Loft n Splash, downtown

The stay in BCN was a blast! 50% of it is due to the perfect appartment of Hanzel. Location is superb, the interior stylish and carefully selected. You see the love of detail in every piece. Everything is round the corner of the appartment. A real special place to stay. Hanzel himself is super respomsive and helpful. Gave us advice where to go and what to do. We are really looking for an excuse to go to BCN again and will 100% stay at his appartment again. Thanks Hanzel for this experience!!!

Awesome place, very nice guest. Just perfect to go to Barcelona. I would like to say this place is really fantastic for a couple in love ! ^^

We loved the Loft! It's well designed, well equipped, and very comfortable. The location is excellent - close to many sights (within walking distance to many key spots and lots of restaurants too). Hanzel was awesome - he was always quick to respond and always helpful. We would most certainly stay here again and recommend it fully (as long as you are okay with lots of stairs). Thanks Hanzel! Cheers, Lyndsay & Adam

Wonderful stay! wonderful apartment! Wonderful hospitality and wonderful service! Highly recommended! When I return to Barcelona definitely be staying here again! Thaks a lot Hanzel and his staff

We stayed for 7 nights in April. We were a tad out of breath carrying our carry-on suitcases up the NARROW 5 flights of stairs on the first day, but by Day 7, we met those 75 stairs head-on. We enjoyed the flat. We made coffee every day and it was so yummy - nice and strong. We appreciated the basics that were provided in the apartment - cooking oil, spices, coffee, hair dryer, bath gel and toilet paper. The bed was comfortable and the shower held warm for (only) two showers in a row. No chance for a bath though, as we ran out of hot water before the bottom was covered. Not sure what that large bathtub was for?? I did leave a couple of requests for the owner - a number of light bulbs were out (5 I think) and since it was cloudy, it was rather dark in the apartment. I hope he fixes that and the apartment would be better. This probably wouldn't be an issue if you stayed for 3 days, but we were there for 7. Also we could not get the washing machine to work. Not sure if this was "user error," but my husband is an Engineer and very handy, and we couldn't figure it out. It would be helpful if the instructions were posted. The host was kind enough to get us a 4:30AM taxi which met us right at the door the day we left. OH, one important thing!!! When we arrived we weren't sure how to get into the apartment. The apartment is #50 (outside door) and then 4th floor (really the 5th floor) number 2. We rang a number of bells before we got it as we didn't know how to read the Catalan. Fortunately our incoming plane was on time, so we met the landlord's assistance at the flat on time, but I would suggest a secondary plan in case you were late, as Hanzel hadn't gotten back to use with a mobile number before we left home. Also if you don't have a mobile plan in Spain, calling the host is not easy. We did pay 5 euro for a sim card for Spain for texting and that was helpful. Calls were off our US plan and I'm sure we'll pay dearly for them. The WiFi in the flat worked fine. Have FUN in Barcelona. This city and the El Born location are the BEST! Biggest advice: (1)pack carry-on - no large suitcases, especially up those 5 flights of narrow stairs. (2) don't carry your passport with you in the city. The pick-pockets are just awful (awfully skillful) and almost half of the people we met up with in Barcelona lost a wallet or purse. Carry only the cash you need and only one credit card and an ID of some kind. We never needed our passport, but we did need ID to use the credit card.

We loved loved loved the apartment! The location is perfect and the apartment is really beautiful, very clean and has everything you need for a great stay in Barcelona. We also got A LOT of very good reccomendations for places to eat/ go for drinks and felt like locals. It was really easy to arrange things through Hanzel. He responds quickly, follows up and was very flexible on our requests of late checkouts etc. We will definetely check out the possibility to stay at this apartment the next time we visit Barcelona!

We spent an enjoyable week. It is exactly as pictured and in a convenient location. Well maintained and managed. We'll be back!

Just perfection! Although I never met Hanzel, the apartment was easy to find and he had someone waiting for me to give me the keys. Beautiful apartment, next time I am in Barcelona I will return directly back to this apartment. Thank you Hanzel!

Lets just say, we´ll be back!!

