Has anyone stayed at or at least heard of the Atel Fornos at 44 La Rambla in Barcelona? I booked the hotel through expedia.com but their map isn't good and I couldn't find the hotel on Atel's website. It just seems a bit suspicious because of the low cost ($54 US) when I can't seem to find any other moderately priced hotels and because I can't seem to find it anywhere else. <BR> <BR>Also, I need to find a moderately priced hotel in Lisbon (clean with bathroom), preferably close to public transportation, if anyone has any suggestions. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help!

Hi kristi. <BR>For Lisbon, check out the Albergaria Senhora do Monte. I stayed there four years ago. Nice people, comfortable rooms, great views of the castle and river beyond. (Of course, be sure to ask for a room with a view!) The hotel is located in a quiet residential neighborhood; however, the 28 tram runs nearby, and it'll give you the most memorable, crazy public-transportation ride of your life while it takes you down into the center of things. The 28 runs frequently. Also, near the hotel, just up the road a bit, is a little park with a shrine to the Virgin Mary (the "Senhora"). Lovely views from there, and a chance to exchange greetings with the people in the neighborhood. <BR> <BR>One catch: We paid around $115 for a double room, which I thought was reasonable in a large city, but which may not seem moderate to you. They do provide a nice continental breakfast with that, and there's a bar on the top floor, for those nights when you just want to sit back, relax, have a drink, look out over the castle and lower city, and think about how unique Lisbon is. <BR> <BR>I doubt the Senhora do Monte would disappoint. Before I went to Lisbon, I checked out just about every travel book on Portugal I could find, and it was highly recommended all around. <BR> <BR>For a bit info on this and on a restaurant near the "Senhora," check out my earlier post, under "Hotels Lisbon and Evora." <BR> <BR>Hope this helps!

Thanks Mary, I'll check out that hotel. We're tenatively reserved at the Nacional but I can always change the reservations. <BR> <BR>We're scheduled to be in Lisbon/Portugal for 6 days. I thought we would spend the first 2 seeing Lisbon, a day to see Sintra, a day for Evora. Any suggestions on what to see after Evora within easy driving distance? We will need to eventually work our way back to Lisbon to fly out.

Check out Monsaraz for a day trip from Evora. It's a hill town, and very interesting! Go there via Sao Pedro do Corval, a small town with pottery studios. We were able to purchase some nice pottery for reasonable prices. We stopped at the studio of Jose Cartaxo. He was patient with our lack of Portuguese, and even gave us a small "tour" of the place. Very simple, and very nice. Also, if you're into "antiquities," there's a small stone circle south of Monsaraz, which is pretty neat to see. Have a great time, whatever you do! <BR> <BR>

Kristi-our family just got back from Lisbon last week!We had great weather and a wonderful time despite planning this at the last minute. A few suggestions that we enjoyedlan a trip (couple hours/half day) to Belem which is about 5 miles out of Lisbon.You can take the #15 trolley or a 10 minute train to get there. It contains the maritime museum,beautiful waterfront with the huge explorers monument honoring Prince Henry and the Torre Belem which is the "castle building " on the water that Magellan,Vasco de Gama and the rest of the explorers used as a point for leaving on their trips. It is at the mouth of the Tagus river and the ocean and is magnificent. The town itself has numerous historical things such as the huge cathedral that was bought by the "spice trade"money and Vasco de Gama's tomb,aquarium,parks on the water,etc.Because of the european world leaders meeting there and our last minute planning,we stayed at the Altis Park hotel(4 star Best Western in a residential area on the new Oriente metro line-built for the world's fair traffic). The hotel was very nice,had a great buffet breakfast included and the metro stop was right next door. There was even a mini mall(grocery,newstand,shoe repair,etc.)underground next door! <BR>While we were there,the metro went on strike a half day and the train went on strike the next day so be sure and read the signs so you can plan your trip accordingly.The hotel people said that it has been happening more frequently.The Oriente metro line goes out to the new Oceanarium and world's fair park. If it is a beautiful day-I would recommend riding the gondolas by the water for a spectacular view.The shopping mall that is the largest in Portugal resembles their version of Mall of America.It has a different type of food court and is not like the usual US fare.My husband(who hates malls) actually enjoyed the people watching and the different type of stores. We had a wonderful Portuguese meal there and a dessert at the crepe place that was out of this world.I could go on....if you want a couple places in town(Alfama,etc.) drop me a note. We wish that we had had more time as the prices were right and the area was beautiful! Have a marvelous time! Debbie

kristi, <BR> <BR>Did you stay at the Atel Fornos? How was it? I am having the same dilemma about the cost (cheap but it makes me nervous.) <BR> <BR>Thanks!

We stuck with our reservation at the Atel Fornos as we were unable to find anything else reasonable in the city. This is definitely a budget hotel, I believe it had a 1 star rating, no frills. The location was great, right on Las Ramblas, toward the end of the busy section, a short walk to the subway and to the cathedral. We were there in late May so the weather was nice and people were still out walking around when we went to bed so we never felt unsafe. <BR> <BR>The room was clean, private bath, the shower was fine but the bed was uncomfortable, reminded me a bit of a fold up bed, not mych padding to it. I can sleep on anything but my husband has back problems and it bothered him. <BR> <BR>The hotel had no room service, no hair dryer, not sure about a/c. Our room was facing Las Ramblas which can be noisy, but the temperature was comfortable enough to close the windows at night which effectively blocked the street noise. <BR> <BR>Personally, I'd stay there again if the price difference is as high as it was. I believe the next cheapest thing I could find was $150 vs. $54, saving $300 for the three nights we were there. <BR> <BR>Hope this is helpful.

Thank you for the reply. Very helpful. I needed some reassurance that it is clean and safe. For a room with a single bed (I'm traveling alone) it is quoting at $28/night!

I just got back from Barcelona. Friends recommended staying at the Hotel California - it is just off Ferran which terminates onto the Ramblas. The room ran about $35 - it's not the Four Seasons, but the rooms are clean, modestly furnished, continental breakfast is included and the desk was very helpful in making reservations at restaurants (which is an absolute must). Great location in the Gothic district - the Ramblas is a bit too to touristy for my taste except late at night when having a cocktail at one of the cafes. Hotel California does have a web site.

I'd be interested in that website address for Hotel California. I'm planning a trip for this summer and looking for accommodations.

Atel's websi

Sorry to have taken so long to respond. Here's the web address for the Hotel California: <BR>http://www.seker.es/hotel_california/