Barcelona Hotel Reviews/Questions (all in one post):

[OurDogCisco]

I'll got first. We are planning on staying at the Renaissance Barcelona at the airport. Questions I have are:

How close is it to the subway?

How did the free airport shuttle work?

Did you like the place?

Was it easy to arrange for a taxi to take you to the port?

Thanks,
Tina

 

[sharolyn]

The free shuttle was great. The bus stop for the bus that goes downtown and is about 2 euros rt is literally across the street. The hotel shuttle actually took us to the port the next day, but I do not think this is the norm. We had to use the hotel bus, and three taxi's to get our whole crew to the port!!! The taxi's are plentiful, no problem getting one and it was about 20 euros to the port from the hotel. The hotel was really nice and worked with us. If you wanted to take trains or subways, you have the free shuttle to and from the airport and the train and subways go to the airport. Anyway, the hotel was nice, the beds were wonderful, we all commented on how great our backs felt the next day, and we were surprised because the beds were so stiff.

 

[OurDogCisco]

The free shuttle was great. The bus stop for the bus that goes downtown and is about 2 euros rt is literally across the street. The hotel shuttle actually took us to the port the next day, but I do not think this is the norm. We had to use the hotel bus, and three taxi's to get our whole crew to the port!!! The taxi's are plentiful, no problem getting one and it was about 20 euros to the port from the hotel. The hotel was really nice and worked with us. If you wanted to take trains or subways, you have the free shuttle to and from the airport and the train and subways go to the airport. Anyway, the hotel was nice, the beds were wonderful, we all commented on how great our backs felt the next day, and we were surprised because the beds were so stiff.

Thank you for your review!

 

[nordkin]

We are staying at the Grand Marina and I have heard breakfast was included. Can anyone do a review of the hotel and let me know about breakfast?

 

[Hygiene99]

We are staying at the Grand Marina and I have heard breakfast was included. Can anyone do a review of the hotel and let me know about breakfast?

Did not stay but we say it!!!!

Good Choice!!!!


dont know about Breakfast...

Peter

 

[nordkin]

Did not stay but we say it!!!!

Good Choice!!!!


dont know about Breakfast...

Peter

Thank you Peter.

 

[Valencia Joe]

How about the Hilton Diagonal Mar? I got a great rate calling them directly for a family of four prior to and after the July 28 cruise. If I were to have used Disney to book this particular hotel, it would have cost a bundle.

 

[scrapycruiser]

How about the Hilton Diagonal Mar? I got a great rate calling them directly for a family of four prior to and after the July 28 cruise. If I were to have used Disney to book this particular hotel, it would have cost a bundle.

We will be staying here prior to our Aug 8 cruise. We booked it on our own and also got a good rate. We did purchase transfers through Disney .Will we be able to check in for the cruise at the hotel like those on the Disney pkg ?

 

[hawaiian mickey]

Aloha,
Lucky you I tried getting transfers from the hotel to the port. They told me I couldn't do it because I made my own res and did not make it thru DCL. I'm staying at a prefered DCL Hotel. We are staying at the Atenea Mar an got a better rate on our own. That said it might be cheaper for us to get a taxi since it's really close to the port.
Our time is coming up veeeerrrry fast.

mahalo,
hawaiian mickey

 

[scrapycruiser]

Aloha,
Lucky you I tried getting transfers from the hotel to the port. They told me I couldn't do it because I made my own res and did not make it thru DCL. I'm staying at a prefered DCL Hotel. We are staying at the Atenea Mar an got a better rate on our own. That said it might be cheaper for us to get a taxi since it's really close to the port.
Our time is coming up veeeerrrry fast.

mahalo,
hawaiian mickey

You're probably better off taking a taxi, the transfers were over-priced.And you'll probably beat the crowds ! Have a wonderful cruise and Med experience !! GINA

 

[Schiffy]

We are staying at the Grand Marina and I have heard breakfast was included. Can anyone do a review of the hotel and let me know about breakfast?

We did not get breakfast, but booked ourself and not through Disney. It a vary nice place, but not as nice as the Hotel Arts.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

How about the Hilton Diagonal Mar? I got a great rate calling them directly for a family of four prior to and after the July 28 cruise. If I were to have used Disney to book this particular hotel, it would have cost a bundle.

Come and join us on the July 28th tread, and meet the rest of the Dissers on that cruise!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=19364614#post19364614

 

[Valencia Joe]

Aloha,
Lucky you I tried getting transfers from the hotel to the port. They told me I couldn't do it because I made my own res and did not make it thru DCL. I'm staying at a prefered DCL Hotel. We are staying at the Atenea Mar an got a better rate on our own. That said it might be cheaper for us to get a taxi since it's really close to the port.
Our time is coming up veeeerrrry fast.

mahalo,
hawaiian mickey

How did that happen to you? I had no problem whatsoever getting the transfers from the hotel to port via Disney with no problem. I made the reservations on my own when I realized the over-inflated prices Disney was offering in their selected hotels in Barcelona. After making my initial transport reservation, Disney even offered to provide transport from the airport to the hotel the day that we arrive in Barcelona. The one thing that I may add is the transport from the port to the hotel the day that we arrive back.

 

[baileysgm]

We are staying at the Grand Marina and I have heard breakfast was included. Can anyone do a review of the hotel and let me know about breakfast?

