When visiting Barcelona, staying in a hotel is the first thing most people think of. However, there are other options which often make more sense. Firstly, they generally offer more privacy than a hotel – you can come and go as you please without having to leave your keys with a concierge.

Most apartments come fully furnished, including a full kitchen. This enables you to dramatically cut down on costs by preparing some of your meals in your Barcelona apartment, perhaps using ingredients from one of the great food markets, to be found in most neighbourhoods. Many have a terrace, so you can while away a pleasant evening with a bottle of wine, eating “al fresco”.

If you are travelling as a family or a group to Barcelona, the cost per person per night for your vacation rental can be significantly less than in a hotel. There are also usually discounts for stays of 7 nights or more. It can work out even cheaper if some of your group do not mind sleeping in a sofa bed.

When searching for vacation rentals in Barcelona, it is best to used an established agency rather than direct with the owner, as there are horror stories of people being scammed or left stranded, or put in low quality accommodation far from the city center. With an agency you have a lot more security and you will have someone to turn to should there be a problem. There are some good vacation rental agencies in Barcelona that have been around for a few years, and generally offer good service, with high quality, well maintained apartments and dedicated check in service.

Booking your vacation online is simple, the best sites have up to date availability, and you are able to book directly online, paying a deposit with your credit/debit card. The rest is usually payable on arrival, with an additional refundable security deposit to cover any damage.

The location of your vacation rental in Barcelona is important. The most popular areas to stay are around the Ramblas – the Gothic quarter and el Raval. Here, you are close to most of the tourist attractions and well connected to the rest of the city and to the airport. However, the center of Barcelona can get very busy and crowded in peak season, with some noise at night. If you are looking for something a little quieter, try the Eixample areas, Gracia and el Borne.

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The furnished items are not necessarily new if someone has lived in the apartment before you, but they should be clean and of good quality. You will pay a little extra, but it will even out over time, given that you do not have to buy furniture on your own. Just because an apartment is furnished does not mean it is of high quality. Some of these apartments can be very lovely while others are extremely seedy with cheap, broken furnishings.

Often times these buildings are for short-term residents: people who are building a house or are looking for a permanent place to live. Rather than have them move in and get settled, only to have to move out and set up again somewhere else, this gives them the option of putting all of their own furniture in storage and still enjoying the comforts of a decorated home.

All the basics are, of course, considered. You have a living room set, a dining room, a television, and a bed. It is important to make sure you get exactly what you want before you sign the lease. If you need a king sized bed, for example, put that on the list of must-haves. If you have to have a television with a DVD player and cable, and wireless Internet, make sure you are searching for apartments with these things.

You cannot be too picky, however. If you have very specific tastes, you cannot expect a convenient apartment in your area in your price range to be perfect. There will probably be some patterns or color schemes you will not like or a chair that is uncomfortable for you. Having a good attitude and understanding that it is a temporary home is key. Your dream apartment that comes readily furnished would be almost impossible to find. It is never going to be exactly ‘right.’

Keep in mind that you should give everything a good wash, just in case. Most of these things have been used before, and though there is often a maid service, it may not be quite as stringent as the service in a hotel because these apartments are so much bigger. They include a lot more, like silverware and dishes, a full range of cooking supplies, bedding, bath towels, maybe even bathrobes. It is a good rule of thumb to wash things like that which are more personal.

There should be a desk or two, plenty of counter space, and plenty of lighting and lamps. These places are meant to be fully functional, especially for people who are so busy that they cannot buy their own furniture. Check things like electrical sockets to ensure there are enough of them. Look for closet space and shelving.

With short-term housing at a Marriott ExecuStay furnished apartment, you’ll have a place to call your own – even when “home” is half a world away. Nestled in distinctive residential neighborhoods in more than 300 U.S. cities, ExecuStay features fully furnished corporate apartments that allow you to simply pack your bag, pick up the keys and move in. All the details, including furnishings and utilities, will be in place so you’ll have the comforts and conveniences you need to be successful from the very beginning. Find sophisticated corporate apartments in your next destination at ExecuStay.com.