We've been putting off booking our accommodation in Barcelona for next weekend, thinking there would be plenty to choose from at this time of the year and - guess what - Barcelona is FULL!! We have called every hotel from luxury to budget that we can find, tried every agency and the internet sites we can find - Not a room left! Apparentely there is a huge Nuclear Conference happening next week. <BR> <BR>Our flights are non-refundable, so we can't change them. We might have found something in Sitges, along the coast - but know absolutley nothing about this place (our Barcelona guidebook doesn't cover it). Has anyone been there? What can we expect? Any recommendations for somewhere to stay and eat? And finally, how do we get there from the airport? (Trains etc?) <BR>Thanks!

Hi Rachel, <BR> I have been to Sitges-my husband and I have good friends who have lived there for the past 10 years and love it for its young, artsy, lively, loose, bohemian atmosphere (they are an actor/artist couple). I find it an attractive, sophisticated (read "hip") and interesting place to visit, and it's only 40 km from Barcelona, a short hop by train, and trains run every hour. It does have a large international gay community, and like the island of Ibiza, it's well known (infamous?) for its wild, frenetic nightlife, and its Carnival is one of Europe's most outrageous! <BR> You might want to do a "Sitges" search on this Forum, as not too long ago there was a lengthy and somewhat controversial thread regarding Sitges' relative merits (makes for interesting reading if nothing else). <BR> I have seen the Hotel Romantic and its sister property, the Renaixenca. The former is an elegant mid-1800s townhouse B&B that is very popular (featured in all the "charming hotels in Spain" guide books) and in a quiet area. It is popular with gay visitors and the artistic crowd but not really suitable for families. <BR>Another "hotel con encanto" with good restaurant facing the sea (noisier location but more amenities) is the Santa Maria. <BR> Because Sitges is a major European beach destination attracting a young and lively crowd, there are plenty of hotels in all price ranges. But staid and sedate it is not! <BR> Good luck!

Rachel, <BR> Forgot to mention that the large Spanish hotel chains, Tryp and Sol-Melia have properties in Sitges that can be booked on the web at www.tryp.es and www.solmelia.es.

Hi Maribel, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your posting, we're now feeling our weekend won't be such a loss, and it could even be more fun than if we'd just stayed in Barcelona. <BR>(Anyway it looks like Barcelona wil be overrun with geeky nuclear scientists - Sitges might be just the place to be!)

Sitges is a great, beautiful city on the beach that is only a 20 min commuter train from Barcelona. The After 8 ice cream at Oliver's is fab..and I had paella on the beach at PICNIC. <BR> <BR>You might want to check directly with the hotels once you get there. The Spanish are not known for their efficiency. I had the same thing happen, and found rooms available by asking directly. <BR> <BR>