BARCELONA--RENTAL APARTMENT FOR TWO---plus Valencia..
Jan 22nd, 2011, 11:55 AM
#41
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Danon: Many thanks also too you! Can you remember where you read the poor report of the places I listed as #1?
I have written to the Destination BCN agency to ask about the location of their flats, including the one I linked at 8:18am, the Cadaques.
I also like these, from the same agency. Please let me know if you have any comments; they seem to be near Placa Catalunya.
http://www.destinationbcn.com/ghost.htm
http://www.destinationbcn.com/walden.htm
http://www.destinationbcn.com/pasodoble.htm
I have written to the Destination BCN agency to ask about the location of their flats, including the one I linked at 8:18am, the Cadaques.
I also like these, from the same agency. Please let me know if you have any comments; they seem to be near Placa Catalunya.
http://www.destinationbcn.com/ghost.htm
http://www.destinationbcn.com/walden.htm
http://www.destinationbcn.com/pasodoble.htm
Jan 22nd, 2011, 12:28 PM
#42
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The Excelsior was remodeled in 2000.( Just called.. was curious) Hmmm. not sure about that one then.
But the Hotel Astoria Palace AYRE is reasonable ( usually about $80 and gets very good reviews). It is an old , remodeled, classic place with a huge, carpeted bar and smack downtown also. Very bright area.. just steps away from City Hall, the Cathedral area, and good shopping and some NICE restaurants.
I have stayed there and what I like is it has some charm still.. The few rooms I have seen were fairly spacious. Ad hoc's website makes their rooms look large, too.
I will try to find out.
But the Hotel Astoria Palace AYRE is reasonable ( usually about $80 and gets very good reviews). It is an old , remodeled, classic place with a huge, carpeted bar and smack downtown also. Very bright area.. just steps away from City Hall, the Cathedral area, and good shopping and some NICE restaurants.
I have stayed there and what I like is it has some charm still.. The few rooms I have seen were fairly spacious. Ad hoc's website makes their rooms look large, too.
I will try to find out.
Jan 22nd, 2011, 12:53 PM
#43
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exc
I don't know why, but I cannot find the apt you listed on their map ( maybe the map is old?)Some others like Molas, pelmayo etc. are on the map.
It seems like a more up-scale outfit than habitat.
I would go for it, if one could only figure out the location on the map!
Could you ask them for the exact address ?
I don't know why, but I cannot find the apt you listed on their map ( maybe the map is old?)Some others like Molas, pelmayo etc. are on the map.
It seems like a more up-scale outfit than habitat.
I would go for it, if one could only figure out the location on the map!
Could you ask them for the exact address ?
Jan 22nd, 2011, 01:04 PM
#45
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Danon: I wrote to them and will post the address when I receive it. They seem to be in or around the Plaza Catalunya.
I took the #1, the Habitat Carders apt. off the list.
Perhaps we will choose one from the Destinations website (awating word on exact locations and availability) , or this one on HomeAway. Do you think this one is a good location in Born?
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p436475
I took the #1, the Habitat Carders apt. off the list.
Perhaps we will choose one from the Destinations website (awating word on exact locations and availability) , or this one on HomeAway. Do you think this one is a good location in Born?
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p436475
Jan 22nd, 2011, 01:14 PM
#46
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this homeaway place looks great. The fact it has a doorman is good news. You might ask what his hours are or if he lives on site.I like the fact it won an architectural award.
If we didn't have friends we stay with in Barcelona.. i would be very attracted to this one!
P.S. We were just in Barcelona for an overnight and went to Hofmann..you may like the place. We went at night but next time I would go to try their less expensive business lunch.
In Valencia I have never gone wrong recommending El Alto de Colon. They have done two groups there ( in a very intimate setting), and not a complaint. The setting is wonderful, a gorgeous room above an art deco market.
If we didn't have friends we stay with in Barcelona.. i would be very attracted to this one!
P.S. We were just in Barcelona for an overnight and went to Hofmann..you may like the place. We went at night but next time I would go to try their less expensive business lunch.
In Valencia I have never gone wrong recommending El Alto de Colon. They have done two groups there ( in a very intimate setting), and not a complaint. The setting is wonderful, a gorgeous room above an art deco market.
