Barcelona hotels pre-cruise

[nzdisneymom]

I know the pre-cruise hotel and air information won't be available for the 2013 Med cruises through DCL for a while, but I'm working on our budget and trying to figure out what we might do and where we might stay pre-cruise in Barcelona.

I was wondering what hotels DCL has used in the past for their pre-cruise hotels. We sailed in 2007 and booked with DCL but booked late and were put at the "overflow" hotel which was further away from where we would've liked to stay. I know they may not use the same hotels but we were trying to get an idea of where we might stay.

Or if you booked your pre-cruise hotel on your own, where did you stay? We are a family of four and we realize we'll likely have to have two rooms, but we have heard there are some that can accommodate four in a room. I'm working on compiling a list of possibilities so we'll be ready when it's time to decide if we want to book through DCL or on our own.

Thanks.

*** EDITING TO PUT THE LIST OF HOTELS THAT OTHER DISERS HAVE POSTED ABOUT HERE IN THE FRONT SO OTHERS MAY FIND IT EASIER ***
*** EDITTED ON 06-21-2012 TO INCLUDE DCL INFORMATION FOR SUMMER 2013 ***

Renaissance Barcelona (was AC Diplomatic (Marriott)) DCL IS USING THIS ONE. PARTY OF 4 IS $408/NIGHT (2 ROOMS)
Hilton Diagonal Mar DCL IS USING THIS ONE. PARTY OF 4 IS $416/NIGHT (2 ROOMS)

Hotel Diagonal
El Palace Hotel - this is the hotel ABD is using for pre-cruise stays
Hotel Rivoli Las Ramblas
Hotel Colon
Hotel Jazz
Le Meridien
Casp74 Apartments
W
Eurostars Grand Marina
TRYP Barcelona Aeropuerto (Wyndham)
Hispanos Suiza 7
Hotel Fira Palace
Novotel Barcelona City
Hotel Barcelona Catedral
APSIS Porta Marina
Hotel Continental

 

[PhilUK]

We've stayed at the Hotel Rivoli Las Ramblas

http://www.hotelrivoliramblas.com/en/

It's a nice Hotel at the top of las Ramblas. There's a stop for the Hop On Hop Off Tour Buses just across the road which is the easiest way to get around Barcelona in my opinion. Also just across the road is the Hard Rock Cafe if you're unsure of the local cuisine!

Phil

 

[kcashner]

Decide whether you want to stay near the airport or in town. Basically are you coming in a day early to be safe and get over your jet lag or are you coming several days early to see Barcelona?

We stayed at the Hesperia Tower near the airport--fanciest hotel I've ever been in for $75 per night. I later found a package that included 2 breakfasts for $79 but we already had the room only. I also stayed at another place that I'll need to look up the name...under $80. Both are on major transportation lines and offer some shuttle service to the airport and downtown.

There are LOTS of hotels in Barcelona. THey built up for the Olympics, and dont need that many now. Also, the hotels that Disney uses are cheaper if you book them on your own.

 

[braysmommy]

Last May post cruise we stayed at the AC Diplomatic which we booked on our own I think through hotels.com. Our room had a queen size bed and pull out couch for the 3 of us so they may allow 4.

 

[nzdisneymom]

Decide whether you want to stay near the airport or in town. Basically are you coming in a day early to be safe and get over your jet lag or are you coming several days early to see Barcelona?

Both -coming in early to get over jetlag AND to see Barcelona since when we were there before, we arrived the day before sailing - our flight was supposed to get in at 9 a.m. but didn't arrive until noon - it was after 3 p.m. before we were at the hotel and settled enough to go out which didn't leave us much time - we had planned to just spend the day on the HOHO bus - but instead of getting to see a lot that way, we rode for 2 hours (and nodded off during much of it) because it ended at 6 p.m. So this time we want to be in early enough to have the arrival day to rest (and maybe see some stuff) and then at least one full day for sight-seeing. We also will spend one night post-cruise in Barcelona because our targeted return flight is at 11 a.m. and while we were able to make it last time, I'd rather not have that rush this time. We thought we'd stay by the airport for our return stay if we don't book through DCL.

 

[mom_rules]

Does DCL offer transportation from and to BCN?

 

[kcashner]

Does DCL offer transportation from and to BCN?

In 2010 and 2011, DCL offered transfers for $30 from the airport (BCN) to the cruise terminal and from some hotels to the cruise terminal. There is supposedly some sort of public transportation from the Columbus statue to the terminal (a couple miles) but I don't know the details. We saw some people walking, but they are hardier than most Americans I know! It is a couple of miles from the start of the terminal to where the ship docked.

