Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Barcelona: Transportation to Hotel Peninsular from aiprort

Search

Barcelona: Transportation to Hotel Peninsular from aiprort

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 10th, 2015, 01:01 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Barcelona: Transportation to Hotel Peninsular from aiprort

Arriving into BCN 10pm approx. from Dublin
Hotel Peninsular Barcelona
Sant Pau 34 , El Raval, Barcelona, Spain
Hotel is listed close to center and would like to know the best public transportation available. Is it possible to take the airport shuttle bus near enough to the hotel, or is metro faster after 10pm and safe for female solo traveler? Many thanks.
Cavangal is offline  
Old Jun 10th, 2015, 01:47 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
well, that's about 3 blocks from the Liceu metro stop (maybe 300 meters). And that part of town isn't considered the safest, actually (lower Raval). I sure wouldn't do it that late at night, it's a lot of trouble.

The metro doesn't run from the airport. YOu have to take a RENFE train to either the main train station (Sants) or the Passeig de Gracia train station and then transfer to the metro. You can take the Aerobus to placa Catalunya, get on the metro, and then down a stop or so to Liceu, also. Might as well take Aerobus rather than the train if you have to transfer to metro, anyway, I think it would be easier.

If you walk all the way from the Aerobus stop, I'd guess it might be about 700 meters? Not sure. At least on the Ramblas there will be a lot of people around so that wouldn't bother me that much. But that hotel is several blocks away from it. If you are intrepid and really don't have much to carry at all, you might try it. I would if I were in some other location but not sure I would going into the Raval area. You seem concerned about the metro, rather than your neioghborhood, though. I haven't been on it that late at night but in many cities, it can become a bit dicier then.

This is a good online guide, it gives you a good idea of what that area is like
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...al-barrio.html

That late at night, I'd take a cab myself, but you do have to be willing to pay about 25-30 euro. If you don't arrive until 10 pm, you are talking about doing all this between 11 and midnight? (getting into the center and walking to your hotel)
Christina is online now  
Old Jun 10th, 2015, 01:51 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,614
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Are you quite sure you want to stay at the Peninsular? I tried that ten years ago, and it was so bad I left after one night. Of course, it might have improved since then, but I don't know that I'd count on it. BTW, the promised AC turned out to be a fan and an open window. Open onto a noisy shared air shaft.

You could take the train to Sants and a taxi from there to cut the cost.
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Jun 10th, 2015, 03:24 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Hotel Peninsular Barcelona doesn't get what would be considered great reviews, but then again, it's only a 1-star. The a/c is a wall mounted unit, more common now then fans.

It will be dark by the time you reach the hotel, so taking a taxi is a good recommendation.
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Jun 11th, 2015, 08:29 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for above responses. I'm lookingfor a better hotel. I read some reviews on Fodors forum and tripadvisor with photos showing a clean room and nobody mentioned truth about area. I will put my safety first as would not want to walk back to hotel if I had fears for safety.

Any recommendations for a better hotel in nice area? Greatly appreciate above advice.
Cavangal is offline  
Old Jun 11th, 2015, 08:51 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,614
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I wound up booking an apartment through AirBnB. It's in the Eixample area, which I would recommend. If you want something cheaper, look for a private room rather than an apartment on AirBnB. I guess you've already checked booking.com and eurocheapo?
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Jun 11th, 2015, 09:08 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think there have been some good threads on people looking for budget hotels in Barcelona. I stay above that category but I think Banys Orientals is one recommended, it's in the Born area.

I've seen good reviews for this place, it is a good Hostal (which is a family-run budget hotel in Spain) quite near Universitat metro stop, so you could take the Aerobus if you stay here. (Aerobus stops at Universitat coming in, but you have to go a bit farther to placa Catalunya to catch it to leave).
http://www.hostalgrau.com/hotel-overview.html

It is in what is still called Raval, but the upper part, in fact it's only about a block from the hotel I like and have stayed at (Hotel Jazz).

This is another good budget hotel in that general area, a step up from the hostal (maybe 2*). It's rooms are moe like 120 euro a night, I think the HOstal Grau is less than 100 euro.
http://www.hotelciutatvella.com/

The Banys Orientals is about in the middle, around 100 euro. It's in Born and I don't stay there so not sure the best way you'd get there at night.
http://www.hotelbanysorientals.com/en/

All of these are in better areas and a better stay.
Christina is online now  
Old Jun 11th, 2015, 09:23 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,614
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
My AirBnB apartment (at Valencia and Carrer des Balmes) is 109 USD a night, including all fees. That's for October, don't know whether it would be different for the OP's dates.
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Jun 11th, 2015, 10:16 AM
  #9  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm looking for a better hotel. Via Augusta got good reviews and guests recommended area for safety, said from pickpockets. It has business center and close to Gracia stop?? I don't mind taking a short bus ride to center and marina if its only a short distance. I am a good walker and hiker so could walk in daytime and return on bus or metro after dinner when I do day trips. Its close to good restaurants and away from the busy tourist places. I have never used Airb&B; I prefer hotels. When one is solo they usually push them into smallest room, the worst in the place according to what people I know experienced.