Jan 22nd, 2011, 04:33 PM
#48
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"a spacious living area with balconies facing Flassaders Street. The building is one of the most interesting in the Born area and is a past winner of the FAD Prize, a prestigious Spanish architecture award.'
habitat
The building was completely renewed in one of the first architectonic interventions of the district, for which it received one of the most prestigious architecture awards in 1992."
homeawy
go figure!
habitat
The building was completely renewed in one of the first architectonic interventions of the district, for which it received one of the most prestigious architecture awards in 1992."
homeawy
go figure!
Jan 23rd, 2011, 06:39 AM
#49
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Ok, narrowing the search down to a few, based on price and availability, it looks as if the Born HomeAway flat is still in the running. And the Cadaques flat from Destination BCN, which is this one:
http://www.destinationbcn.com/cadaques.htm
This is the location, near the intersection of Ronda Universitat and the Gran Via:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...ia,+Spain&z=16
I am especially interested to hear your comments about that location, which looks to be just a bit west of the Plaza Catalunya, so walking distance to Born, La Boqueria, etc....
A million thanks to you both for all of your help so far...
Lincas: My friend read about this hotel in Valencia and asked me to inquire..what do you think about location, and about the hotel if you have been in the rooms?
http://www.hotel-carmenvalencia.com/
I will also check the Ayre...
http://www.destinationbcn.com/cadaques.htm
This is the location, near the intersection of Ronda Universitat and the Gran Via:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...ia,+Spain&z=16
I am especially interested to hear your comments about that location, which looks to be just a bit west of the Plaza Catalunya, so walking distance to Born, La Boqueria, etc....
A million thanks to you both for all of your help so far...
Lincas: My friend read about this hotel in Valencia and asked me to inquire..what do you think about location, and about the hotel if you have been in the rooms?
http://www.hotel-carmenvalencia.com/
I will also check the Ayre...
Jan 23rd, 2011, 07:22 AM
#50
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glad to help..
Restaurants and shops in Born are south of Princes street towards the Port. The streets are mostly pedestrian - the taxi (likely )will not be able to let you off at the door .
If you cross Laitena , it is only 5 -7 minutes to the Cathedral and maybe another 10 to Catalunya.
If you stay near Catalunya , it is closer to Boqueria ( maybe 6 min )and my favorite streets - Rambla de Cataluna and Passeig de Gracia.
About 20 min walk to Born.
I love that part of Barcelona ( north of the University): Gaudi, wide boulevards, elegant shops ,many retaurants, cafes, wine bars...
Others prefer the older part of town i.e BG and Born.
As always, things like that are highly subjective.
If it were my trip , I would pick Cadaques...
seems more luxurious, (according to the description) quiet
and at the location I prefer.
In any case, Barcelona is very walkable, metro is great and taxis are reasonable.
Restaurants and shops in Born are south of Princes street towards the Port. The streets are mostly pedestrian - the taxi (likely )will not be able to let you off at the door .
If you cross Laitena , it is only 5 -7 minutes to the Cathedral and maybe another 10 to Catalunya.
If you stay near Catalunya , it is closer to Boqueria ( maybe 6 min )and my favorite streets - Rambla de Cataluna and Passeig de Gracia.
About 20 min walk to Born.
I love that part of Barcelona ( north of the University): Gaudi, wide boulevards, elegant shops ,many retaurants, cafes, wine bars...
Others prefer the older part of town i.e BG and Born.
As always, things like that are highly subjective.
If it were my trip , I would pick Cadaques...
seems more luxurious, (according to the description) quiet
and at the location I prefer.
In any case, Barcelona is very walkable, metro is great and taxis are reasonable.
Jan 23rd, 2011, 07:42 AM
#51
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Both those apartments look lovely but are well over mine and my friend's budget - We are going in October which seems to still be considered fairly high season.
However we are very close to renting this 2 bedroom apartment in San Pere/ La Ribera, close to the Palau de la Musica Catalana on Carrer de St Pere Mitja. It's 80 euros a night, with 6 nights for the price of 5!
http://www.thebarcelonaflat.com/The_...t/Welcome.html
We also had this one under consideration...
http://www.barcelonaflat.co.uk/apartment_two.htm
I stayed here in 2004 and loved the location just off Argenteria in the Barri Gotic, right round the corner from Taller de Tapas and Santa Maria del Mar. The flat was great as well, and I'd happily stay here again, and at 100 euros a night it's still a cheap apartment, but we've decided to save the 20 euros and spend it on wine and tapas!
Not intending to hijack this thread, but any comments on the location of the first apartment would be welcome.
