Hello All:<BR><BR>I am going to Barcelona in September and<BR>I have read many postings. I am looking for <BR>a good hotel in the Cental Location not far<BR>from the Ramblas and hopfully including<BR>breakfast. Please rate the following:<BR>Hotel Colon,Hotel Rialto,Hotel Gran Via, Hotel Avenida Palace and Hotel Gaudi and any<BR>others that any one knows of.<BR> Thanks in Advance. <BR> El<BR>

If you don't get direct replies (and your message header SHOULD get you replies from those who know), try one or more of the following:<BR><BR>Fodors Rants'n'Raves<BR>www.tripadvisor.com<BR><BR>or www.madridman.com (for all things Spain - - not just for Madrid).<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>[email protected]<BR>

Have not stayed at the others, but have stayed at the Avenida Palace 3 times - would give it an 8 out of 10.<BR>The only reason I wouldn't give it a 10 is that the rooms are on the small side. The breakfast buffet is hard to beat.

Stayed at the Hotel Colon. Would give the location a 10 out of 10. Great room, great restaurant, great outdoor cafe. Great rate. Highly recommend.

Hi Kappy. I value a good location, some character, and a good (i.e. $100 and under) price so, for me, the Hotel Gran Via was a 10. I don't know if they still do this, since we were there three years ago, but they had an extensive buffet breakfast served in a grand dining room. I think it was in addition to the room charge, but quite reasonable.<BR><BR>

<BR>Stayed at the Fira Palace. Excellent modern hotel with a very friendly english speaking staff.<BR>Walk to Ramblas.

Hello Everyone:<BR><BR>Thank you for all the great advise.<BR> Kappy

I stayed at the Colon three years ago and it was great in terms of location, service, size of room, etc.<BR><BR>M

Hi, Kappy,<BR><BR>Stayed at the Colon in 2001 and loved it: rooms, location across from the cathedral, 5 minute walk to Las Ramblas, ... Was around $160 a night back then. I think it pushes just over $200/night now. It has a sister property right around the corner, I believe, that is cheaper and gets good reviews as well (the Regencia Colon, I believe).<BR><BR>Happy travels.<BR><BR>John H.

Would try the Meridien. It's on the Ramblas and a nice hotel. Good deals in the week-end. Jan, Belgium.

Stayed in the Colon when last in Barcelona and the location cannot be beat...ASK FOR (if you do decide to stay there) a room which faces the cathedral and don't be chintzy...it is worth the money...the hotel is immaculate, rooms well-appointed, staff very helpful, Metro close by, etc. I wouldn't stay anywhere else because the view of the cathedral and the very active plaza in front of it are worth it.