where to stay in Barcelona
 

I am going to Barcelona in July of this year and need advise about where are the most central, yet SAFEST areas to stay in the city. We will be in a hotel - any recommendations? <BR>Also I have heard that pickpocketing is a big problem in Barcelona. Is this true? <BR>Any advise gladly received

Hi, <BR> <BR>I stayed at Los Condes de Barcelona when I was there in 1996. It is a well regarded hotel in a very central location. The hotel is right on El Paseo de Gracia, which is like the 5th Avenue in New York, but prettier. There are various building in the immediate vicinity designed by Antonio Gaudi. Very different from anything you will ever see. The metro is half a block from the hotel. The rooms are very nice (more on the modern side), and the breakfast was terrific. As far as the pickpockets go, I personally did not experience any problems, but there I've heard stories about that. I simply would suggest you stay away from La Rambla, especially towards the area around Columbus statue late at night.

Hotel Colon (7 Avenida Cathedral) is wonderful, right on the square across from the cathedral and a 5 minute walk to Las Ramblas. Runs about USD160/night if I recall. (Fodor's web site has description and contact info). The only time this hotel can be problematic is when there's a holiday and events are being held in the cathedral square -- you won't be able to sleep. So, ask the hotel or check a Barcelona calendar.

A hotel recommendation is difficult as this depends on your budget/requirements. <BR> <BR>In terms of pickpockets/safety, I ahve been in Barca 3 times for a total of 9 days 7 had no trouble at all. However, it does have a reputation, and I know from other chat rooms that some people have been robbed. This normally seems to be as a result of tricksters trying to distract people by pointing out "false" bird droppings on your shoulder or just distracting you whilst an accomplice steals you bag/pick pockets you. <BR> <BR>The best tatic is to ignore anyone trying to "help" you and continue on your way. otherwise, reamin confident and take normal big city precautions and you will be ok. <BR> <BR>Do not let people put you off - Barca is one of the best cities in Europe! <BR> <BR>Richard <BR> <BR>

One member of our travelling party had a problem with pockpockets in the subway tunnels. Was standing on an escalator, was bumped from behind and noticed someone with a hand in his pocket. I have heard of similar stories from others -- one person distracts, the other tries to grab a wallet or purse. So, do look out in subway stations in particular.

Hi Helen. Almost anywhere near the Placa de Catalunya is both central and safe. The Eixample is very safe, but since you're a bit further from the Barri Gotic, I wouldn't exactly call it "central." Personally, I feel the Barri Gotic (especially the part east of La Rambla) is very safe as well, though I suppose others may disagree. Two hotels mentioned a lot here are the Hotel Colon (in the Barri Gotic, across from the Cathedral) and the Meson Castilla (in the Barri Gotic, about two blocks west of La Rambla, and close to the Placa de Catalunya.) We stayed at the Hotel Gran Via (on the street of the same name) last March, and loved it. Another hotel I saw which looked very nice was the Nouvel Hotel in the Barri Gotic, about a block east of La Rambla and, again, very close to the Placa de Catalunya. <BR> <BR>Pickpockets may put their hands into your pockets but, if you have nothing in them because your cash, etc. is in a moneybelt, then they won't have anything to pick. We read plenty of warnings before going to Barcelona last March, but wore moneybelts, used common sense, and had no problems whatsoever. <BR> <BR>Have a great time; Barcelona is wonderful!

Last week we stayed at the Ritz near Place de Catalunya. The neighborhood is very nice and near the Gothic Quarter. I was worried about pickpocketing too. I even bough a money belt to wear under my pants at the airport. We had no problems at all. Just be alert. The Gothic Quarter is amazing; don't miss it. Beware of the women selling carnations, however. According to some store owners in the area, they are pick pockets. Email me if you have any other questions. I'll try to answer them.

