We are looking for a hotel that will be convenient to the cruise ship dock. We will be getting in one day before our cruise. We will be arriving in the morning and our cruise leaves at around 7:00 PM the following day. Would it be better to stay by cruise dock or in the city center? Thanks!

What's your hotel budget and what are you looking to do on your one day in Barcelona?

I like the Hotel Arts-Ritz Carlton. Barcelona is not as big as it may look in a map. I have actually walked from the Hotel Arts to the cruise dock. Now you should catch a cab and it is less than 10 minutes drive. with your 1900 departure, you will have plenty of time to make it to the dock.

Hotel Arts is good, but Barcelona is the biggest disapointment going, thank goodness you're only there for one night, that said, I'm now thinking that perhaps it is preferable to a cruise, but each to their own.

Perhaps you'd consider Grand Marina Hotel, you could practically step out of bed on to the ship. It's bland, and anonymous, but cheap.

Thanks for the replies. Budget not really an issue but I don't go out of my way to find an expensive hotel. I would think I could find something in the range of 140 - 150 Euros.For just a one night stay I'm not interested in the Ritz Carlton. As far as what I intend to do, since I've never been there maybe a little sightseeing and go out for a nice dinner. The hotel doesn't have to be within walking distance, only conveniently located. We will be there in September.
m_kingdom2 - You seem to be down on so much, just what is it that would please you? I have found some experiences less desireable than others, but all new destinations are welcomed by me.

Harry-I have found that cruisecritic.com has a lot of good information. You can do an advanced search for Barcelona under "hotels-pre-cruise and post-cruise".Good luck!

jd - Thanks for the reply. After looking at the site I find it to be a great resource, with many recommendations for Barcelona. I have previously been to the site, but missed the pre/post cruise hotel section.

To each his or her own, but m_kingdom2 is in a minority. Barcelona is the favorite European city of many of us. To dislike it, you have to dislike the Modernista art style and antiquity and everything in between, as well as disliking views of the Mediterranean from many points in the city, tree-lined streets, tapas and wine or sherry, parks, and music. I can understand not liking Modernista art and architecture -- I do like it, but I can understand why some might not -- but the rest of it? The view from the top of the old cathedral rivals any view in San Francisco.

It would be such a challenge to figure out what to do in you had only 24 hrs. there, but I'd go to the plaza in front of the old Cathedral and start wandering. Or take a quick bus/taxi tour of Eixample. I think you could easily stay anywhere in the city and still make your cruise without difficulty. If you stay near the cruise dock, you'll be less likely to see much of the rest of the city.

And otherwise, have a treat trip!

Cassandra - Thanks for the input. It does seem as though it will be difficult to see very much in such a short time but it will give us a feel for the city. Looking forward to our trip.

Check out the Eurostars Grand Marina..it is ON the cruise ship dock.

"To dislike it, you have to dislike the Modernista art style and antiquity and everything in between, as well as disliking views of the Mediterranean from many points in the city, tree-lined streets, tapas and wine or sherry, parks, and music."

Barcelona isn't the true heart of the Med, as for sherry, I'm quite happy for old maid aunts and certain English folk to stick to drinking that vile oh so middle class, utterly naff, Aspidistra-esque (Orwell reference) liquor. I hated the feel of the place, it felt utterly contrived, pretentious and lacking any real depth, which is why I imagine it appeals to so many shallow, superficial people - hence its immense popularity. It carries as much intellectual capacity, and honesty as the whole Vicky and Dave affair.

I do so appreciate being called shallow, superficial, intellectually limited, and, oh yes, dishonest. And by a person of such class and graciousness -- the very soul of the perfect Fodorite poster. You're too kind.

Are you SURE you believe that others are entitled to their own opinion? Or is that merely a rhetorical conceit to enhance your seeringly brilliant judgments?

Good grief, what a miserable little life you must have.

Cass m'dear, best not to have too thin a skin where certain posters are concerned. In this case, his sole contribution was to put down an entire city (as it happened, a port of embarkation for the OP, who didn't even ask about the city itself) and with it anyone who said they liked it, primarily you. Thank you for your help to others, but please ignore those whose reason for being is to be negative.

Vicky and Dave. Who are they?

Do we care?

And oh by the way, guess who posted the following example of upperclass sophistication, discrimination, and profundity on another thread:

"In my dressing room I've virtually all the clothes I've ever owned, however, every single thing is laundered so there's not a trace of sweat. I view my collection as a sort of social history of the self."

jd or HarryR,

How do I find the "hotels-pre-cruise and post-cruise" area on cruisecritic.com? I've made several attempts, but no luck so far.

Thanks.

luv2cthings - On the cruise crtic site click on "boards" on top of page. When you get to boards page, go down to "cruise discussion topics" and you will see "hotels pre&post cruise" topic.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=92

Harry,

Ah yes, there it is! Thank you so much.

Mark

I know things have changed. But I spent 3 months hitchhiking thru Europe in '68. I went to many cities but Barcelona was one of my favorites! Especially the horse drawn carriage ride along the port! I'd go back there in a heart beat! Enjoy!!