We will be in Barcelona for 3 nights and are debating the merits of the Neri as opposed to the Gran Hotel La Florida. I know the Gran Hotel is outside of the city which appears to have it's pros and cons (less convenience- away from the chaos..and a pool). We'll be traveling at the beginning of August. Anyone with thoughts?

I'm in Barcelona this coming weekend for five nights, I've had a similar dilemma:

First I booked the Claris, then after further research felt that the rooms were too small, then I booked The Ritz, but finally the lack of leisure facilities made me change to Hotel Arts. Staying so far out of the city seems to me to be ridiculous - Hotel Arts is about as far out as I would go, and it has a pool, albeit a rather small one with respect to the number of rooms.

MK2: Upon your return I would appreciate your review of Hotel Arts.Thank You.

Certainly my dear, I hope it will be a favourable one!

Mk2: Will you be stopping by the Ritz or Claris to see what you switched from.

I think I will be stopping in at The Ritz and Claris briefly, but I will be unable to comment on the bedrooms/facilities, I am sure to have a quick step into the lobby though!

I might dine at the Ritz's restaurant if I find myself lost without a reservation for the evening.

I read a review of the Arts which on the Travel Intelligence website which led me to believe it wasn't the right hotel for me. I have always gone to great lengths to find a room with windows that open (despite heat and noise) and they don't at the Arts- so it was out. On to the quirky Neris.. or perhaps the La Florida??

I usually like opening windows and a terrace, but in cities one must make allowances. What use is a window opening onto a noisey polluted street? La Florida is an half hour drive from the city centre, so imagine the hassle that one will have to undergo just to get into Barcelona.

What do you want? Something quirky? The Claris may fit that description. I'm hoping for top notch service and comfortable rooms with luxurious bathrooms, The Claris seemed too highly priced and lacking in facilities and services.

That's why the Neri seemed appealling. I haven't seen it yet (not arrived in my book store) but I understand there's an article on the Neri in the July UK Conde Nast Traveller. The Claris has had some poor reviews lately on Tripadvisor.
Pollution or not, I need my "real" air.

...opps. One more thing. I've read differing times to the La Florida ranging form 15 mins to 1/2 an hour- perhaps due to traffic. Anyone done it?

We stayed at Neri for three days in June, and I can only say that this is the best hotel I have ever stayed in. Beautiful, superb staff, huge bedroom and bathroom, all in all a truly luxurious experience. Ask for room number 107 (junior suite, 198 euros pr night) and you'll have no less than 4 french windows with small balconies. Be sure to book a table for dinner in the restaurant as well.Breakfast is great, too. And the location can't be beat - middle of the gothic quarter (no cars in the small streets)and able to walk to everything. we only took the metro once. I am looking so much forward to staying there again (and I've read the Conde Nast review - very similar to my opinion!).