We are planning to spend five nights in Barcelona next May and have "narrowed-it down" to the following 4 Hotels:

1. AC Diplomatic
2. Hotel Majestic
3. Condes de Barcelona
4. Claris Hotel

They are all in a similiar price range and we want to avoid the noisy Las Ramblas area.

Does anyone have any comments or personal experience with these hotels?

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

The central area of Barcelona is distinctly lacking - stay by the marina and escape this city.

I stayed at the Majestic 2 weeks ago and loved it. I looked into the same hotels you did before making my selection. The location is great and we had fantastic rooms. Service couldn't be beat. You can get the tourist bus 1 1/2 blocks away. We got a rate of 2 nights and one night free. Large, upgraded rooms. It's on one of he best shopping streets. Sorry my last message got sent before I finished it.

I guess my last half-message didn't go through like I thought it did.

Stayed at the Claris and loved it and the location.

Have you checked Maribel's suggestions for Barcelona hotels? (http://maribelsguides.com) A number of people have use them and found them to be quite helpful when researching hotels, etc.

> The central area of Barcelona is distinctly lacking

On the contrary, Leebro, I do like Eixample area where all the 4 hotels you listed are located. It may be a matter of taste but lots of people on this board seem to like staying in that area.

A friend of mine stayed at Condes de Barcelona a few months ago and had nothing negtive to say.

I myself stayed at AC Diplomatic last December. For the price, it was good and they have this free mini-bar (just soft drinks + beer). I would however consider, next time, a superior room which is supposed to be larger than the standard room that I took.

There is Hotel Crystal Place (I hear very little about this hotel here though.) also in the area. We took that hotel 2 winter ago for the location + a great internet rate and liked it quite. The room was large with a floor-to-ceiling large window. We would have taken Crystal Palace again last winter instead of AC D.if the rate had not increased much. If it matters to you, Crystal doesn't have a Swimming pool that all your 4 have. AC D's is on the near top floor, with a small workout room. The pool is a tiny one too so you don't really swim in there but it would be nice to chill off in on a hot summer day.

Am also looking for hotels in Barcelona. Has anyone stayed in the following hotels?

1. Cortes Hotel
2. Aparthotel Gutenberg
3. Moderno Hotel
4. Rialto Hotel

Would like to know how accessible they are to Placa de Catalunya and their "conditions". Thanks.

I heard some negative things about the Cristal Palace (small rooms, unfriendly staff, etc.)

I am leaning toward the Condes de Barcelona or AC Diplomatic. Anyone else have any personal experience with these hotels?

Many thanks

i try to stay at AC hotels in spain when i am on the road. i like the rich,minimalist clean look .. but i have not stayed at the ac d.in barcelona.
i assume it is great on the inside.. and the location is very good. busy area, but not with what you find on las ramblas.