Will keep looking at suggestions. Thank you.
Cavangal is offline  
Old Jun 11th, 2015, 12:42 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,614
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I'm a bit puzzled by your last statement. I would have said it was true of hotels, don't know about AirBnB, I have not rented from people with more than one room or apartment.

The Via Augusta looks a lot better than my memories of the Peninsular and is close to a metro station.
thursdaysd is offline  
Old Jun 12th, 2015, 01:50 PM
  #11  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I will have more time over weekend to search. Did see Husa Wilson, Park Hotel and Gravina GruPotel that were recommended. Via Augusta looks good to me also.

Decided to cancel my reservation at Peninsular.
Thanks again to all.
Cavangal is offline  
Old Jun 13th, 2015, 01:33 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,047
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Great decision not to stay in Raval. we stayed there a couple of ears ago and would not stay there again. The area is a little threatening and I certainly would not have recommended it for a single woman. The Via Augusta should be fine for your needs and an easy walk down to the Placa de Catalunya.
Rubicund is offline  
Old Jun 16th, 2015, 09:42 AM
  #13  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just switched to Hotel NH Belagua Via Augusta. Got a good rate so feel relieved to have this sorted. This hotel is 3*** and got excellent reviews so should feel safe.

As mentioned above, I prefer hotels and would not consider AirB&B. In a hotel its easier to handle any issues that arise.
Thanks to all for all the support offered as I make my plans.
Cavangal is offline  
Old Jun 16th, 2015, 10:23 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
NH HOteles is my favorite hotel group is Spain, they have good properties and are well-managed, so that should be fine. I've stayed in the NH Calderon on rambla de Catalunya which is a really nice hotel (I think that one is 4*).
Christina is online now  
Old Jun 16th, 2015, 01:39 PM
  #15  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Anyone know the way to to NH Belagua from BCN airport? If I can connect with airbus outside terminal which stop is closest? Arriving around 10pm so assume the airport buses are running and it might mean delay trying to get a taxi.

Will now try to concentrate on 2 day trips I'd like: Montserrat and Girona or Tossa.
Cavangal is offline  
Old Jun 16th, 2015, 02:06 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hotel NH Belagua Via Augusta is quite a bit outside where most people tend to stay on a first visit to Barcelona. Some good 30 mins walking to heart of the city Placa de Catalunya, and it gets mediocre reviews on booking.com. http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/nhbelagua.en-gb.html

Recommend to stay much closer to the heart of the city, and here you don't get much better deals than at Banys Orientals.
kimhe is offline  
Old Jun 17th, 2015, 10:03 AM
  #17  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I was in Barcelona previously and since I am active and do lots of walking/hiking I don't mind staying away from the busiest tourist streets and hope the area is quiet.

I need to get info now on the transportation from airport and if shuttle bus drops off close to hotel. Also if there is a bus/metro pass I can use for few days to get around?

Getting excited and its a great relief having so much planned for my early September vacation. Thank you.
Cavangal is offline  
Old Jun 17th, 2015, 10:17 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You can check out your bus pass options at http://www.tmb.cat/en/home
Robert2533 is offline  
Old Jun 17th, 2015, 10:30 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The NH Belagua is in the local atmosphere Gracia district, lots of things to explore here as well: http://www.timeout.com/barcelona/things-to-do/gracia
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...ia-barrio.html
https://www.airbnb.no/locations/barcelona/gracia
kimhe is offline  
Old Jun 17th, 2015, 01:09 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,857
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I was surprised you chose that NH also when I saw where it was, but as long as you know it isn't that central, it's fine. That's why it's cheaper, I'm sure.

The Aerobus does run very late, midnight or so. You can see the schedule on here and where to get it.
http://www.aerobusbcn.com/

Aerobus only has a couple stops in the city, so that won't do you much good -- plaza Espana, Gran Via/Urgell, then Universitat and then placa Catalunya, I believe.

The train from the airport doesn't go near that hotel, though. So you'd have to get off the Aerobus at placa Catalunya and then take metro line 3 to Fontana metro stop which is several blocks from that hotel. This is going to be a very late night.
Christina is online now  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -