Barcelona, Spain Hotels...Any Suggestions?

Firstly, thanks for all who are posting their experiences on this thread. It is truly a Godsend!

Secondly, my head is swirling w/ info. I was pretty much set on Hotel 1898, but I'm concerned that the area may not be the safest???

Has anyone stayed here or the Meridien (which is right across the street)? 1898 is supposed to be a 5* resort, but some of the reviews I've read on other websites have got me a bit nervous. Basically, I don't mind paying a large amount of money, as long as I get a clean, safe hotel.

What reviews have you been reading that have made you nervous about Hotel 1898? It has consistently been in the top 10 of Barcelona hotels on trip advisor since it opened in late 2005. We have stayed there twice and have absolutely loved it and especially the central location. It's a gorgeous, contemporary hotel with a rooftop pool and lounging area with some of the best views in Barcelona. The service is wonderful.

The Le Meridian is right next door, across a narrow street from 1898. So, if you are worried about the area not being safe, the same could be said for the Le Meridian.

Take a look at trip advisor, they have some of the most recent reviews.
 
My DH and I stayed at Le Meridian about 5 years ago when I was in BCN for a business trip. We were not impressed, however the location is good and I think they may have done some renovations since then.
 
Firstly, thanks for all who are posting their experiences on this thread. It is truly a Godsend!

Secondly, my head is swirling w/ info. I was pretty much set on Hotel 1898, but I'm concerned that the area may not be the safest???

Has anyone stayed here or the Meridien (which is right across the street)? 1898 is supposed to be a 5* resort, but some of the reviews I've read on other websites have got me a bit nervous. Basically, I don't mind paying a large amount of money, as long as I get a clean, safe hotel.

I also don't get where you got this idea about the Hotel 1989 being a question. I am starting a website for my cruise & I am putting together a page for hotels in Barcelona. I have 3 tour books on Barcelona that I am referencing as well as sites like Trip Advisor. Although it is beyond my budget, Hotel 1898 is one of the few hotels that is a recommended bet in all 3 guide books. (The books are by Fodor's, Frommer's and Eyewitness Travel.)

Another hotel that is highly recommended by Conde Nast Traveller and all 3 of my guide books (and which is a lot more moderately priced property) is the Hotel Banys Orientals - although it is said to be on a busy street it is referred to as "a gem". While it is still on my short list so far it does not have a pool. We will likely be spending at least 3 nights in Barcelona after our cruise so I think DS would be disappointed if we did not select a place with that option.:rolleyes: Gotta keep the kiddos happy too. http://www.hotelbanysorientals.com/en/index.html

Another moderately priced property that I've seen mention of here on the DIS and which on first glance looks good is a new hotel opening just this month...Hotel Novotel which is on Avendida Diagonal, near Plaza Glories. Kids 16 and under are free and get breakfast included. It is very reasonably priced and will have a rooftop pool and considering the price + kid-friendly attitude it is also on the top of my short list. http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-5560-novotel-barcelona-city-opening-29th-march-2010/index.shtml :thumbsup2

But anyway, if Hotel 1898 were within in my budget I'd definitely give it a try without a second thought.:thumbsup2
 
I also don't get where you got this idea about the Hotel 1989 being a question. I am starting a website for my cruise & I am putting together a page for hotels in Barcelona. I have 3 tour books on Barcelona that I am referencing as well as sites like Trip Advisor. Although it is beyond my budget, Hotel 1898 is one of the few hotels that is a recommended bet in all 3 guide books. (The books are by Fodor's, Frommer's and Eyewitness Travel.)

Another hotel that is highly recommended by Conde Nast Traveller and all 3 of my guide books (and which is a lot more moderately priced property) is the Hotel Banys Orientals - although it is said to be on a busy street it is referred to as "a gem". While it is still on my short list so far it does not have a pool. We will likely be spending at least 3 nights in Barcelona after our cruise so I think DS would be disappointed if we did not select a place with that option.:rolleyes: Gotta keep the kiddos happy too.

http://www.hotelbanysorientals.com/en/index.html


Another moderately priced property that I've seen mention of here on the DIS and which on first glance looks good is a new hotel opening just this month...Hotel Novotel which is on Avendida Diagonal, near Plaza Glories. Kids 16 and under are free and get breakfast included. It is very reasonably priced and will have a rooftop pool and considering the price + kid-friendly attitude it is also on the top of my short list. http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-5560-novotel-barcelona-city-opening-29th-march-2010/index.shtml :thumbsup2

But anyway, if Hotel 1898 were within in my budget I'd definitely give it a try without a second thought.:thumbsup2


I was not referring to the hotel, but the area of Las Ramblas. I've heard it's very "pick pockety" but, then again, I'm sure any part of the city will have this. I was just starting to do research at the point when I made my post. I guess I was just making sure it wasn't a bad area of the city.
 

