Which hotel is better? Want to be walking distance to attractions, shopping and restaurants. thanks.

We stayed in 2 rooms on the top floor of the Hotel Claris and thought we had died and gone to heaven. We liked it so much, we didn't want to leave. Although I am not fond of modern architecture and style, they did a really neat job of it. The pool is located on the roof, with a nice view. Spacious rooms (separate sitting area), marble bathrooms with all the amenities, including slippers and a decent bottle of wine! Buffet breakfast included.<BR><BR>The Ramblas is one street over, as are two of the Gaudi buildings. Very centrally located in a nice area. Around the block there's a laundry (one day service), and a pub is across the street. A 24 hr. internet cafe is 2 blocks down.

I stayed at the Hotel Arts.It was an amazing hotel. The rooms were modern but done so well and so convenient that it was great. The restaurant, the service, the pool were all wonderful. <BR>The location is a looong walk or taxi ride to The Ramblas. However I liked getting away from the maddening crowd.<BR> I would return in a heartbeat!!

We enjoyed the Claris very much! Not familiar with Hotel Arts though so can't compare. Marcie

I hear the gays go to Sitges.

Thanks all for your replies. another question..how much did you pay for your rooms, and what type of room did you stay in? thanks

It ran $190 per room w/breakfast, tax etc. included. Two queen beds, if I recall (summer of 2000) in what I would call a junior suite. I got the deal on the internet at the Hotel Claris website, but called to make the reservation.

Alhtough the Arts might be a slightly higher quality hotel, I much prefer the Claris all around, especially in terms of location. It is convenient to all the best sites (Pedrera, Ramblas), and the best shopping and restaurants (in the Eixample area). Also, it is terrifically designed, they have a great staff, and the rooftop hotel pool is divine. I went in August 2001 and got a great rate from their webpage (we ended paying about $140/night). I would not hesitate to go back.

the hotel arts rooms were beautiful and we loved the marble showers...however, it was crowded during our visit in Aug 01, and the pool never had a place to sit. the service was unacceptable for the ritz carlton type of place, and we will never stay there again. stay at the claris if you want to be close to the action.

We stayed at the Hotel Arts in February and loved it !!! I was also a bit concerned about the location which is far from the shops and the Ramblas. However the Arts is a very spacious hotel with a very nice pool and is loacted by the Olympic area, which is nice. It is a great place to unwind from all the hustle and bustle of the main City. You can even walk to the beach in 2 minutes from the hotel. I personally found the area around the Ramblas very touristy.

We loved the Hotel Arts. We were on the <BR>top level and the view over the harbor boats, restaurants (a wonderful experience to eat there...after dinner they just bring several bottles and leave them inviting you to stay and enjoy--hot action even when we left at 3:30 a.m.) and water. A bit of a walk but nice and quiet when you are there. Besides after a late dinner, it's great to walk some of it off.