Rae

I was considering the following hotels for 2 nights during my boyfriend's and my visit to Barcelona mid-Nov: Colon, Hotel Gran Via, Hotel Continental,Gaudi (though I hear it's in a scuzzy area); heck, I'd even splurge on the Ritz if it seemed worth it. Any thoughts on these or other hotels? I'm looking for something that's interesting, romantic & charming, centrally located (i'd thought we wanted to be near La Ramblas but after hearing comments on safety from other msg boards, should I rethink this?) your comments I'm not so sure), we don't want a big modern business hotel. Budget is not a big issue - i'd like to keep it < $100-140 or so per night.. I'd appreciate any comments you may have...Thanks!

michele

Rae,
I stayed at the Gran Via. It was clean, under $100 (about three years ago), good location; you can walk to the Ramblas and the Barrio, has a faded beauty sort of charm in its lobby and breakfast room, our room was basic modern dull. I only saw the lobby of the Colon, very grand and the Ritz, gorgeous. I would look at Karen Brown's website or book for ideas; she'e very reliable and specializes in hotels of charm. Also try a search on this forum . ( Good posts by Maribel, and others on Barcelona).
I'd avoid the Ramblas. It's noisy.
Michele

Kathleen

Hi Rae,

I stayed at the Continental last March and the only things that recommend it
are the location and the price.

If you're looking for charm, look elsewhere. I didn't hate it, but it
was the least pleasant hotel I stayed in
in two weeks in Spain. (The location,
at the top of the Ramblas, was great.)

Have a great trip.
Kathleen

ilisa

We stayed at Hotel Colon and loved it. It is located directly across from the Gothic Cathedral. Our room was a fifth floor room (all of those have balconies) facing away from the Cathedral (Cathedral view is more expensive). THe room was small, but so comfortable, and beautifully decorated. The balcony was huge and secluded, meaning we weren't staring at the neighbor's balcony with a lot of plants. Very relaxing. The staff of the hotel was very helpful. One of my fondest memories was walking out of the hotel around 5:30 or 6 pm on Sunday evening, and watching the locals dance the Sardana in the Gothic Quarter. How I wanted to join them.

A

I second Michele's opinions on the Gran Via and we stayed there last April. Good location at a decent price. It is close to Las Ramblas, but in a little quieter area. I felt quite safe there. Barcelona is a great city. Enjoy.

Lian

Haven't stayed there yet, but have reservations at Hotel Colon. A friend's brother who has lived in Barcelona all of his life says that the Colon is one of the, if not the, best hotels in the city. And the rate's only around $150/night.

Colleen

Don't rule out the Gaudi - I didn't stay there, but the area isn't scuzzy, and the lobby looked incredibly cool. The hotel is right across the street from Palau Guell, one of Gaudi's residential projects, and one that's open to tours (check out the roof!!). This is only about a block off La Ramblas and the street is a narrow one of small clothing & shoe stores, mostly. But not scary or nasty. A good location, I'd say, about 2/3 of the way down Las Ramblas, not far from the waterfront. We stayed at Meson Castilla, which is near the top of LR. Good location, lovely hotel (small rooms,good price, and a hearty buffet breakfast.

Lily B

Colleen,
does the Gaudi have a web site?

wein

i just came back fr barcelona.stayed at the ramblas citadines abt ESP20000.The rivoli ramblas hotel and le meridien are right on the ramblas and are great for your price range (US$150.try them!the ramblas is safe,no violent crime. but a few pickpockets like in any city.

Colleen

Sorry, Lily, I don't know if Hotel Gaudi has a website. Maybe Rae, the original poster, has some information. (I don't think I'd heard of it until I walked past it).

Rae

Here's a link that tells more and has pictures of the Gaudi hotel. It looks interesting, (read about it and Michelina and Gaudi) but have heard of any first hand accounts.

www.room-service.co.uk/SPAIN/hotels/gaudi.html

rae

oops - typo above. I read about the Gaudi in the Michelin Guide and also the CityPack guide.

Lisa

We were considering staying at either Hotel Meson Castilla, Hotel Montecarlos a/k/a Hotel Mercure Barcelona or Hotel Colon. Which hotel would you recommend? We don't want to spend more than $150 per night.

Lisa

lee

hi,

just returned from barcelona 2 days ago (nov 25 - dec 6)

i spent 11 nights at the Hotel Claris in the Eixample area (the "modern area" of town). Hotel Claris is a 5 star hotel. i liked the hotel a lot... great breakfast buffets and good service... although the outdoor pool on the roof is closed now... the hotel rate is a little more than your stated budget but worth looking into.

the hotel is in a great location for shopping... a short 10 minute walk to ramblas... the best part for me is that it is right near the Passeig de Gracia train station which is a central station for catching trains out of town to nearby towns (e.g. Sitges, Figueres, Girona etc).

About 2 blocks north is the Condes de Barcelona which also has a very good reputation... 4 stars.

regards,
Lee