Another attempt to maximise the amount of information I can "squeeze" out of this forum!

Please could someone share their opinions on the location, service, rooms, restaurants and bars. If at all possible contrast it to the Claris which is currently my "favourite" choice this summer.

Thanking you all once again!

Why do you keep posting this message under almost every country in Europe. I go to Poland, Russia, Romania headings I see your request for information for Grand Marina Hotel in Barcelona. Please limit the countries that you post your messages

Hi,

I haven't stayed at the GM. But, from the website, the location leaves a lot to be desired. It seems designed solely for ease of access to cruise ships. If you're not getting on a boat, I'd recommend finding a hotel in the Eixample. Which, to me is the more upscale heart of Barcelona. My gut on all of this is stick with the Claris and avoid the Grand Marina and Arts. The latter are newer, sleeker hotels in much worse locales. The GM has a better location than the Arts, but is still far from ideal. That constant slog past the cruise ships along the long pier, then up the Ramblas, and finally, into the Eixample, would get old fast. Did I mention that I am a fan of the Eixample??

Seriously, the choice is yours. If a newer, perhaps more generic luxury hotel is what you are looking for, the GM is all of that. If location, and a more refined (if somewhat quirky sense) of style are your thing, Claris is it.

-- Chad

Thank you for that most informative opinion, I think that I will be sticking with the Claris.

Is the Claris located near the designer boutiques such as Loewe, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc?

Going once, twice.....

Alright m_kingdom, those shops are all within 5 minutes walk from Claris, on Passeig de Gracia. I stayed at AC Ambassador on the same street, Pau Claris, one block away from Hotel Claris over the New Year's Eve. That was my about 10th visit to Barcelona and it's regions but somehow I always stay in Eixample. Great area. I walked to everywhere (well alomst)from our hotel including the harbor and the beaches where Grand Marina and Arts are located.

Thank you. One doesn't suppose you happened to wander into the Claris on your visits to Barcelona? All views are welcomed!