We will be traveling in March to Barcelona and Marbella, Spain with our four teenagers (older). We're looking at the Hotel Arts and the Marriott in Marbella for lodging. Would really appreciate any tips for travel, cautions to be aware of, great restaurants to try, sights to see, places to avoid,etc. This will be my first trip to Europe, though two in our family have traveled extensively there. Thanks!

I started a thread about Barcelona last month, thinking my husband had said he wanted to go there... We might do so in another year or two, but anyway, it might lead you to some of your answers.

Also, please enter "Barcelona" in the search box above the forum and you'll get quite a few posts..

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34715578

I suggest you download Maribel's guide to Barcelona, which has a lot of very reliable information:

http://maribelsguides.com/

hi
I travelled to Marbella last year- I thought it was ok. However my hotel was beautiful The Westin La Quinta resort. The hotel is up a mountain overlooking Marbella so could either rent a car or taxi back and forth. Also a nice day trip from Marbella is Mijas, a really cute white hill town with gorgeous views and great little galleries and ceramics. Also in Barcelona the gothic quarter is really cool and also parc guell. Try to catch a flamenco show- it's an interesting night time activity.

Many thanks to all for your help! We can't wait to see the beauty of Spain.

We took our two teens to spain late last march. the trip report for our time in Malaga and Barca are still on the board (search under 'family trip to spain) as its in several parts. While Seville was my favorite place, Barca was a close second.

I was in Barcelona in May. It's a wonderful city, and I'll go back again the first chance I get.

Since you're asking about cool and safe places to hang out, I suggest:

1. Guru BCN

* It's on Josep Anslem Clave, right off of La Rambla
* The vibe there is really cool. There's good music and out-going attractive people (staff included)
* This lounge/club has the best Mojitos ever!
* There's a guy who works there named Mauricio. He's real open, and he'll take you around and introduce you to everyone.

2. La Fonda--Restaurant

* It's on Escudellers, right off of La Rambla
* Hands down this is the best restaurant in Barcelona. The food is great, the atmosphere is trendy/classy (yet you can wear what you want), and the prices can't be beat. (Try the goat cheese salad w/ salmon)
* The place is very popular so the line can be long, but trust me; It moves fast, and it's worth it to wait.

3. Passeig de Colom

*On this street which is just across the way from Port Veil beach, there are several really great bars.
* There's one bar that serves Sex on the Beach in a HUGE mug, and 6 people can get drunk on the one drink. I can't remember the name of the place, but if you walk down that street at night, you can't miss the people sitting at the outside tables w/ 32 oz. mugs.

4. Fat Tires Bikes

* It's on Escudellers, further up the street from La Fonda
* They offer great and inexpensive city bike tours. It's cool to take a tour early on in your stay. You'll find many things to do and see on the tour so when you're alone, you know what places to check out and what to get into.
* Ask for Ivan. He's great! He's from California, but has been in Barcelona awhile now.

5. Tablao de Carmen

* If you're interested in an authentic Flamenco show and a nice dinner, this is the place for you and a date. Even if you just want drinks and a show, you can do that too.
* It's located in Poble Espanyol

Have fun!

Ciao,
teneriqueza

P.S. Don't ask anyone for the time. One night I was walking down Avinguda de Parallel, and I asked the first person I saw for the time. Long story short...I got cursed out in Catalan by a 6'3 drag queen prostitute with a lisp. *-)

the Marriott in Marbella is great..you need a car

I would be VERY aware of the Hotel Arts' location in Barcelona as it is not within walking distance to most of the sights. I would also read all the reviews on TripAdvisor before making a final decision.

I realize the Arts is one of the top-rated hotels in the city but it didn't get that way because of its location I can assure you.