We stayed at the Grand Marina pre and post cruise and booked both stays ourself but at different websites. Breakfast was included on the pre night but not the post night that I booked through hotels.com and Delta. The breakfast had everything imaginable...very elegant and included champagne. We ate on the patio with the orange and lemon trees. After breakfast we walked up to the rooftop pool where they were putting out a wide variety of fresh fruit and assorted waters and soft drinks.As an added bonus to get us in the mood for the cruise, we could see the Magic in port

 

[Vailcruiser]

The free shuttle was great. The bus stop for the bus that goes downtown and is about 2 euros rt is literally across the street. The hotel shuttle actually took us to the port the next day, but I do not think this is the norm. We had to use the hotel bus, and three taxi's to get our whole crew to the port!!! The taxi's are plentiful, no problem getting one and it was about 20 euros to the port from the hotel. The hotel was really nice and worked with us. If you wanted to take trains or subways, you have the free shuttle to and from the airport and the train and subways go to the airport. Anyway, the hotel was nice, the beds were wonderful, we all commented on how great our backs felt the next day, and we were surprised because the beds were so stiff.

Thanks for the review. This is where we are staying in August on either side of the cruise. Any suggestions for dinner in the area or sightseeing? Did you have a daybed brought in for the children?

Thanks so much,
Jocelyne

 

[bmr12]

I'll got first. We are planning on staying at the Renaissance Barcelona at the airport. Questions I have are:

How close is it to the subway?

The subway stop is back at the airport. Catch the shuttle back to the airport and ask the driver to drop you at the train station instead of the terminal.

How did the free airport shuttle work?

It was ok, but hard to find. Look for the "Sixt rental car" shuttles--they have a sign on them that says "Renaissance" or some such.

Did you like the place?

See my review below.

Was it easy to arrange for a taxi to take you to the port?

We used Angie's Taxi. They were in the lobby early (before we got down there) and gave us a quick tour on the way to the ship. Lots of shuttles and taxis available, however.

Review:

My family and I spent two nights this month at the BCN Renaissance Airport hotel. In general, I would say that I was less than pleased with the experience. My family and I paid extra to stay in the "Elite Zone" area of the hotel.

The positives from the trip were:

• Staff in the lounge area was very friendly
• Pool area was nice if a little cold (and we never did figure out how to turn on the fountains)
• Room was nice, modern, and up-to-date.
  

The negatives were:

• The first night we had *five* false fire alarms. The next morning, the staff acted like this problem had happened before. No apology or compensation was offered.
• There was no separate check-in area for Elite Zone customers. It took 30 minutes to check into the hotel with only about 7 guests in front of me in line. Not a fun thing after an overseas flight.
• My request (including an advance phone call) for a rollaway bed or room to accommodate three people was completely disregarded.
• The Elite Zone lounge frequently ran out of supplies in both the morning and evening; it seemed understaffed and particularly undersupplied.
• The hotel advertises a shuttle bus to downtown, but it only runs twice each morning and twice each evening. When we arrived five minutes prior to the morning departure, we were told "the bus is full" and basically to come back in an hour to try again (not really an option for my family as we had tour tickets). Nobody seemed to care. Other shuttle busses sat in the parking area, idle.
• The airport shuttle bus runs more regularly, but is disguised as a "Sixt Rental Car" Bus with a little sign on it that says "Renaissance Hotel Barcelona" taped to the side.

In general, for the money, I wish I'd tried someplace different.

 

[UMTerp]

Anyone stay at the Hispanos 7 suiza apartments yet? I would love to hear your first-hand account! How did you get from the airport to the apartments? How much did it cost for your party? How did you get to the port?

TIA!

UMTerp

 

[silver7]

We stayed at the Casa Camper--loved it. You might have them arrange for a taxi to take you to the hotel because some taxi drivers don't know where it is.

Free breakfast and snacks all day long--rated #1 hotel in Barcelona on trip advisor.

Very close to Las Rambles.

Only 25 rooms so it may not be available when you email.

 

[Ipaythemouse]

Anyone stay at the Hispanos 7 suiza apartments yet? I would love to hear your first-hand account! How did you get from the airport to the apartments? How much did it cost for your party? How did you get to the port?

TIA!

UMTerp

We stayed at the Hispanos 7 Suiza from 6/25 - 6/27 pre cruise. The hotel was terrific. Four of us and 5 suite cases plus back packs took one taxi from the airport to the hotel. I took a printed out card with the hotel address and gave it to the taxi driver, it cost 27 euros. That is the ride and luggage fees plus a tip.
The hotel staff spoke english and where really helpful. A small supermarket is nearby as is an internet cafe and many resturants (Spanish and Ameican). The Tourist bus stop is across the street from the church and we paid to ride and see the city.
The rooms are very clean and comfortable. I booked our room on booking.com and paid 235 euros a nite and receive free breakfast. They charge 9 euros per person for breakfast, and it is ok, but not worth paying 9 euros each.
One 6/27 (cruise day) I asked the front desk to call a taxi, I asked for a minivan. A mini van taxi arrived in about 5 minutes. The taxi ride to the pier is about 22 euros.
We had a great time in Barcelona and at this Hotel.

 

[PrincessJasmine08]

Anyone stay at the Hispanos 7 suiza apartments yet? I would love to hear your first-hand account! How did you get from the airport to the apartments? How much did it cost for your party? How did you get to the port?

TIA!

UMTerp

We also stayed at the Hispanos 7 Suiza and loved it. There are lots of pictures of it in day 2 of my trip report. It was very nice and clean and the staff were friendly and helpful. We used the hotel's transportation (100 euros)for the 5 of us to get from the airport to the hotel and then we took cabs to the port. The ride to the port was maybe around 20 euros for each cab. We did include the breakfast in our stay and although we didn't think it was great it seemed like an easy option rather than wandering through Barcelona looking for food. It's very convenient to the Sagrada Familia stop for the Bus Turistic.