mrt

My wife and I are going to Barcelona for the first time in October for 4 nights. I have booked two hotels and I am unsure which I should cancel. Both hotels seem nice enough and are comparably priced. My question is which is a better location. Also, if you are familiar with the actual hotels your comments are appreciated. Here they are with info as to their general location):
1. Barceló Raval
Rambla del Raval, 17-21
Barcelona 08001 ES
( 5 minutes walk to the Gothic Quarter, to Las Ramblas, Plaza de Cataluña)

2. Ofelias Hotel
Carrer de Llanca, 24
Barcelona 08015 ES
(located in Eixample of Barcelona and in front of the Shopping Centre Las Arenas, one minute to the main door of the Fira de Barcelona and Parque Montjuïc.

Aramis

The Barcelo is closer to the main sites of the Gothic Quarter and the Ciutat Vella. It is a good long walk or a Metro from Ofelias to the main central sites.I don't know either of the hotels, personally

Neither of them are prime Barcelona locations. For that you should go east of Las Ramblas, and south of the Gran Via, for the Gothic Quarter itself, or near the Rambla Catalunya (same as Las Ramblas but the name of the street north of the Gran Via) in the Eixample area.

Christina

I don't know that's a tough one. The Ofelias is quite near placa Espanya. Technically, this is just across the border of the Eixample district, but most people don't think of it that way, they think of the areas more bordering Passeig de Gracia, which is kind of considered its center. It's a grand cirle at placa Espanya, I didn't stay there so am not sure what the nieghborhood right near that park and hotel are like, if there are some restaurants or what.

Now placa Espanya is very well connected for transportation (metro, bus, train, Aerobus from airport), that's for sure.

The Barcelo Raval is on the left edges of Raval, also, which means it isn't very close to any metro stop. It's a weird location from my point of view and I wouldn't stay there just for that reason. It's about 5-6 blocks to Liceu metro, I suppose. I've certainly read the lower Raval isn't that nice an area, also, but I've never even had a reason to go where that hotel is, so can't say for sure.

mrt

I just cancelled the reservation at Barcelo Raval and booked at Petit Palace Boqueria
Carrer de la Boqueria, 12, Barcelona, Barcelona, 08002. This is very near Las Rambas. More money but it seems like a very nice hotel in a better location.

Robert2533

Yes, very close to Ramblas. It will be fairly busy both day and night. Just watch your valuables when out wandering around. Pickpocks abound in this neighborhood, some can be aggressive, but over all, you shouldn't have any problems if you stay alert to what's going on around you when you're out and about.

kimhe

And remember all the good stuff around Ofelias and Plaça d'Espanya, higly recommend to spend at least an aftenoon and evening in this area.

Some of the best restaurants and tapas bars in town are on Ofelias' doorstep.

Tickets (very fun, affordable and ranked #42 restaurant in the world) Had a fabulous 13 course lunch here a couple of months ago with some beers for 70€ pp: http://www.barcelonabook.com/tickets...estaurant.html

Bodega 1900: http://www.yelp.com/biz/bodega-1900-barcelona

Rias de Galicia: http://www.riasdegalicia.com/

Espai Cru: http://www.riasdegalicia.com/

Nikkei restaurant Pakta: http://www.barcelonabook.com/pakta-restaurant.html

You are also very close to the local atmosphere Poble Sec district with one of the most fun and affordable tapas bar and cafe scenes in town: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...to-bodega.html

Two of my favourite restaurants in Barcelona are in Poble Sec, traditional La Perla (lunch only) and old school and rock'n roll Xemei.
La Perla: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Catalonia.html
Xemei: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lvcjtoh0tU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URRlEVRrWxM

Last, but definitely not least, Ofelias is the foot of Montjuic (Jewish mountain) with the castle on top (spectacular views of the city and the sea), world class museums, great theaters, 1992 olympic sports arenas and lots of greens. http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...-montjuic.html

The castle on top: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...-montjuic.html

The fabulous Miró center: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...joan-miro.html

The Catalan National Arts museum: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...catalunya.html

The so called theater city at the foot of Montjuic and close to the hotel: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/...el-teatre.html

Perhaps a swim in the olymic swimming pool, open to the public in the summer months. "The world's best swimming pool": http://www.theguardian.com/travel/20...ntjuic-piscina

Real deal flamenco in Tablao de Carmen: http://www.tablaodecarmen.com/en/

And you are not far from the more touristy areas of Las Ramblas and the Gothic quarter. Abundance of public transport options around Plaça d'Espanya, and taxis are everywhere and cheap.

And Peit Palace Boqueria is of course right in the middle of the action. Some excellent places around here (among many, many tourist traps)

Traditional Catalan food in the best atmosphere in Can Culleretes from 1786: http://www.culleretes.com/en/home

Excellent food from the market at Cañete: http://www.barcanete.com/

Old world Cafe de l'Opera: http://www.spottedbylocals.com/barce...afe-de-lopera/

Out of this world bars, Boadas, London Bar, Marsella.

And of course, La Boqueria itself: http://www.gardenista.com/posts/la-boqueria-market

kimhe

Petit Palace Boqueria is also close to Barcelo Raval and the very nice Rambla de Raval.

Recommend to explore Raval, one of the most happening places in Barcelona now:

"A formerly rough area transformed into a gentrified gem": http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/things-to-do/the-raval
http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/.../el-raval.html

Revealing the Raval" walk: https://contexttravel.com/city/barce...ling-the-raval

Lois2

Las Ramblas is honestly the most touristy pick pocket ridden street in BCN...

danon

Where do people get the information that of all the beautiful streets and areas in Barcelona Las Ramblas is the place to stay.

Cowboy1968

Thanks to Kimhe for the links about Poble Sec where I'll be staying with friends next month for a week.

Also don't understand the fuzz about the Raval as being "dangerous". Even 5 years ago, it was already an "in" district with young designers' boutiques, cool bars, and funky hotels.
I think it had been somewhat seedy in past decades in another millennium.

kimhe

<links about Poble Sec where I'll be staying with friends next month for a week.>

A lunch or dinner or more at Xemei then is a must. The Bigoli en salsa Veneziana is unlike anything I've ever eaten (after 1:30), will of course go here every time in Barcelona in the future.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lvcjtoh0tU
With Patti Smith in the kitchen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URRlEVRrWxM

Cowboy1968

Thanks again - I put that one my list, too.

ahotpoet

Bookmarking for my upcoming trip.

Kimhe, come to Barcelona to eat with me. I get there October 19.