is available from PapuTravel.

Papu is a reputable Boutique apartment rental service for Barcelona

Barcelona apartment rentals specialist

Boutique - because we are small enough to recognize every customer as important for our business and each customer is guaranteed our commitment to finding them suitable accommodation within their budget and most importantly located where they desire.

Specialist - because our team are experts in accommodation rentals especially self-contained apartments in Barcelona and surrounding areas. We have 7 years experience in the Barcelona rental marketplace.

Barcelona up and coming festivals update

In a previous blog we shared with you some of the summer festival events hosted in the Catalunya city of arts Barcelona.

In this update we want to highlight the next festival events so you can plan your trip in advance.

During these festivals accommodation prices in hotels sky rocket – but our apartments, guesthouses and B&B’s are offering affordable self-contained accommodation, but you need to book in advance to be assured of accommodation!

Festival highlights:

(1) Festa Major de Gracia (The Gracia Festival) is a wonderful and colourful street festival in the picturesque Gracia neighborhood of Barcelona.

It runs from the 15th till 21st of August.

Papu still has accommodation available in and around the Gracia area – but rooms are limited so if your interested please email us now; info@paputravel.com

(2) Barcelona La Merce Festival

Barcelona La Merce lasts for around 5 days and is a festival held in honour of Mare de Deu de la Merce, the Patron Saint of Barcelona.

The festival, which officially first took place in 1902, bids goodbye to the summer with a bang and welcomes in the cooler months of autumn.

This year 2010 there will be hundreds of different activities taking place in the city.

One of the festival highlights is the Correfoc (Fire Run)

If you are going to experience the Correfoc it is highly advisable to take protective clothing because often powerful sparkler fireworks are sprayed into the crowds. People should bring hats, protective glasses and thick long sleeved tops that will protect you from the flying sparklers.

There is normally 2 types of Correfoc on the same evening. One of them is for the children and is a lot more tame than the "adult" Correfoc which happens later on in the evening

The Correfoc event takes place at dusk. Normally along and around Via Laietana. The road will be closed off and then opens to "The Devils" .

Additional festival info:

Around 24 September, once again Barcelona will celebrate its Annual Festival. The last blast of summer before the autumn starts, La Mercè is the festival of festivals, where, in just a few days there are hundreds of activities like these:

 • Barcelona Acció Musical (Barcelona Musical Action): to hear new sounds

• Barcelona Street Arts: artists performing amongst the public

• Festival of tradition: human castles, bigheads, giants and all the festive beasts of the city, accompanied by guests of the Mediterranean

• Festival of the sky: acrobatic meeting of jets, balloons, ultra lights, etc.

• The Fire Festival: all kinds of sparks from the musical fireworks to the Fire Run...

With a long etcetera of more than 500 activities to everyone’s taste. La Mercè is the festival of a thousand faces.

Website for more festival information: http://www.bcn.cat/merce/en/sobre-merce.shtml

Accommodation bookings can be made via our website: 

Flamenco & Tapas in Barcelona

One of the best attractions of Barcelona is the famous Flamenco dancing shows. We recommend the Tablao de Carmen show http://www.tablaodecarmen.com/default.php?ap=espectaculo〈=en

The Tablao de Carmen, created in 1988 as a tribute to the great flamenco dancer, Carmen Amaya, is renowned for offering top quality shows based on the purest flamenco traditions. The show, which lasts 60 minutes, always includes the participation of well-known artists, accompanied by promising young artists for whom the tablaos have historically served as an artistic school and a springboard to fame.

The show dynamically presents many of the most important strains of flamenco so that the audience can discover the wealth and variety of this musical art. For the same purpose, the show alternates the spotlight on the different forms of flamenco: music, song and dance.

What better way to experience this energy packed traditional dance then with regional cuisine such as Tapas. The show including Tapas costs approximately €45 per person.

Papu Flamenco offer:

Book any apartment, guesthouse or B&B combined with a ticket to Tablao de Carmen and we will discount your accommodation by 10%!

Offer is valid for stays between 14th of August and 30 September 2010.