I stayed at at Hanzel's Loft n Splash last weekend with 3 other college friends and it was amazing. Unfortunately, I couldn't meet Hanzel but like the previous comment I also got to meet Alejandra who checked us in and she was so nice and amazing. The apartment was immaculate and had great decor which what attracted me in the first place. There are a lot of stairs but it helps after eating all the spanish food you'll be eating while in barca. There is also a rooftop that has view of the neighborhood and Villa Olimpica. One last advice you, is if you get a chance swing by Hanzel's gallery and If you're staying with a group of people, make sure you stay with people you know because the shower is visible from the toilet and the rest of the apartment. I saw the best description of the apartment when I checked in on foursquare, instead of Loft n splash it should be called "Flash n Splash."

Loved our stay in Le Petite Penthouse. It was the perfect setting for a perfect week in town, with everything tucked away so cleverly that even at the end we were still discovering things. The house is quiet, the roof terrace is wonderful.

It was a great week end! The flat is beautiful and well-equiped. Hanzel was easy going to check in and check out. The flat is in the center of Barcelone, great to have drinks or restaurants. I would definitely stay there again if i go to Barcelone again.

What an amazing place this is! Location is perfect, the apartment is tidy and there are no words for the roof terrace! A perfect spot for breakfast (bakery downstairs & Boqueria around the corner provide the ingredients), a perfect spot for resting our feet after walking and a perfect spot for some light bites & a glass of wine before you head into town again... We will definitely stay there again!

My partner and I booked the Urban Treehouse after some extensive research on where we wanted to stay in Barcelona. Hanzel was very helpful in describing the apartment and the area so we made the reservation and couldn't be happier. Someone was waiting for us downstairs to greet us, helped us up with our bags, and gave us the tour of the apartment. The place was exactly what we were looking for! Clean, modern, EXCELLENT location, and so close to all the great restaurants. Hanzel even called a taxi to for us the morning we had to leave to make sure there was one waiting to bring us to the airport. The best location and the best host, we highly recommend this place!

Like Mugatu said, "Han(z)el, so hot right now. Han(z)el." (website hidden) We just had an amazing time at La Casa de Carmen this past week (5/8 through 5/12/12). Couldn't have asked for a more perfect and affordable Barcelona experience. This beautiful apartment is close to the best shopping, food, everything! We fell in love with the city from here. Will definitely talk to Hanzel again next time we return to Barcelona. Just one thing might have detracted, but really didn't make a difference to us. The ants. They were persistent throughout the trip, but that's the sacrifice you must make in order to enjoy the beautiful terrace garden. They will probably come in no matter what, but make sure you wrap up and throw away all organic trash that could attract them. Tips - if you plan to cook - which you should! the Boqueria is right there! - make sure you ask for directions on using the induction cooktop and which pans may be used with it. Enjoy Barcelona! You couldn't get a better location than this.

This flat could not be any cuter !! Barcelona is in itself a beauty and this flat just puts you right in the center of its magic. The location is perfect for any traveler...Restaurants, Markets, Bakeries, Barbers, Shops...all throughout; you feel like a local !! Its lovely. Disclaimer...This flat is in a closed to vehicles section, but due to its lively surroundings; could be a bit noisy for the light sleeper, but nothing a pair of ear plugs couldn't handle. Cheers.

This was my second time staying in a flat of Hanzel's - my first experience was with his Le Petite Penthouse, which is also in the same building as this one. The Cocoon flat is in a lower floor and has more space. It was also nicely decorated with a usable kitchen and ample utensils. We loved the bedroom area and the exposed shower as well. Hanzel was a great host to us. He went out of the way to receive FC Barcelona tickets which I had ordered online and needed to be delivered prior to my arrival. The Cocoon flat was not the only thing that drew me to renting with Hanzel, but it was also his hospitality and the location of the flat itself which made our experience in Barcelona much more enjoyable. The Street is lined with markets, bakeries and restaurants. We felt safe coming back from a late night out and staying I the flat. We discovered excellent restaurants in the area such as Alsur Cafe and Taperio, and we're within walking distance to Las Ramblas, the market area, Picasso museum and much more. Thanks Hanzel!

