..just posted this on the US forum..to start again- I am going to a conf in Barcelona at the end of Sept. The conf. hotels are all near the conf center on ave Diagonal. The Princess Hotel is the nearest to the center. As I am travelling alone, I thought I would prefer to stay in the center of the city ("the gothic area" for example). My rational is that I would prefer to travel to and from the hotel during daylight hrs as opposed to travelling back to the hotel after dinner when it is dark. I gather there is no real neighborhood near the conf center. Does anyone have a suggestion for a small safe hotel? I would want it to be close enough the the conf center that I won't pay $$ for taxis. Near public transport would be better and a walk (up to 45mins) would be beat. I would not want to go much above 150 euro/night.

Great location on The Ramblas, across from the subway and definetley in your price range..http://www.hotelcontinental.com/ Also know guide/taxi driver who could help you out..

topping

..sending again..any ideas?

Dear bunny:

Have you checked the recs on www.tripadvisor.com ? We were just in BCN in June and stayed at the Nouvel Hotel just off the Ramblas & Plaza de Catalunya. It was just OK. But it was not expensive - 113€ for a triple and a handy location. Another favorite mentioned here is the Continental Palacete.

Good luck,

MY

Thanks everyone- I did check tripadvisor and tried to use Mappy to figure the distance from the conf center. Although I can find out how big the hotels are, I have trouble estimating the safety of the hotel, and the convenience of the hotel to the conference center. Does anyone have specific comments on the diagonal area (where the conf is being held)and my supposition re neighborhood ect?

How long are you staying in BCN and is there a metro station very near the conference center? If not, what about a bus stop?

Taxis do start to add up when you're traveling alone but I also see you point about wanting to be in a lively and vibrant neighborhood. Hotels are relatively cheap in Spain compared to the rest of Western europe -- you should be able to find something very centrally located and very nice for that budget. I'd see what transportation is available right near the conference and go from there -- i.e. what metro line do you need to be on, or what bus route would be the most convenient and then pinpoint a general location. You can google the BCN metro system -- they have a very good colored map available on-line.

I don't know for how long you are visiting Barcelona, but as an alternative, have you considered a short-stay apartment? Check out www.friendlyrentals.com and www.rentthesun.com They have some beautiful apartments, all over Barcelona and would be much cheaper.

Thanks everyone!..I will get on the BCN web site..I will arrive in B Friday afternoon and will leave either Wed pm or early Thursday am for a few days vacation and then fly out Tuesday am..re the suggestion of apt- I actually started thinking about that yesterday as I was googling Barcelona. Has anyone used the apts listed on the Barcelona Point web site? One in the Bourn area looked very good and I think it is very convenient to the conf center. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

I loved staying at an apartment, it was wonderful and a great value. Maybe post a link to the listing of the apts you're considering? Everyone says to avoid Las Ramblas area -- the southwest quadrant. The studios down there are cheap but the area sounds seedy according to many on this board...

I found our apt on vrbo.com -- good luck!

I don't really agree with fishee's comment about Las Ramblas. I live a couple of hours from Barcelona and have spent many an enjoyable weekend sitting in the cafes watching the world go by after 'doing' the Dali bit. I think anywhere near Plaza Catalunya, Ramblas or Gothic district would be ideal for a person travelling alone. Have fun!

Regardless of where you end up staying in Barcelona, if you don't at least experience the swirl of humanity along Las Ramblas at least once then as far as I'm concerned you haven't been to Barcelona.

Interestingly enough, if you move along Ls Ramblas <b>Catalunya</b> in the opposite direction from the Placa Catalunya you're likely to find some of the most relaxing outdoor places to eat around and that &quot;swirl&quot; at the other end will seem remote.

Maybe I meant raval district as the one to avoid?? My apartment was near Las Ramblas and we loved it, just several blocks south east of Placa Catalunya.

We stayed here: http://www.lovingbarcelona.com/Barce...ment_7135.html a few months ago. I thought the location was perfect, the apartment was immaculate, and the transaction was simple.

..thanks everyone- I booked an apt through &quot;Loving Barcelona&quot;. It looks good. I will send feedback in October.