 

[DisneyOHFan]

Both -coming in early to get over jetlag AND to see Barcelona since when we were there before, we arrived the day before sailing - our flight was supposed to get in at 9 a.m. but didn't arrive until noon - it was after 3 p.m. before we were at the hotel and settled enough to go out which didn't leave us much time - we had planned to just spend the day on the HOHO bus - but instead of getting to see a lot that way, we rode for 2 hours (and nodded off during much of it) because it ended at 6 p.m. So this time we want to be in early enough to have the arrival day to rest (and maybe see some stuff) and then at least one full day for sight-seeing. We also will spend one night post-cruise in Barcelona because our targeted return flight is at 11 a.m. and while we were able to make it last time, I'd rather not have that rush this time. We thought we'd stay by the airport for our return stay if we don't book through DCL.

We are also coming in a day before and staying after (because of the flight times). We are avoiding the idea of having a great idea overshadowed by stress of making flights

 

[Contraflow]

Hotels rooms are smaller in Barcelona and throughout Europe than most people realize. Of course they seem like castles having spent a week or more on a ship. Rooms for four are very hard to come by.

You will spend less for an airport hotel, but it owuld be a shame to be in such an amazing city and not experience what Barcelona has to offer. If you are comfortable with public transport and buses, it is simple to get into the city center.

With that said, my family has stayed at AC Diplomat, Hotel Colon and Hotel Jazz. All three are fine choices and close to Las Ramblas.

There are other transfer options that you can look into as well. If you have the time and budget consider a pre AND post hotel stay. Then you are not rushing to catch a flight back to the US.

I wish you peace and blessings...NAMASTE!

 

[sabrecmc]

We stayed at Le Meridien, which was one of the DCL hotels, but we booked it on our own. It was cheaper to do the non-refundable advance rate and as DD was just 4, we didn't have to pay for her to be in the room. Great location! We stayed post-cruise at the Airport Marriott, which was just really convenient for an early morning flight.

I suggest a flamenco show while you are in town. That was a true highlight for us!

 

[tufbuf]

The hotels DCL used in 2010 were:

Le Meridien (where we stayed)
AC Diplomatic
Hilton Diagonal

IMO, it's great to stay right at downtown Barcelona since you can just step out of your hotel and see the sights. Le Meridien is a walk away from the port, the Barcelona cathedral and La Pedrera. The bus you take for the HOHO, is also a walk away. If you decide to take tours which will take you to Sitges or Montserrat, the offices are a walk away as well.

 

[kaseyC]

Casp 74, an apartment style hotel (similar to Marriott's Residence Inn) located in a residential neighborhood walking distance to Placa Catalunya, La Ramblas and metro stations. There are also some fabulous, off the tourist track, neighborhood restaurants. We are a family of 5 and we were in a 2 bedroom 3 bath unit last summer and it was perfect for our needs.

http://www.apartmentscasp74.com/apartaments.php?idm=3

 

[WVURunner]

We stayed at the W. http://www.w-barcelona.com/ It is about 30 mins away from the airport and close to the cruise terminal. We could have walked but chose to take a taxi with all our luggue. It was right on the beach and boardwalk with lots of restaurants within walking distance. The hotel rooms were huge and extremely nice and modern. We were a party of 8 (6 adults and two kids, ages 3 and 6 at the time). Four adults fit comfortably in the hotel room with a seperated bathroom. Our room overlooked the port and we saw the ship come in in the early morning and could see it while getting ready.

We arrived at the hotel about 3pm the day before the sailing and walked on the boardwalk and went for dinner and then crashed.

While I was travelling with two every well behaved kids, I would have to say, it was not a very kid friendly hotel.

I would highly recommend it to people travelling without kids or older kids.

 

[luke]

We stayed at the Eurostars Grand Marina at the World Trade Centre, bottom end of the ramblas and close enough to the port to be able to see the ship. Really recommend it.

We stayed at the Ohla hotel post cruise which is closer to the Plaça Catalunya which was nice, but more expensive and I think I preferred the Eurostars

 

[nzdisneymom]

We stayed at the W. http://www.w-barcelona.com/ ... While I was travelling with two every well behaved kids, I would have to say, it was not a very kid friendly hotel.

I would highly recommend it to people travelling without kids or older kids.

