(following on from my previous posting, perhaps It would be easier to split it into "things to do" and "places to stay", so here goes!)

I am travelling to Barcelona this July and am looking to spend around 250EUR a night (excluding breakfast). At present I've reserved the Claris. Position and leisure facilities such as a swimming pool are important to me, any other idea will me very much appreciated - thank you in advance!

In 2000, we stayed at the Hotel Colon, across from the old cathedral in Barcelona and a 5-minute walk to Las Ramblas. We really liked both the hotel and location. I am a fan of the SLH group, so would heartily endorse the Claris as well. Nonetheless, if you are looking for another great option, check it out.

Happy travels.

John H.

I have managed to find the Hotel Arts available at a similar rate to the Claris. Would you reccommend this property over the Claris or is it too far to walk to the centre?

m_kingdom,
Although the Arts is a wonderful luxury hotel often rated in Conde Naste and T&L surveys as one of their readers' very favorite European hotels, the location down in the Port Olympic isn't "handy" for sightseeing, as the major sites aren't walkable from there. There's a bus from the Port Olympic area that takes you to the Ramblas and Placa de Catalunya, or of course you can just taxi back and forth, but the Claris has a much more convenient location in the upscale neighborhood of the Eixample. If you really value convenience/walkability for your sightseeing in your location, I'd stick with the Claris.

I stayed at the Ritz and found it to be very nice and in a good location.

YIA sou m-kingdom,

As you enjoyed the GB in Athens,you will love the Claris: same style of service and level od amenities

Similar convenient location,upscale surroundings and definitely a better location than the Arts or the newest luxurious 'Marina (something)'.

Of course, book right now for july(maybe it is already too late) a table at Bulli: THE restaurant!

If you travel with your kids fly to Mallorca .We did it last summer and my kids loved it.

Would the Ritz be another possibility or does the "spa area" not really constitute much more than a sauna?

The reason for my indecision is from reading rather negative feeback on this site about the Claris - are these just minor gripes or fundamental problems?

Is Barcelona part of Germany?

I didn't use the spa area at the Ritz but I think it is more of a fitness center, not really a spa. The deluxe rooms with the fireplaces have a view of the street and are very nice. The service was excellent. The first time I stayed there they put me in a jr. suite that I didn't like at all. If you decide to try it, be sure to get one of the deluxe rooms with a view. I think it was around $250. I didn't check into the Claris much because it just didn't seem my style, but the reviews looked good. I would not stay at the Arts because of the location.