MizzEve

My husband and I are going on an NCL cruise that departs Barcelona on 13 June. We will both fly in on the 12th from different locations (Qatar and North Carolina). We return to Barcelona on the 20th and will both fly out on the 27th. We need a hotel for the 12th and then for the 20th - 27th.

I will arrive early in the AM on the 12th and my husband's flight does not arrive until 5pm. We have to board the cruise ship in the afternoon on the 13th. I am currently deployed Army and will need to do a bit of shopping once I get to Barcelona before getting on the cruise ship. So, we need a hotel that is easy access from the airport, close to shopping, and easy access to the NCL boarding area. Any thoughts?

We also need a hotel for seven nights after the cruise. Since we're both in the Army and have been constantly deployed for the last 1 1/2 years and will be deployed until 2012, this is a special visit for us. We haven't seen each other (other than Skyping) since last August and won't see each other again until next fall. Then it will be another long break until he gets his R&R summer 2011. We want to stay in a hotel that gives is nice space, preferably has room service, wifi, close to restaurants, bars, shopping, etc. Basically we would like easy access to do things. We would like to stay under $225/day, or lower if possible. My husband likes space, lots of space. So, preferably a hotel room that has a TV with Satellite channels (we like to watch movies) and extra sitting/dining area would be good.

Thanks in advance for recommendations.

Dawndaz

My husband and I did the same thing last year - cruise/land trip on Princess. We stayed at the Majestic which was lovely. It is not near the port (but nothing is very far away), but also not so close to the congested and more touristy Ramblas area. The hotel is a beautiful building and has one of the finest restaurants in Barcelona. They have a wonderful roof-top pool and lounge area that is nice for watching sunset over a cocktail. There is a lot of shopping around this hotel - it is in a nicer part of town, also close to a couple Gaudi buildings. Since you are staying a while, I really recommend a day trip to Montserrat which is about an hour out of town. It is an old Benedictine Monastery built into the cliffs - amazing!

Wooders101

Hi MizzEve. Try the Catalonia Catedral Hotel. I returned from a stay there only a few weeks ago and the location is fantastic, right in the heart of the Barri Gottic and only steps away from everything (including Placa Catalunya where you will find airport buses, taxis, metro etc., La Ramblas, and hundreds of shops, bars and restaurants. The hotel is only fairly new, so the rooms are modern and a good size (particularly by European standards), and the hotel has room service and satellite TV. The service was also friendly and helpful. Try this link for more info.
http://www.hoteles-catalonia.com/en/...al/index.jspor

MizzEve

Now I am thoroughly confused about hotels. We reserved a room at the Catalonia Catedral. It is the normal double room. I was given different prices via phone and website. I finally booked through the website for a total of 1292 euros for eight nights. I then emailed the hotel to ensure that we had a smoking room and ONE double or larger bed. I was told that we could only smoke in a room with a balcony and to book that on the website. Fine, except the website does not give that option. Emailed the hotel again and was told the balcony doors do not open in any room and I would have to upgrade to a superior terrace room and also I would maybe get one bed instead of two pushed together. Bottom line, they have changed the price on me again and it appears they want 50 euros more per night for the terrace room. I think the price is too high.

Now I have to find a new hotel. We are also open to renting an apartment. We would like to be near the metro stop, shopping, eating, etc. We have to have internet as I will still have to check work email. We would like satellite. We also would like a refrigerator (or minibar).

I've looked at habitat apartments. There is one available in Barri Gotic and one in Eixample. Both for 1064 euro. Is either area better?

Any suggestions are welcome.

Wooders101

Hi MizzEve. Sorry to hear that the Catalonia Catedral have messed you about!

Wooders101

P.S. I think the apartment in Barri Gotic would be my choice - it's just a bit closer to everything.

anjgupta

Hello,

I have several reservations for Barcelona in May and welcome opinions. It's for a romantic weekend, seeking something not too too loud and in a location to access the city (by metro or foot). Trying to keep it under $150/night -

the top runners are:

Chic and Basic (blows the budget a bit, but everything I read about El Born makes it sound like a great location)

Amrey Sant Pau - well rated, but a bit pricey for 2 stars

Hesperia del Mar - in budget w/o a sea view room; my companion wants a sea view which is about 30 extra Euro/night.

Many thanks,
Anjali

zorrosf

We loved Hotel Colon, located by the Cathedral and near the Barri Gotic and El Born. For your dates, it is $188 per night on hotels.com.

suec1

MizzEve - do the Habitat apartments list their square footage - my guess in the one in Eixample will be larger and maybe better for you since you said your husband wanted space. Both areas are delightful - the Bari Gotic is more touristy / medieval feeling. Eixample is wonderful art deco / Gaudi more modern-open spaces. You could stay your one night near the cathedral and then in the other area at the end of the cruise. Public transportation is very good in Barcelona and its also very walkable - no matter where you stay you will be close to shops and restaurants. Wishing you and your husband a wonderful tip - you SO deserve it!