Simply email us on info@paputravel.com and do not forget to mention you would like to book the “Papu Flamenco and Tapas Package”

Barcelona for the culture buffs

For all you culture-vultures out there Barcelona has plenty of museums to keep you happy. The MACBA (museum of modern art) and the CCCB next door are worth visiting and generally have good exhibitions on every month. As these museums are located near to Universitat we recommend staying at our apartment/guesthouse called Lukes Guest House, click here to view the property details and prices in full http://www.paputravel.com/index.php/accommodation-finder/180-lukes-guest-house.html

Near the Caixa Forum is MNAC (museum of Catalan art) which is so beautiful inside and out. The museum is home to a diverse range of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque artwork and artefacts including paintings, carvings, sculptures, metalwork, and enamels.

The museum is also now host to the large collection of Catalán artwork from the 19th to early 20th century from the old MNAC at Parc Ciutadella. If you want to find out what the terms new-classicism, modernism and realism mean this museum is for you.

Papu Travel have many apartments within a few minutes walk of the museum of Catalan Art. Such as Sant Antoni Apartment conveniently located a short walking distance to most of Barcelona’s interesting neighbourhoods and 5 minutes away from the middle of Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, 3 minutes away from the bottom of Las Ramblas and the water, 10 minutes away from Plaza Catalunya and short walks to Montjuic, Placa España and the beaches of Barcelona this apartment is also ideally situated.

Click here to view this apartment on our website

Barcelona a shopping Mecca just waiting for you!

 Barcelona is on its way to becoming a top shopping capital of Europe!

Everything you can imagine or dream of buying is available in Barcelona from books to jewels, haute couture (both local and international), designer furniture, wines, cava and much more.

Barcelona offers around 35,000 shops. In contrast to London, Berlin or Amsterdam Barcelona is not only fashionable and trendy but also offers reasonable prices.

Typical shopping hours are 10:00 am and close around 8:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. Small shops still have a "siesta" (rest) in the afternoon from about 2:00 pm until 4:30 pm. All trades are allowed to open on 11 Sundays per year. However, most of the shops on Las Ramblas are opened throughout the week, seven days long.

There are different rates of sales taxes in Spain and, of course, in Barcelona. For shops it is mostly 16 %, on selected items 4 or 7% and for restaurants and hotels the rate is 7%.

The summer sale period is currently on with discounts between 20-50% off!

Some bargains can be had for up to 70% off.

Now that you know shopping is good value, why not chat with some friends…get a group of girls together and come and visit Barcelona. For your stay Papu Travel has great B&B’s, guesthouses and a wide range of very affordable self-contained apartments right in the shopping area or within a few minutes walk.

Take a look at this great 2 bedroom apartment for your next shopping trip to Barcelona - http://www.paputravel.com/index.php/accommodation-finder/109-passeig-de-gracia-delux-apartment.html

Barcelona is warm and welcoming in September

Although European autumn arrives in mid September Barcelona is one city that seems to remain warm right through until late October or even November.

The Mediterranean Ocean which wakes on the beaches of Barcelona is still mild and warm for swimming and the beaches are not so busy as during the peak season months.

Therefore it is a great time to visit the fabulous city of Barcelona and Papu Travel have apartments in central locations such as the Gothic, Born and Barceloneta areas.

Booking is easy – we are online every week day and happy to skype with you or answer your questions and provide current prices and apartment availabilities via email.

Take a look at this great central Barcelona apartment: http://www.paputravel.com/index.php/accommodation-finder/162-museo-picasso-2.html

Barcelona and Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia Barcelona’s famous cathedral that is still being built and has been since 1883 is a masterpiece of the designer Antoni Gaudí.

A visit to Barcelona is not complete without visiting Sagrada Familia!

Papu Travel have plenty of apartments to rent right near the church.

For example take a look at Gaudi Penthouse 2, appropriately named for a city full of Gaudi treasures to enjoy, click this link to view it online http://www.paputravel.com/index.php/accommodation-finder/101-gaudi-penthouse-2.html


Gaudi Penthouse 2 can sleep up to 5 adults comfortably and prices start from €120 per night up to 2 guests sharing in low season.

Full details available online at www.paputravel.com

We have plenty of availability from 14 to 31 August inclusive as well as September, October and November.

Barcelona central apartment for holiday rentals

Papu Ramblas Plaza Apartment is a brand new modern 2 bedroom spacious apartment located in the centre of Barcelona itself, within the Gothic Neihbourhood. This is the centre of town from shopping to eating, sightseeing or being seen (you have to take a walk up and down Las Ramblas to be seen in Barcelona). The apartment features exposed beams, high ceilings, balconies and much more.