I was not referring to the hotel, but the area of Las Ramblas. I've heard it's very "pick pockety" but, then again, I'm sure any part of the city will have this. I was just starting to do research at the point when I made my post. I guess I was just making sure it wasn't a bad area of the city.

Sorry, my point that I was trying to get across about the Hotel 1898 was that I highly doubt that every travel website & tour guide book would consistently recommend a property that was in a bad neighborhood and not SAY it's in a bad neighborhood. I think the location would be a consideration in the high recommendations. JMO.:confused3

And FWIW I think that all major touristy cities like Barcelona, Rome, Paris, NY etc. can offer a healthy livelihood for pick pockets. It is probably important to try to not stand out as someone who's taking their first trip off the farm for the first time in their lives. Be sensible and don't overload yourself with expensive jewelry and wear a bag that's over your shoulder and worn within sight so it's not on your back or prone to snatching. Don't take a lot of cash & valuables out with you to start with and maybe carry no bag and wear a money belt if you're concerned.
 
I was re-checking rates for our BCN hotels yesterday and found that for our dates in May, both the Le Meridien and the Renaissance Airport Hotel had rate drops (by 20-30 euros). Since I'd booked something that could be changed/canceled, I was able to cancel and re-book online. Those of you with April/May cruise dates may want to double check your hotel rates!
 
Thanks for posting this thread. We have just decided to do the Med Cruise in June of 2011. I haven't read the whole thread yet but I will be.

Is there a tip thread started for Med cruises?
 
I also don't get where you got this idea about the Hotel 1989 being a question. I am starting a website for my cruise & I am putting together a page for hotels in Barcelona. I have 3 tour books on Barcelona that I am referencing as well as sites like Trip Advisor. Although it is beyond my budget, Hotel 1898 is one of the few hotels that is a recommended bet in all 3 guide books. (The books are by Fodor's, Frommer's and Eyewitness Travel.)

But anyway, if Hotel 1898 were within in my budget I'd definitely give it a try without a second thought.:thumbsup2

Anal Annie, the group that owns Hotel 1898 have quite few different properties through out Barcelona in a variety of price ranges and most seem to get good reviews. Below is a link to their website. Maybe you can use it for your cruise website.

http://www.nnhotels.com/en/
 
Anal Annie, the group that owns Hotel 1898 have quite few different properties through out Barcelona in a variety of price ranges and most seem to get good reviews. Below is a link to their website. Maybe you can use it for your cruise website.

http://www.nnhotels.com/en/

Yes, thanks, I've been to that site.:thumbsup2 I used a link to hook up the 1898 logo on my page thru that site. At a minimum I was planning to add the info. about the Hotel SoHo & Hotel Jazz as they were both recommended in my tour books (SoHo 1x and Jazz 2x). They are also very affordable but do not appear to sleep more than 2 per room so they're not as family friendly. I am concentrating right now on hotels which can accomodate more than 2 people per room as I think the majority of people on our cruise will have children (my cruise is in August so I think there will be more families). I could be wrong, but it appears that finding rooms that sleep more than 2 are the biggest challenge in Europe.
 
Yes, thanks, I've been to that site.:thumbsup2 I used a link to hook up the 1898 logo on my page thru that site. At a minimum I was planning to add the info. about the Hotel SoHo & Hotel Jazz as they were both recommended in my tour books (SoHo 1x and Jazz 2x). They are also very affordable but do not appear to sleep more than 2 per room so they're not as family friendly. I am concentrating right now on hotels which can accomodate more than 2 people per room as I think the majority of people on our cruise will have children (my cruise is in August so I think there will be more families). I could be wrong, but it appears that finding rooms that sleep more than 2 are the biggest challenge in Europe.

