Safety: Hotel Regencia Colon or Hotel Gran Via in Barcelona?

Bostonallison:

I can't speak for The Regencia Colon, don't know it...but we did like our week stay at the Gran Via several years ago. It's not plush, it's not The Ritz...but comfortable, friendly...although smack on a main road (Gran Via), the back rooms look over a terrace garden and are very quiet. It's an old colonial style place with a grand staircase. If you have a car, there is a garage on the street behind it. We found it to be very safe, just around the corner from Placa Catalunya and The Rambla. Surrounding streets are all well lit at night.

Sort of like Boyslton and Tremont.

From what I can see it's one of the better lodging values in town. If you want modern this ain't it ...but a throwback to Old Barcelona, it fills the bill.

Stu T. (Quincy and Emerson..now L.A.)

The Regencia IS in a good spot as long as you like being in the Gothic Quarter. The Gran Via area is entirely different.

I am not sure what you have heard and who these "many travelers" are who have said the Quarter "isn't safe at night."

You are unlikely to get mugged, get murdered...not even get your pocket picked unless you are on the Metro or totally cluless on las Ramblas

stick with the Regencia and enjoy Barcelona

Thanks very much Dukey and Tower. Dukey, for first time travelers to Spain, do you recommend the Gothic Quarter or the Eixample? I liked that the Regencia is a short walk from Ramblas and the Placa de Catalunya, and close to the Cathedral.

Our experience at Hotel Granvia was not pleasant. We requested a room on the back but were stuck in a very noisy room overlooking GranVia. We found the staff to be very unfriendly (they did not want to call a taxi for us upon checkout but did so begrudgingly) and wished we had stayed elsewhere. The location is of HGV is good but you will be fine at the Regencia. We loved the Gothic Quarter and had great meals in that area. We walked in many parts of Barcelona and had no problems--it is safer than our hometown of Atlanta. Have a great trip--you will love Barcelona.

Both areas are nice - the Gothic Quarter is well, more Gothic - has a medeval feel - the old stones of Europe. The Eixample has a more modern feel - lots of moderinsta (Gaudi) buildings and upscale shopping. We rented an apartment in the Gothic quarter (2 females) and felt safe enough out late at night. We were pickpoceketed on the Metro tho - just be very aware of your valuables and watch for any sort of distraction. Even tho I was a crime victim, I would still return to Barcelona in a heartbeat.

Thanks for the feeback, much appreciated.