Papu Travel has a wide range of studio apartments, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments for holiday or for business traveler rentals.

Papu Ramblas Plaza Apartment is just one example of our apartment range for Barcelona accommodation.

Barcelona accommodation offers for August

1) Barcelona Beach view apartment, available for rent in August & September, priced from €60 per night – click link to view property
http://www.paputravel.com/index.php/accommodation-finder/179-lukes-beachview-apartment.html

(2) Barcelona Las Ramblas apartments, available now, prices from €110 per night – click link to view properties

http://www.paputravel.com/index.php/accommodation-finder/185-papu-born-apartment.html


(3) Barcelona Gothic area apartments, available now, prices from €120 per night – click link to view properties

http://www.paputravel.com/index.php/accommodation-finder/189-papu-ramblas-plaza-real-apartment.html

(4) B&B Guesthouse accommodation Barcelona, rooms available, prices from €28 per night – click link to view properties

http://www.paputravel.com/index.php/accommodation-finder/153-casa-diagonal-guest-house-.html

Papu Travel offer apartments all around Barcelona from city centre to beach locations…you can even stay next door to the FC Barcelona football stadium and take in a football game or two. After all we are all in celebration fever following Spains World Cup 2010 win! Now is the best time to visit Barcelona and Papu Travel have the best guest houses, rooms to rent and apartments at the right prices for friends, families even groups.

Central Barcelona designer apartment – NEW!

This 3 bedroom apartment known as Papu Born Apartment combines the heritage of times gone by with modern living and facilities. Papu Born offers 3 spacious bedrooms two x twin and 1 x double room with a queen size bed. The apartment features high ceilings, polished wooden floors and pastel coloured decor, furnishings and plenty of space.

Papu Born Apartment comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests. It is located in a smaller street in the centre of Born and what is unique with this heritage apartment are the floor to ceiling opening doors affording cooling breezes and adding that old world charm!

 The apartment is on the second floor in a quiet street, close to Bus Metro Station Jaume I (L4 Yellow). Near Cathedral, Museo Picasso, Via Layetana. Just a short walk from Borne, Las Ramblas Water Front and Barceloneta Beach. In this area you can enjoy the best shopping, culture, the medieval center and nightlife. 

Papu Travel offer apartments all around Barcelona from city centre to beach locations…you can even stay next door to the FC Barcelona football stadium and take in a football game or two. After all we are all in celebration fever following Spains World Cup 2010 win! Now is the best time to visit Barcelona and Papu Travel have the best guest houses, rooms to rent and apartments at the right prices for friends, families even groups.

Apartments and events in Barcelona for the month of July

There is no doubt that holidaying in Barcelona during summer is a great idea. We recommend you plan now and book one of Papu Travels affordable and centrally located apartments. We offer holiday rentals for couples, friends, families in fact we cater to all holiday makers wanting a cheap apartment rental in Barcelona.

Here are some July event highlights for Barcelona:

Event highlight 1 - Festival Grec de Barcelona 2010

Website: www.bcn.es

From: 20th of June 2010

To: 2nd of August 2010

Timing: 10:00 h. - 23:30 h. everyday

Festival Grec de Barcelona is the biggest festival in Barcelona. Dance groups, actors, musicians and circus performers come from all over the world to join the Festival Grec de Barcelona. The performances will be held outdoors, at different places in Barcelona. The Festival Grec de Barcelona takes place every year from June to August. This year the 34th edition of Festival Grec de Barcelona will be its best event yet!

Festival Grec de Barcelona is one of the most important events in the cultural calendar of Barcelona. Most shows are limited to one night, so we recommend to book your tickets in advance.

Barcelona beach apartment holiday rental with 10% discount

Why not enjoy a few days break in Barcelona without missing any of the world cup action! Papu Travel is offering Pescadors Beach Apartment near to Barcelonta beach for immediate rental from 22 June until the 29th of June.

This Beach and City apartment, suitable for occupancy all year round, sleeps up to 2 guests comfortably (3rd guest on a single fold-out bed) and is an excellent choice for travelers who would like to combine their travel into both a beach and city experience, all at an affordable price.

