We are a family with 2 teenage children traveling to Barcelona in June. Would like recommendations with character and comfort, but not outrageously priced. Three hotels that I have heard of are the Astoria, the Balmes and the Colon. Can anyone rate these or recommend any others?

Hi, Vic,<BR><BR>I stayed with 5 other travelers in 3 double rooms at the Hotel Colon in September 2000. The hotel (4*) has a very nice interior, the rooms are a good size with very nice wood fixtures, and the location across from the Cathedral and a short walk from Las Ramblas cannot be beat. The hotel also has a cafe right in front across from the cathedral which is convenient and adds a nice touch. I believe we paid $160 for each double room.<BR><BR>I believe the Regencia Colon in Barcelona is owned by the same company and is located right around the corner from Hotel Colon. It is somewhat cheaper, I believe, and also gets good reviews.<BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>Happy travels,<BR><BR>john

I recommend the Hotel Christal at 257 Diputacion (ph:93 487 87 78). This hotel is right off of Passeig de Gracia, which is the street where Gaudi's Casa Mila and Casa Batilo are located. You are also just up the street from Las Ramblas. I can't remember how expensive the hotel was (it is a first-class hotel), but I don't think it was outrageous.

Hi Vic -<BR><BR>Well, here is my 'umpteenth" post about the Citadines Aparthotel, right on La Rambla, just across from the main market..<BR><BR>We have stayed in two different configurations at the Citadines. It was just my wife and myself...<BR><BR>The first one was a very large room with a queen size bed and a sitting area. In the sitting area there was a sofa bed ... there was also a table and chairs and fully equipped (small) kitchen.<BR><BR>The second room type we've had was larger, with a separate bedroom with queen size bed, in the large "living area" there were 2 sofa beds and a table and chairs, again fully equipped kitchen. In both cases the queen size beds were very comfortable and made up in the "American style". The second room I describe would have certainly been fine traveling with 2 teenagers (which we have done many times!). The cost of that room was $149 without breakfast.<BR><BR>They do also have larger rooms with 2 bedrooms and a living area with 2 sofa beds.<BR><BR>Hope that helps,<BR><BR>Barry

thanks Barry, <BR>I looked up the Citadines - it looks very American in atmosphere. I was hoping for something with a true Spanish flavor. <BR>What are your thoughts? Anyone else?

Hi Vic -<BR><BR>Well ... I really don't know how to answer that question... the only other place we have stayed in Barcelona is the Hilton out on Diagonal and that is a VERY "American" hotel....<BR><BR>I will say that having traveled all over Europe and stayed in all manner of hotels.... I know what an "American" style hotel feels like and I know what a "European" style hotel feels like.... BUT... "if you dropped me down" in any of the "European" style hotels I'd have to do more than just look around the room to know hat country I was in ;&gt<BR><BR>I think that the location of the Citadines gives it a very 'Barcelona" flavor...<BR><BR>And I KNOW that it would be my choice of any European hotel to stay in with 2 teenagers due to the configurations available.<BR>Barry

I stayed at the Astoria last September. I highly recommend it and would stay there again.