I am going to Barcelona in October.<BR>Can anyone recomend a hotel near Ramblas for less than 80 euros?<BR>Does anyone know Hotel Continental?<BR>Is Barcelona a safe city?<BR>Thanks,<BR>Ben

seriously try pricelineline. That's a good bet.

I remember reading someone's posting here about Continental. Also, you may find some web comments through www.tripadvisor.com. This hotel is recommended by Frommer's as well. We tried to book this about 3 weeks before arrival date and was full in September. We stayed at the Gran Via instead. Travelocity.com sometimes has some deals.

Hi Hen,<BR>I can never stop recommending Hotel Continental.<BR>For a single room in March 2002 it was 78 Euros but that was a room without a balcony overlooking Las Ramblas.<BR>We paid 90 Euro in March 2002 for a twin bedded room with a balcony.<BR>I understand from other postings that for 2003 it will be 95 Euro, but in my opinion, well worth it.<BR>Enjoy Barcelona - it is a wonderful city.<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie.

PS. <BR>Barcelona is as safe as any other city in the world.<BR>Just keep your wits about you!<BR>Regards<BR>Maggie

I just returned from Barcelona. I stayed at the Hotel Turin which is very near the Hotel Continental. This is a very good location, right on the Ramblas and easily accessable to the Metro and taxis. I would avoid any hotel/hostal deeper in the Ramblas since the logistics of getting to and fro with your bags are too much of a hassle. I stayed at the Hostal Levante on my last night in Spain, based on recommendations on this site, and it was a nightmare to get to the hotel with our rental car since many of the streets within the Gothic Barrio are pedestrian only or allow access at limited times. Also, the stench in the streets is overwelming. There were actually homemade signs strung by locals from their balconies asking people not to urinate in the streets. It doesn't work. There are many city employees trying to clean up after the masses, but it seems like a futile job.<BR><BR>Other than the Ramblas and the Gothic Barrio, the city is very clean and I very much enjoyed the Gaudi sites. With the efficiency of the Metro system, I would stay further north the next time I visit. <BR><BR>Is Barcelona a safe city? Maybe north of Placa Catalunya, yes, but near the Ramblas or the train stations, the place is full of thieves. My first day there I met an Englishman leaving Barcelona because he got his wallet boosted. Then later that evening, one of my traveling partners got her handbag stolen. Of course at the consulate on a Monday, my friend was able to tell me countless tales of stolen wallets, backpacks, and wallets.<BR><BR>