Pescadors apartment is central, easy walking distance to Port Olympico, Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas and much more. For your next Barcelona apartment rental visit www.paputravel.com or email us info@paputravel.com .

Papu Travel has many years of experience in Barcelona B&B, guesthouse and apartment rentals. Our friendly staff are ready and waiting to help you plan a wonderful visit to Barcelona.

If you email Papu Travel and mention our blog we will offer you a 10% discount for Pescadors Beach Apartment for bookings between 22nd of June until 29th of June inclusive. Minimum stay is two consecutive nights.

Barcelona beach holiday apartment for July rentals – check it out!

Most visitors to Barcelona want to stay central to Las Ramblas for shopping and sightseeing. We have a great alternative – stay by the beach and still be close to all the shopping and sightseeing opportunities Barcelona has to offer. Lukes Beachview Apartment comfortably sleeps up to 4 guests. It is fitted with excellent amenities inclusive WIFI Internet, Air Conditioning and a spacious v-shaped living area combined with breakfast table.

With a 1 minute walk to the lively Barceloneta Beach, a 15 minute walk along side the beach to Port Olympico, a 10 minute walk to the Trendy Born Neighbourhood and another 10 minute walk to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, Lukes Beachview Apartment is perfectly located for travelers that would like to enjoy both the Mediterranean Sea and Barcelona’s city centre.

Lukes Beachview apartment is now available from the 1st of July for you and your friends to getaway and enjoy Barcelona in your own central apartment by the beach! During summer having a beach view apartment in Barcelona provides the best of both worlds. Go swimming during the day, then take a stroll along Las Ramblas to enjoy the street performers.

Just off Las Ramblas you will find lots of Spanish deli’s (in and around the Gothic neighbourhood) where you can buy some local cuisine such as cheeses and meats to take back to your apartment and enjoy there or on the beach as the sun goes down.

To inquire or book simply visit our website www.paputravel.com or email us on info@paputravel.com

Tell your friends and family about Papu Travel – we look forward to welcoming you soon to Barcelona and promise to make your visit memorable

Rent an apartment in Barcelona – and go shopping!

Whilst Barcelona is not on par with Paris and Milan when it comes to all the designer brands in one city – Barcelona offers those seeking a bargain or those wanting something eclectic plenty of choice!It is a natural magnet for the fashion-conscious and there is no shortage of design outlets for even the most tireless consumer. Everything from books to jewels, haute couture (local and international), designer furniture, cava and condoms is on offer. Several markets animate squares around the centre of town.

Most of the mainstream stores can be found on a shopping 'axis' that looks something like the hands of a clock set at a quarter to five. From the waterfront it leads up La Rambla through Placa de Catalunya and on up Passeig de Gracia.

Papu Travel offers apartments to rent in Passeig de Gracia.

The best shopping areas in central Barcelona are Passeig de Gracia and the streets to its southwest, including the Boulevard Rosa arcade just north of Carrer d'Arago, and Barri Gotic streets such as Carrer de la Portaferrissa, Carrer de la Boqueria, Carrer del Call, Carrer de la Llibreteria and Carrer de Ferran, and around Placa de Sant Josep Oriol.

Barcelona has great department stores who offer year round sale items as well as major sale periods in summer and winter (check their websites online for exact sale period information). The big department stores (such as El Corte Ingles) and shopping complexes (such as El Triangle) tend to open from 9am or 10am through to 9pm or 10pm at night, Monday to Saturday. Smaller shops often close for a few hours at lunchtime (around 2pm to 4pm).

Who needs an expensive hotel with small rooms when you and your friends can easily afford a comfortable and centrally located room in a guesthouse, hostel or even a 1 to 3 bedroom self-contained apartment. No need for internet cafes to stay in touch with the family at home – many of our apartments offer wireless broadband internet included in the overnight price.

Rent an apartment, B&B or Guesthouse by the Beach in Barcelona

Since the massive clean-up operation of the Barcelona beaches and nearby Olympic marina village undertaken for the 1992 Olympics, this area has become a magnet for Barcelonans and visitors alike. A lot of effort goes into maintaining the cleanliness of both sand and sea, which is tested daily, and all beaches have disabled access, lifeguards (in season), sun lounges and showers.

Let us highlight two of the gorgeous beach areas of Barcelona for you.

