JES

I have heard this is in a bad area, but the hotel itself gets great reviews. Any advice??

Weadles

JES,

We stayed at the Hotel Arts last July.The hotel itself is very comfortable and posh ( a client was paying!), and it is close to a long strip of beach. But the area itself (Olympic Port) is not central to most of the sightseeing that we wanted to do in Barcelona. For example, the hotel was probably a 25 min. hike from Las Ramblas.

Since most decent restaurants were a cab ride away, we felt limited in where we could go at night. There was an entertainment/restaurant complex across the street from the hotel, but it was a bit seedy, and didn't really appeal to us.

My advice would be to book closer in to the main sights. I think it's important to stay in the heart of the city, so that you have easy access to what you want to do day and night.

JES

Thanks Weadles--this is exactly what I wanted to know!

laclaire

JES-

Weadles is completely right about the location, however I do have to say that I have never been better attendended than at Arts and it is a wonerful hotel. However, if your idea is visiting the city, it is a schlep. I was actually there "on vacation" from Barcelona.

If you are looking for a beautiful, posh, and central hotel, look no further than Le Meridien. It is located in the dangerous part of town, but right on the Ramblas, which is quite well watched by police and guards. Also, if you want a really comfortable, cute and central hotel, go to Casa Camper on Elisbets St. To get there walking, you go down the Ramblas (from Plaza Catalunya) and take a right on Bonsucces (3rd street down. . . just before la poma restaurant). Keep going straight and it becomes Elisabets. That puts you right by the MACBA and it busy plaza, but the rooms are comfortable and quiet. I will admit, though, that if you are not used to the Raval, the street at night can seem intimidating. To vouch for it, though, I work at the MACBA and go out in that area and have yet to have a problem.

Weadles

I agree with the other poster about the Hotel Arts. Lovely hotel with excellent service although the food was surprisingly mediocre. But I still think that if you're not interested in "hotel as destination", you can do better in Barcelona for location and sightseeing purposes.

JES

ThisI want this trip to be a combo of sightseeing--getting a feel for the Spanish culture (lifestyle, architecture, food), and relaxing. I'm in Manhattan daily so I don't want all city--I'd love to explore the city and have some beach time.
I don't want to feel isolated. How is the beach at the Arts? Are there restaurants along the beach?