Barcelona Hotels

For anyone interested in being right in the middle of Barcelona, consider a stay at the Alexandra Hotel. Located five blocks northwest of Gran Via de les Cortes Catalanes between Rambla de Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia, the Hotel Alexandra is minutes away from some of the best eating and shopping that Barcelona has to offer, yet is just enough off the major roads to be a bit more quiet. Some guests have complained about traffic noise in the morning but that is the price to pay for being so close to the tourist heart of the city. Other guests found the rooms quiet and cozy.

The hotel offers 5 different types of rooms. The 54 standard rooms were remodeled in 2006 and offer the basic hotel amenities for around 100 euro a night (winter 2006 rate). The 35 Deluxe rooms run about 15 euro a night more and are basically the same as the standard with more designer touches throughout. The 14 Superior rooms (129 euro) are larger than the standard or deluxe rooms and are located on the upper floors (some with views of the Rambla Catalunya). If you are looking for top-floor luxury, the 3 Junior Suites or 3 regular Suites will cost you 210 and 290 euro respectively. Check out the hotel’s website for special deals like the Birthday, Anniversary, or Super Romantic packages; winter online discount rates; or a free breakfast buffet. Mini-bar and wi-fi service are available in all rooms for an extra charge.

Stay in one of the coolest little hotels in Spain, the Casa Camper. Its hip, it's happening, and it has nice rooms. You'll enjoy all the little comforts and facilities, which include complimentary food and some of the best views in the city at the roof terrace.

The rooms are a little unique, as the bedroom and living area are distinctly separate. The living area features a comfortable sofa, and a "state if the art" television. But, the beds are incredible and each bathroom is exquisite. Need some slippers and a bathrobe? No problem, they can accommodate you. There's also a very welcoming hammock for relaxation. The buffet breakfast and lunches are very good.

Casa Camper is very close to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), the Centre of Contemporary Culture (CCCB), the Ramblas and El Raval's trendiest bars and restaurants. They even have a free 24-hour serve-yourself cafeteria in the lobby and the private 'mini-lounge' across a corridor from each room. The bedrooms are great - every amenity has been accounted for. Be sure to get a standard room. They are better than the suites, offering two separate spaces for the price of one.

Looking for a good time to go? June for the annual Sónar International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art.

Casa Camper Barcelona, Carrer Elisabets 11, Barcelona, Spain (00 34 93 342 62 80; fax: 342 75 63; or visit the web Casa Camper web site.

The new, perfectly located Cuitat de Barcelona offers a straightforward location right in the heart of Barcelona for a real bargain. Our large room had a king size bed and a balcony that opened onto the hotel’s courtyard so nighttime noise was never a problem. While the décor is generally quite simple, the rooms definitely had enough space and comfort to make coming back after a long day out a relaxing treat. The hotel’s breakfast is adequate but perhaps we were expecting too much as we’d had dinner there on our first night and absolutely loved it—great meal with good service and a surprisingly affordable bill wrapped up the meal perfectly. Given our lovely dinner, perhaps we are not the best judges of the breakfast. Regardless, we can say that the staff at the Cuitat de Barcelona was very helpful, friendly and attentive.

The Cuitat de Barcelona is in the El Born area of Barcelona, very near the Picasso Museum. We were able to quickly and easily walk to the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas area, the waterfront and even the Sagrada Familia. After a day out seeing the sights, we were able to relax in the small rooftop pool. While doing laps was out of the question, having a nice soak was one of our favorite ways to end the day.

It makes sense that you should be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Barcelona one day and a relaxing day on the beach the next. The Hotel Icaria Barcelona, situated just up the coast from the Olympic Marina and the heart of the city, is an ideal urban getaway to soak in Catalan culture and beachfront sunshine. Despite being just five minutes from the Olympic Marina, the Hotel Icaria Barcelona feels like a small beach hotel after dark. This ideal location is far from being away from your usual urban amenities: bars and cafes are accessible by foot in a few minutes and the heart of central Barcelona is a short bus ride or 20 minute walk away. As well, there is a supermarket near the hotel to stock up on beach snacks.

The deck with the pool and Jacuzzi area of the hotel is lined with large, soft lounge chairs in case you don’t feel like walking the 30 meters to the beach. The Hotel Icaria Barcelona is pretty new which lends a hip, modern look to the pool area. The beach, which is quite lovely, is a short walk, manageable for children or adults laden with beach-toys.

The rooms are clean and modern and the large dining area serves up a fine breakfast of cereal, fruit, yogurt, bread, pastries, eggs, cheeses and cold meats, along with a good assortment of beverages. Great way to start a beach day!