Nova Icaria
Closest to the Olympic marina, and therefore always crowded, this wide swathe of rough golden sand is great for food goers. There are three spotless beach bars, two immensely popular restaurants on the promenade behind (Mango and Chiringuito de Moncho) and countless bars and restaurants off the Port Olímpic just a short stroll away.

There are plenty of budget (cheap) through to high-end apartments available for rent at reasonable prices and throughout the year in Nova Icaria and its surrounds.

Barceloneta

Very wide and long and fringed by wooden decking along which lies a series of American-style eateries(pizzas and Tex-Mex mostly) plus the busy Catalan restaurant Agua. Somewhere along its length, the beach becomes San Sebastian (Metro: Barceloneta), a traditional and popular stretch with locals and consequently crowded, noisy and very jolly.

Barceloneta is not far from the old city area (Gothic area) with La Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya. Strolling along the boardwalk, passed cafes and shops towards the city centre is a lovely way to spend your afternoon and get out and about with the Barcelona people at large.

There are 1 bedroom apartments, studios even 2 bedroom apartments available to rent in and around Barceloneta.

There is one apartment we know you beach goers will love because it has stunning views of Barceloneta beach – Lukes Beachview Apartment!

Lukes Beachview apartment sleeps up to 4 adults and prices start in low season for €60.00 per night + taxes and service charges.

Having your own apartment rental within walking distance of one of Barcelonas most famous beaches at an affordable price means couples, families and friends can visit Barcelona take in everything this city of love has to offer including sightseeing, museums, eating out, nightlife and the best part of all – relax on the golden sands and bathe in the warm waters everyday in summer.

Barcelona Apartment - Vila Joiosa Beach

This Beach and City apartment, suitable for occupancy all year round is an excellent choice for travellers who would like to combine their travel into both a Beach and City Experience.

Vila Joiosa comfortably sleeps up to 4 guests. It is fitted with excellent amenities inclusive WIFI Internet, Air Conditioning and a great little balcony to enjoy meals on enjoying the sun.

With a 5 minute walk to the lively Barceloneta Beach, a 15 minute walk along side the beach to Port Olympico, a 10 minute walk to the Trendy Born Neighbourhood and another 10 minute walk to the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, Vila Joiosa Beach Apartment is perfectly located for travellers that would like to enjoy both the Mediterranean Sea and Barcelona’s city centre.

For stays of 7 nights or longer receive a 10% discount off the prices shown on our website click to view Papu Travel

Betinas Apartment Barcelona

Betinas Apartment located in Barcelona's best hidden secret called Gracia is a perfect option for couples, friends or students looking for an affordable place to stay without compromising comfort, location and service.

Located in the Gracia neighbourhood guests will enjoy an authentic neighbourhood filled with restaurants, bars and independent specialty shops all to be enjoyed right at your doorstep. Furthermore, a beautiful 30 minute walk down Gracias major street Gran de Gracia which turns into Barcelona's most important street Passeig de Gracia housing two of Gaudi's masterpieces, a variety of shops, bars and restaurants and guests will find themselves at Placa Catalunya Barcelona's most central point.

Barcelona apartment rentals for up to 9 adults sharing

This modern, 4 bedroom deluxe apartment in Barcelona city is ideal for the most discerning holiday, family or businesses traveller.

City Centre, located in the are of Passeig De Gracia with 210 square meters, 4 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms, appointed with all the mod-cons one comes to expect from a deluxe Barcelona apartment.

Prices start from €180 for up to 2 guests sharing and range through to €300 for 9 adults sharing (these prices are during low season only). For more details we recommend you visit our website or send us an email info@paputravel.com .

Barcelona apartment rental - book online

Barcelona by the beach apartment accommodation

Lukes Beachview Apartment located near to the buzzing city centre of Barcelona and just minutes walking distance to La Rambla is a great location during the warm summer months from June to September.

This Beach and City apartment, suitable for occupancy all year round is an excellent choice for travellers who would like to combine their travel into both a Beach and City Experience, all at an affordable price. 

Our apartment accommodates up to 4 adults sharing with prices starting from €60 per night in low season.

For stays of 7 nights or longer receive a 10% discount off the prices shown on our website www.paputravel.com !

From Welcome Apartments to Papu Travel!!!

About our new company name and setup: http://www.paputravel.com/blog/132-from-welcome-apartments-to-papu-travel.html