Keep an eye on their U232 Hotel. It's one of their newly renovated properties and it offers triples as well as family rooms (connecting triples & twins) that can hold up to five people. 50% discount for kids under 12. Right now, they are rated # 8 on trip advisor. :)
 
Keep an eye on their U232 Hotel. It's one of their newly renovated properties and it offers triples as well as family rooms (connecting triples & twins) that can hold up to five people. 50% discount for kids under 12. Right now, they are rated # 8 on trip advisor. :)

Thanks...that is one I had not looked at (yet)!:rolleyes1 I will add it to my page for the fact that it holds triples & families!!:thumbsup2 This website of mine is going to be a MONSTER by the time I am done!:rotfl2: But I am sooo glad I decided to start it. It is basically a fancy spreadsheet with links!:rolleyes: Perfect for OCD people like myself!
 
Thanks...that is one I had not looked at (yet)!:rolleyes1 I will add it to my page for the fact that it holds triples & families!!:thumbsup2 This website of mine is going to be a MONSTER by the time I am done!:rotfl2: But I am sooo glad I decided to start it. It is basically a fancy spreadsheet with links!:rolleyes: Perfect for OCD people like myself!

OCD planning is what keeps us going when we book our cruises more that a year in advance.;) Your website will be awesome and a great resource you can share with all of us here.
 
it appears that finding rooms that sleep more than 2 are the biggest challenge in Europe.
Tell me about it! Rooms for 5 are damn near impossible.

Its great that you're starting a list as I'm sure that the info will come in handy for so many DISers.

So if it helps (you probably already have this info), I know Hotel Jazz and Hotel Barcelona Universal have triples as they emailed me info about it. The Hotel Soho, AC Diplomatic, Hotel Monte Carlo will let you an additional beds in the room.

NH Calderon has interconnecting rooms.

Good luck all with hotels!
 
Tell me about it! Rooms for 5 are damn near impossible.

Its great that you're starting a list as I'm sure that the info will come in handy for so many DISers.

So if it helps (you probably already have this info), I know Hotel Jazz and Hotel Barcelona Universal have triples as they emailed me info about it. The Hotel Soho, AC Diplomatic, Hotel Monte Carlo will let you an additional beds in the room.

NH Calderon has interconnecting rooms.

Good luck all with hotels!

We are a family of 5 too. That is key. When searching don't hesitate to email or call a property you are interested in because many of them will offer some triples or at least allow additional beds. Some even have a few connecting room combos but usually cannot be booked through the web.

We are a family of 5 too.
 
We are staying at Icaria hotel from 3rd Sep to 7th Sep
Chose as near beach/zoo on foot/near port incl breakfast triple BB club 110 euro per night!
 
For our pre and post cruise nights, we stayed at the Hotel Continental Palacete and loved it. The location is great, a couple blocks from Las Ramblas. We walked from our hotel all the way down Las Ramblas to the marina and back. The rooms were small and very pink and flowery but clean and quiet.
The best part was the 24 hour buffet. There were snacks and drinks (incliuding cans of soda and beer-also wine) which were all-included. They also had two computers with free internet. I would definately stay there again.

so not that it is the deciding factor but can I ask what type of beer it was? Like American stuff or good Europeon stuff?
 
so not that it is the deciding factor but can I ask what type of beer it was? Like American stuff or good Europeon stuff?

We stayed at the Continental Palacete 2 nights pre-cruise, and although we did not drink any alcohol, I saw various cans, no american labels. We enjoyed the hotel and got a pixie dust upgrade to a suite, so we had loads of room! We loved being near the Gaudi homes just adjacent to the Passeig Gracia with great shopping too. We visited the lower Ramblas last year - once was enough! :)
There is a taxi stand just across the street so easy to get your taxi for the port, and the metro is just a block away.
We stayed at the Fira Palace post cruise for its location to the Magic Fountains, Poble Espanol, and train station to Montserrat. (Espana station).
The Montjuic area is beautiful and had several restaurants and bars and convenience stores to the right of the hotel. We're a family of 4 and both hotels could accomodate us in one room! The Fira was huge too and could sleep 5 but they only let you book 3 on their website - we booked for 4 on hotels.com. HTH! :goodvibes
 
My family of 4 and the family of 5 that we will be traveling with just booked a 4 or 5 bedroom apartment at Apartamentos GIR80. Has anyone stayed here before? It sounds perfect for our large group with a private terrace and washer/dryer.
 

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