Li: <BR>Thanks for your post. I may be going to Barcelona within the next 2-3 weeks. I ahve asked my travel agent to check out a few hotels: the Ritz, Claris, Majestic, Duc de Bergara, Condes de barcelona (have decided against the "Arts" because of distance fromt the city). <BR> <BR>What were your impressions of the Ritz - it may be way outside my budget but would like to know if it would be worthwhile paying the extra? <BR> <BR>Many thanks ... Ger

I stayed at the Duques de Bergara a couple of years ago and enjoyed it very much. It's a good hotel with an excellent location - about 50 meters from the plaza de catalunia. It's also very quiet.

I stayed at the majestic on the passeig de Gracia in December and thought it was a terrific location as far as safety was concerned. The hotel accomodations were great. Big bathrooms, very pleasant rooms. I thought it was very convenient and if you are interested in architecture, Gaudi, design the location is perfect. I walked all over and took the metro which was very clean and safe. Plus, cabs are very cheap. The Ramblas area would not be my choice to stay in. If you have more questions please feel free to e-mail me. the Condes de Barcelona in another post seems similiar to The majestic and is just a couple blocks further away then The Majestic.the street is similiar to a Madison Avenue situation like in NYC but much prettier and more interesting with cafes, tapas bars, and upscale stores. Barcelona is great! s

Dear Ger, <BR> <BR>The Ritz was nice but there were a few disappointments: our room was not ready when we arrived; we had to ask three times to have them change the two tiwn beds into a king bed (It was very comfortable, however, when it was done.); and we were on a smoking floor (I did not specify) and on night five of seven when I called to see if we could change rooms the receptionist never called me back. Our room rate was 49,500 (For double occupancy and this included buffet breakfast in Restaurant Diana, which was very nice.) The location is execllent and the concierge was helpful.

Thanks for your response Li. <BR> <BR>I had my travel agent check out hotels listed on this board (Claris, Ducs, Conde, Ritz, Arts). All but the Ritz were booked for the weekend of May 5th except the Ritz who wanted about 90,000 pst for a room! Yikes!!! I'll try again on my next visit. <BR> <BR>Luckily, Maribel (once again in debt to you) had recommended the NH Calderon which was available for about 30,000 pst. I checked the web-site - it is well located, large rooms, Scandanavian decor, pool on the rooftop with fab views of Barcelona - and I stayed in one of their hotels in Madrid and found it very comfortable particularly for a business traveller. <BR> <BR>Perhaps those travelling to barcelona in Spring should consider booking hotels way ahead? Any advice? <BR> <BR>Once again, I appreciate your feedback. <BR> <BR>Regards ... Ger <BR> <BR>

was in Barcelona 3 weeks ago and its well worth the visit. I didnt stay in a hotel being a poor student(stayed in what i believe is the best hostel-Kabul off las ramblas). Anyway, i had my bag stolen/pickpocketed. Be warned the police arent sympathetic as it happens so often. However, all you need to do is always keep an eye on your bags etc. pickpocketing is a problem but only if you're carless-like i was!! <BR>oh and i would recommend visiting Park Guell-its brilliant with some interesting work by Gaudi!!! <BR>Have fun!!

Helen, <BR> <BR>I visited Barcelona in 1997. We stayed at the NH Podium. It is considered central and was very nice. It is a modern hotel with really nice rooms. Large rooms and all marble bathrooms. They advertise rates between 18,000 and 30,000 pst per night. We really liked it and would definitely stay there again. Here is a site for you to look at: http://bestlodging.com/sites/5621/index.shtml <BR>The address is Bailen 4-6, Barcelona 08010. The phone: 93-265-0202.

Check out Barcelona-online.com. They list several apartments available for short-term stays. I stayed in one for three days 2 weeks ago. It had two bedrooms, fully-equiped kitchen, washing machine and more; the rate for 4 people was 27,000 a night. The apartment is called Bailen Apartment, and Sylvia Martino, the owner, was great.

hi helen, <BR> <BR>try nethotels barcelona. they have nearly 150 hotels for online bookings, or for personal assistance, you can use their local call center in barcelona. <BR>barcelona.nethotels.com/english <BR> <BR>hope it helps <BR> <BR>nudge.