Just back from Nice/Paris/Barcelona
 

Departed Chicago May 29, headed for Nice. Took public bus from airport to city center - next time would take a cab as the bus was hot, crowded so we had to stand and we didn't speak enough French to communicate with the bus driver so we were lucky to reach the proper destination. Stayed at Hotel Grimaldi. No complaints except that our room wasn't ready at check-in time, so the front desk clerk asked if he could get us a drink. We asked for water, of which he got us two glass bottles and we found out later we were charged 6 EURO for them. Used the tourist bus (17 EURO) to see the sights, staying on for two loops. Opted for an expensive minivan tour (96 EURO) to see Eze, Monaco, Cannes and St. Paul de Vence. I'd say it was worth the money as our guide was great and we saw a lot in one day.

Took EasyJet to Paris, arrived at CDG and walked ridiculous distances from plane to public transportation. Stayed at Abbatial St. Germain which I can't recommend - our room was just rundown and noisy and uncomfortable. Again took the tourist bus (25 EURO I think) and took each of the four routes, which took about 8 hours including a stop at Galleries Lafayette for lunch in their cafeteria. Left Paris via Orly, which is a much more manageable size.

Arrived in Barcelona to great weather but again wondered why we cram ourelves on a hot overcrowded public bus to get into town. Stayed at Hotel Montecarlo which was so great we didn't want to leave. It was our priciest hotel (about 180 EURO) but lovely in every way. Again took the tourist bus (20 EURO for a 2-day pass, including a good discount booklet) and saw Sagrada Familia this way. Also went to Picasso Museum and Aquarium, both worthwhile. Skip the mall near the aquarium and the cable car that goes from the beach to Montjuic.

Observations and advice: We were surprised by how many shops were closed on Sundays (about 90%) which was a bummer since we arrived on a Sunday and left on a Sunday. We called ahead one credit card to tell them that we'd be spending money in Europe. Didn't help - both credit cards denied all transactions about halfway through the trip until we called to see what was up. And we packed *super* light to meet those EasyJet carry-on restrictions, and only wish I had packed hair conditioner (no hotel had it) and hand wipes (to freshen up before meals).

Did you happen to look in on any other hotels in Barcelona - Hotel Arts, The Ritz or The Claris, perhaps?

I"d love to hear your opinions of them if you happened to experience them.

Actually I had to pick Hotel Montecarlo rather blindly. The best advice I had was from a friend who suggested we stay on or near La Rambla. Not knowing Barcelona at all, I took his advice and got really lucky with my selection. I used TripAdvisor.com to read user reviews and check rankings, then I confirmed on these boards.

Hi Riviera529, I have to put in a good word for the Abbatial St. Germain. I know what you may be referring to about your room. This is an old building, therefore, most rooms are small. However, if you reserve one of their larger rooms (triple), such as the ones on the 5th and 6th floors you will not be disappointed.
Because my family and I needed a triple room I was given a 5th floor room (I think it's #51 (?) but for sure it is the one pictured on their site). The room was not a very large room but it was large enough to fit a full bed plus a cot for my son. And there was space for a small desk and chair and a wardrobe, two end tables.
There were two large windows that had views of the tip of the Pantheon. The bath was small but very clean, modern, white marble, and had a tub plus wall shower, and a shower shield.
The walls are thin but it's like that in alot of hotels, even ones that are more expensive.
I saw another room next to ours and it was alot smaller but like I said for space you should ask for a triple room.
I noticed the Abbatial has increased their rates alot since we stayed there in 2002. Personally I would not go back there as I would like to try other hotels. But my family and I were satisfied with the room we had.

I forgot to address why the room may have been noisy. The hotel is on busy Blvd. St. Germain so if you're facing it on a lower floor then there may be a problem.

By the way, our room had a large window (frosted of course) so that when it's open you could see the tip of Notre Dame.

Thanks for the report. I'd be curious to know why your credit card issuer was denying charges, especially after you informed them you would be using it abroad.

In terms of taking those "crowded" busses...sometimes it takes a while to come to the realization that there are some aspects of travel that are not WORTH supposedly saving money on...I've done the same thing and now I'm always amused at people who think they are saving all this money and then suffering needlessly in the process.


Glad you had a good trip otherwise and thanks again for the report.

MK2: I believe you switched to the Arts, have faith you will be happy with the choice unless you can't live w/out "Old World Charm".

I have switched to the Arts, but am still not wholly convinced about it. Also, the other hotels all seem cheaper.

I think I will be sticking with it though, I can let you all know what I think about it upon my return, eagerly awaited news I'm sure!

Anxiously awaiting your critique.

Some specifics about Abbatial: There was a drawer missing from one of the nightstands, shreds of fabric hanging from a footstool, stains on the headboard and ceiling and we found a book of pornography atop the cupboard. Whenever we or another guest flushed or showered we heard the gush of water in the wall behind the headboard and we awoke one morning to a worker sawing in the hallway (this is the noise I initially referred to - the street noise wasn't a big problem). The bed and pillows were scratchy and lumpy. The bathroom had a sliding door that was hard to maneuver and wasn't designed to fully close. But the location was excellent and the desk staff was very helpful.

How depressing! I can't figure out if the problem was that you had champagne taste on a beer pocketbook or if you were forced to take this trip against your will.

It was $170 per night. I wouldn't call that a "beer pocketbook." I would just hope that any hotel I stay at would take a certain pride in what they sell. That pride was missing in our room so you couldn't even call it "old world charm."

Hi Riviera529,
Will be staying at Hotel MonteCarlo in BCN in 3 weeks! Just a quick question - how was this hotel? Was it scary being right on Las Ramblas? I heard the crime is rampid on that street - did you have any problems? I'm thinking of chaning hotels due to all the pickpockets on this street...pls help! Thanks!

ttt

In Nice, did you stay at the Hotel Le Grimaldi (with its beautiful facade) or the Mercure Grimaldi (in a bland 60s/70s box building)? I stayed at the Mercure Grimaldi, which was about 40 euros per night cheaper than Le Grimaldi down the street, but it wasn't nearly as stylin' as Le Grimaldi. What rate did you pay for Le Grimaldi (if that's where you stayed)?