Madrid, Barcelona, Normandy Accomodation Tips
 

My husband and I will be traveling to Europe in a few weeks, it will be our 19th trip in 20 years but our first to cities mentioned. We usually try to stay in budget priced accommodations but we also look for places with charm which sometimes out weighs the cost factor. Any suggestions on accomodations and interesting things to do. Also, any good wine tips? Thanks!

BARCELONA--cab from airprt to city-- cost? convenience -help with luggage?
next pm to cruise port--distance -best transportation --cost? will have time from am to 3pm--what to do?--tours?--thanks-mel

I visited Barcelona for three days this June with a group from the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, and fell in love with the city. The travel agent had arranged rooms for us in the Hotel Comtes de Barcelona, on the Paseig de Gracia, around 2 km (?) south of the Sagrada Familia (sp???) cathedral, (we could see it from our window) and one block away from several spectacular Gaudi buildings. This was a wonderful part of the city to stay in-close to everything, with a taxi stand in front. Taxis were REASONABLE, everywhere, and friendly, and I'd recommend them highly. I'd recommend the hotel without question. The staff was friendly, spoke English competently, and the hotel breakfast buffet is superb (though a little pricey...) There are many cafe's around for a light breakfast without breaking the budget. If you have a limited time in Barcelona, I think I'd take a stroll up and down Las Ramblas, visit the Picasso Museum, and of course, the Sagrada Familia cathedral in progress, and see as much Gaudi architecture as you can. enjoy!

Quiet and friendly hostal located in the heart of Madrid http://www.hotelsearch.com/madrid/dulcinea/
Also apartments http://simarro.net/apartahotel/Apart...sDulcinea.html

oops - misspelled the hotel name in barcelona - it's the Hotel Condes de Barcelona, not "Comtes..."
sorry!

My husband and I have been to normandy a number of times and two nice places we have stayed are the Novatel and Lion d' or both are in Bayeux. You will definetly need a car if you are planning to go to the Landing Beaches, ST.LO and CAEN. The driving is very easy and the people in Normandy very friendly. Email me if I can be of any further help. Enjoy.