We have had the great pleasure of welcoming Emma Mullon, an adventurous traveler who has created the blog Simply Emma to encourage others, with or without a disability, to travel more and make new discoveries, whether that’s abroad or in your own hometown.
Simply Emma is an award-winning travel and disability blog focused on accessible travel and life experiences from a wheelchair user’s perspective.
She wrote:
Barcelona stands out as one of Europe’s most wheelchair-friendly cities, making it a top destination for me as a frequent traveler and wheelchair user. I’ve just returned from my third visit to the city, and for the third time, I stayed at MICs Sant Jordi. This exceptional apartment complex offers an array of accessible amenities, making it the perfect choice for disabled travelers.
Whether you’re in Barcelona for a short stay or a longer visit, here are 7 reasons to consider MICs Sant Jordi for your accommodation.
1. Purpose-Built Accessible Apartments
Located in the charming Sarrià neighborhood, MICs Sant Jordi is a modern, purpose-built apartment complex designed with physical disabilities in mind. It boasts 32 fully adapted apartments, each featuring essential accessibility features for comfort and ease of use.
You can choose from one or two-bedroom apartments, each designed to accommodate 1 to 4 people, with options for one or two bathrooms and, in some cases, a balcony terrace.
Our one-bedroom apartment had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, including an en-suite wetroom, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious living area—all tailored for independence and comfort.
2. Feels Like a Home Away from Home
Hotels can often feel impersonal, especially when you have specific accessibility needs. But at MICs Sant Jordi, I love the relaxed atmosphere and the advantage of staying in our own private apartment. Plus, the familiarity of the mobility aids and equipment I use at home is a real plus.
With a fully equipped kitchen, we could prepare meals as if we were at home. A standout feature was the wheelchair accessible balcony with glass panels, providing a great space to relax and watch the world go by.
For disabled travelers, feeling at home in your accommodation is crucial, and MICs Sant Jordi does an excellent job of creating a comfortable, familiar environment, whether it’s your first stay or your third, like ours.
3. On-Site Services, Mobility Aids, and Equipment
A notable feature of MICs Sant Jordi is the range of services available to guests. If you need assistance, a 24-hour care service is available for an additional fee. They also offer various mobility aids and equipment, including mobile hoists, stand aids, shower chairs, and commodes. I personally requested a shower chair and a Molift Quick Raiser hoist, which is the same sit-to-stand hoist I use at home.
The property also offers an adapted gym and hydrotherapy pool—excellent options for anyone wanting to maintain their exercise routine or try something new during their stay. After a busy day of sightseeing in Barcelona, I particularly enjoyed unwinding in the hydrotherapy pool.
Additional services include an on-site physiotherapist and a restaurant, ensuring you have everything you need to relax and enjoy your stay.
4. Accessible Apartments with Profiling Beds, Wetrooms, and More
At MICs Sant Jordi, accessibility is a top priority. The apartments come equipped with twin height-adjustable profiling beds, which feature foam-pressure or air mattresses—a feature that’s often hard to find in other accommodations.
The en-suite wetroom was another highlight, with a roll-in shower, fold-down seat, toilet, and sink with grab rails for extra safety. I also requested a shower chair, which worked perfectly for me. Although the sink was a little too close to the toilet for my transfers, we made it work.
The apartments also feature light switches and sockets placed at accessible heights for wheelchair users. The bedroom has two spacious sliding-door wardrobes, offering ample storage space.
5.Fully Equipped Kitchen for a Comfortable Stay
The apartment at MICs Sant Jordi comes with a modern, fully equipped kitchen, including:
- A two-ring electric hob
- A combi oven
- A large fridge/freezer
- A dishwasher
- A kettle, along with plenty of plates, cutlery, mugs, and utensils.
These facilities allowed us to save money and were incredibly convenient on days when we were too tired to eat out.
Additionally, there are several supermarkets within walking distance, including an ALDI about 10 minutes away, where we stocked up on groceries for our stay.
If you’re not in the mood to cook or go out, you can simply head downstairs to the MICs Sant Jordi restaurant, which also serves breakfast.
6.Attentive and Helpful Staff
During our stay at MICs Sant Jordi, the staff was extremely attentive and accommodating. For example, when I mentioned that the breakfast bar in our apartment was a bit too high for my wheelchair, they quickly provided a height-adjustable table, allowing me to eat and drink independently.
Emma sitting in her wheelchair next to the breakfast bar in her accessible apartment at MICs Sant Jordi.
Moreover, the staff was very responsive to our needs. One time, we accidentally pressed the call button next to the bed, and a staff member responded immediately, which was reassuring.
It’s these small, thoughtful touches that really enhance the experience.
Whether you need specific equipment or have special requests, the staff is always ready to assist and ensure you’re as comfortable as possible during your stay.
7.Prime Location for Exploring Barcelona
MICs Sant Jordi is located in the upscale Sarrià neighborhood, which is close to all the action in Barcelona. The neighborhood itself has plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance. There’s a popular bakery just across the street from MICs Sant Jordi, making it easy to grab fresh bread and pastries in the morning.
Additionally, there’s an accessible metro station (Tres Torres) right outside the building (pictured above), making it easy to explore the city. La Rambla is just a 10-minute ride away, and there’s also a bus that stops right outside the building. This location truly offers the perfect balance of tranquility and proximity to Barcelona’s major attractions.
Travel tip: I purchased a ‘T-Casual’ travel ticket, which includes 10 journeys on the metro and bus.
Final Thoughts on MICs Sant Jordi
Overall, MICs Sant Jordi is an excellent accessible accommodation, providing the perfect base for exploring Barcelona. With its purpose-built design, accessible amenities, convenient location, and dedicated staff, it meets all my needs as a full-time wheelchair user looking to experience this vibrant city. MICs Sant Jordi feels like a home away from home, making it my top choice for future trips to Barcelona.
If you’re looking for accommodation that prioritizes accessibility and offers a home-like atmosphere, I highly recommend booking your stay at MICs Sant Jordi, especially if you think it will meet your needs. I suggest emailing MICs Sant Jordi at info@micsantjordi.org to discuss any specific requirements you may have. Feel free to mention that you heard about them from ‘Simply Emma.’