Was it possible to walk from the W to the cruise terminal? Our kids are teenagers (will be turning 17 on the trip and 15).

 

[sayhello]

I stayed at the Hotel Grand Marina Barcelona. BEAUTIFUL hotel right on the water. I got a *great* pre-paid rate on travelzoo. Large, modern rooms. Marble everywhere, floor-to-ceiling wall of windows, comfortable bed. Much larger rooms than is the norm for Europe. (Heck, larger than a lot of rooms I've stayed in here in the US). I don't know if they have rooms that would accommodate 4 or not, but it's worth checking into. Easy walking distance to the Columbus statue and Las Ramblas, Hop On/Hop Off bus stop nearby.

http://www.grandmarinahotel.com/es/hotel.html

In 2010 and 2011, DCL offered transfers for $30 from the airport (BCN) to the cruise terminal and from some hotels to the cruise terminal. There is supposedly some sort of public transportation from the Columbus statue to the terminal (a couple miles) but I don't know the details. We saw some people walking, but they are hardier than most Americans I know! It is a couple of miles from the start of the terminal to where the ship docked.

The public transport is "The Blue Bus", which you catch *near* the Columbus statue (not at!) But the day I went, there were 3 ships in port, and one bus running, and it took an hour and a half to get on the bus. If you're in a hurry to get to the ship, I'd recommend not relying on the Blue Bus.

And I totally would recommend against walking it, as you have to go up & over that bridge to get to the port. Not for most people, especially if toting luggage!

Sayhello

 

[MagicFan75]

Last May post cruise we stayed at the AC Diplomatic which we booked on our own I think through hotels.com. Our room had a queen size bed and pull out couch for the 3 of us so they may allow 4.

We also stayed in the AC Diplomatic in September 2010 for two nights. It is now a Marriott hotel (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bcndm-diplomatic-hotel-barcelona/). Our family has two adults and two children and we fit into the room comfortably. I remember it being an issue to find rooms big enough for all four of us. This hotel was very clean, comfortable, and it was one of the "Disney" hotels associated with the cruise. Disney had a check in desk in the hotel lobby the day before the cruise and also offered transfers (bus transportation) to the port.

We initially had booked through Disney, but wound up cancelling the hotel through them and rebooking on our own and saved some $$. The hotel is still rather pricey, but it was really nice. We walked around the neighborhood, to parks, and took the open top tour bus during our 1.5 days in Barcelona. It is an absolutely beautiful city!

 

[abayaflowers]

We booked an Executive Room for 4 and it was huge. I believe it was approximately 1000 sq. ft. in a quiet part of the neighborhood. We were a block away from the Magic Fountain.

In 2010, it cost $150 US. The beds were huge. I couldn't believe that a family of 5 couldn't fit in there.

The Taxi cost a lot. Remember the taxis were small. We took 2 big and 3 small luggages and it was a squeeze.

We took a taxi from the airport and the taxi driver was so nice.

Then, we immediately went to the Chocolate Factory where many disboard meet for the Aug 2010 12-night cruise signed their children for the "making chocolate". That was a great activity to keep the kids awake.

My DH and my friend's DH went off to view the beautiful Picasso paintings. It was great.

After the Chocolate Factory, we took the hop-on-hop-off bus to see several sights. Around 3 p.m, we went back to the Hotel and slept until 7:30 p.m. It was so exhausting.

Then, we walk several doors down to eat at the restaurant Golfo diNapoli. Great little restaurant.

After dinner, we just walked down the street to the Magic Fountain. Whew! We were exhausted and slept.

 

[chris44]

The three of us stayed at Hotel Jazz in a room designed for three people - called a "Triple Jazz" (two twin beds and a fold-out couch). The room was a large corner room with separate sitting area, and the location is right near Placa Catalunya and Las Ramblas.

We loved it, but the price was not cheap. We booked it on our own, and even with the 15% discount for early booking, it was still about $560 for two nights (including tax). You can find review of this hotel on these boards and on tripadvisor. Good luck, and enjoy Barcelona! It's amazing!

 

[carpenta]

Was it possible to walk from the W to the cruise terminal? Our kids are teenagers (will be turning 17 on the trip and 15).

It would be quite a walk...I would say 4 to 5 miles. The W is on a small peninsula on the beach overlooking the Med. You probably see the ship but you follow the bay in and out of the canals and buildings as well as over a couple bridges. And to pull your luggage...quite an endevour...ask the concierge how much a cab would cost..I would say 8 to 10 euro if that.