However we are very close to renting this 2 bedroom apartment in San Pere/ La Ribera, close to the Palau de la Musica Catalana on Carrer de St Pere Mitja. It's 80 euros a night, with 6 nights for the price of 5!
http://www.thebarcelonaflat.com/The_...t/Welcome.html
We also had this one under consideration...
http://www.barcelonaflat.co.uk/apartment_two.htm
I stayed here in 2004 and loved the location just off Argenteria in the Barri Gotic, right round the corner from Taller de Tapas and Santa Maria del Mar. The flat was great as well, and I'd happily stay here again, and at 100 euros a night it's still a cheap apartment, but we've decided to save the 20 euros and spend it on wine and tapas!
Not intending to hijack this thread, but any comments on the location of the first apartment would be welcome.
Jan 23rd, 2011, 07:49 AM
#52
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Danon that is very helpful. I am also leaning toward that choice. I've stayed at the Hotel GranVia Hotel which is not too far away and liked that area a lot. Proximity to La Boqueria is almost a dream come true! This agency appears to have several rental flats in the same building.
The Cadaques flat is a bit more pricey but they will take credit cards, while the Born flat requires a cash deposit in euro; not sure how to handle this from the US (??) I suppose that one has a bit more protection with the Cadaques apartment agency since they will accept the credit cards. Agree?
The Cadaques flat is a bit more pricey but they will take credit cards, while the Born flat requires a cash deposit in euro; not sure how to handle this from the US (??) I suppose that one has a bit more protection with the Cadaques apartment agency since they will accept the credit cards. Agree?
Jan 23rd, 2011, 08:07 AM
#53
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I only rented from habitat... they asked for CC number just in case one canceled, all cash on arrival ( or CC payment if the amount was high + 4%). It worked fine..
Sorry, I am not familiar with other agencies.
Don't understand a CASH deposit , CC number is as good as cash.
Sorry, I am not familiar with other agencies.
Don't understand a CASH deposit , CC number is as good as cash.
Jan 23rd, 2011, 08:21 AM
#54
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julia-t,
I cannot comment on the street,but that area still has some seedy, small and dark streets... hard to know. Could be fine, but " up and coming" indicates ... not as upscale as Born south of Princesa.
I would stick with apt. you know and like.
I cannot comment on the street,but that area still has some seedy, small and dark streets... hard to know. Could be fine, but " up and coming" indicates ... not as upscale as Born south of Princesa.
I would stick with apt. you know and like.
Jan 23rd, 2011, 11:43 PM
#55
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That new Carmen Hotel is in a good location. I am trying to remember WHO said they had stayed there. It should have some nice classic features.. like high ceilings, etc. If I am downtown I will try to stop by, but can't guarantee it.
A street facing room MAY have a little noise if they haven't put in top of the windows/frames as it is in front of the very busy 4 lane road that follows the riverbed, although separated by a few meters of parking or green space. You will have plenty of bus stops almost at your door.
Looks nice. I hope I can give you more info.
A street facing room MAY have a little noise if they haven't put in top of the windows/frames as it is in front of the very busy 4 lane road that follows the riverbed, although separated by a few meters of parking or green space. You will have plenty of bus stops almost at your door.
Looks nice. I hope I can give you more info.
Jan 25th, 2011, 05:19 AM
#57
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Lincanova: So many thanks! In the middle of trying to finish up the Barcelona details, I came down with a flu so am not spending so much time at my desk at the moment. It looks as if we are almost settled on a flat in Barcelona and then I will take up the discussion about the Valencia hotels and run some price checks...
Jan 25th, 2011, 07:23 AM
#59
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My oh my - so many choices! Am planning a trip in late March and would love to know what you finally settle on in Barcelona. Had not considered an apartment until I found your post. It has been really helpful and confusing following all the choices.
Jan 25th, 2011, 07:54 AM
#60
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Hi again: Surprisingly, I found some pretty good advance booking deals at the Westin in Valencia; there is a big plus here for me because the hotel has an indoor swimming pool! If the two of us share a room tje price comes down to close to that of the hotels we mentioned above..
BUT: I am wondering about the location. How far is this hotel from the "center of the city," or from the barrio del Carmen? If it is less than 15 minutes, there is no issue for me... what is your impression of this hotel?
http://www.westinvalencia.com/
BUT: I am wondering about the location. How far is this hotel from the "center of the city," or from the barrio del Carmen? If it is less than 15 minutes, there is no issue for me... what is your impression of this hotel?
http://www.westinvalencia.com/