It was a great time staying at Hanzel's appartment. Clean, great surounding and lovely furniture. We shall stay teher again if we come back to visit Barcelona again! Thanks also for the very friendly help in everything!

A great location in a quiet little area near the Arc de Triomf. The flat has everything you need. Loved the decor! I used the kitchen daily to make us breakfast and we went out to eat for dinner each night. Lolita's bakery across the street has delicious little desserts, there's a little place for groceries right next door to them and the little Italian restaurant literally three steps away was very inviting and the food was super tasty as well. Maxo was a great contact to have and be sure to stop in his gallery. We were glad to meet Hanzel and get local suggestions. Overall we had a wonderful Barcelona stay.

The place is wonderful, and Hanzel is a perfect host. Absolutely don't miss it!

I met Hanzel some time ago in Galería Maxó in Barcelona and I must say that he is very very intelligent and interesting gentleman. And a good friend. I know that he is also an amazing host, creative and helpful. It must be a very special experience to be his guest!

I met Henri in Barcelona after staying at one of his flats. He is a gracious, kind, smart host and his flats are top-notch. He will take care of everything for you and have wonderful recommendations about what to see and do. We are still in touch and have become good friends since my stay - I highly recommend Henri and his accommodations!

Henri is like my twin brother. We have been int the bed andbreakfast business for sometime and only have the greatest thing to say about him. He loyal and a someone I would trust. He´s a great host and always goes the extra step. You will be in good hands.

I have been living in this apartment while my house was under renovation few weeks ago and I can only give the highest recommendations. The place and the situation are both excellent. The flat is high-level fully equiped. There is a spacious living room with two beautiful haussmann-style windows. From the balcony you can see the Enrique Granados street which is the most quiet and enjoyable street in the whole Eixample. There main bedroom is comfortable and extremely peaceful in the nights. The small bedroom is perfect for a single travel friend or for the kids. The bathroom has been recently renovated with a huge shower. Perfect to relax after a long walk around. Enrique Granados is in the middle of the most complete restaurants area in Barcelona with a wide range of food options, but in case you would't go out for a dinner, the flat has a full equipped kitchen perfect to make a sandwich or to roast a beef. Passeig de Gracia, Diagonal, La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, Rambla Catalunya are all of them 5 minutes away. I highly recommend this flat among any other possibles.

I've known him for a long time, his an extraordinary person, a great friend and an excellent host.

FEBRUARY 2012: I'm so happy I got to return to the Cocoonflat. Once again the apartment was perfect and cozy. Ale & Hanzel are fabulous hosts, very welcoming, flexible and responsive. New bed and pillows are comfy, the great shower running well, and kitchen the best as usual. Thanks again, I'll be back again. OCTOBER 2010: The Cocoonflat is an incredible apartment. Beautiful and bright, perfectly comfy and located in a great spot in The Born. It's nearby to everything you can imagine. Hanzel & Christian are super hosts - thanks lads for creating such a brilliant space to live. See you next summer!

Hanzel saved us from sleeping in the streets! We had a misunderstanding with our booked place and Hanzel was a saint in letting us stay in the wonderful cocoon flat! Highly recommended: great location, GREAT apartment, excellent bed and very sweet host! Thank you, Hanzel! :-)

We stayed in this apartment for a week and can only give the highest recommendations. You could really tell that they had thought of everything so that we guests would feel like we had the best stay. For exampel small hotel soaps, a hairdryer in the bathroom, new flowers on the kitchen table, tourist maps, postcards and guides over Barcelona etc. We were a couple with our 10 months old twins and the space was perfect. You could also easely be two couples, there´s a sleeping couch in the living room. The photos don´t lie, the flat was really cool, newly decorated with everything you need. The location couldn´t be better. We´ve been in Barcelona before and Borne is in the center of everything. Nothing feels to far away, our street was charming and quite with restaurants, bars etc. just around the corner. You can´t help loving the two guys from the second you meet them. They´re extremely nice and also very interesting and cool. Their working studio is nearby so you can also reach them in case of anything. We will definetely rent the same flat when we come back. Thanx a million for everything.