We fly into Barcelona and arrive very early on a Saturday morning. Will take train from airport to Las Ramblas but cannot check in hotel there until 2:00 p.m. Do not want to cart luggage around. Could ask hotel about leaving luggage there first thing in the morning and then coming back to check-in later, but is that safe? Any other suggestions?
It is very common to checkin early, leave luggage, and return when the room is ready later that PM. What they mean is that you cannot have your room till after 2 PM but you can checkin anytime -- at least that has been our experience.
I've done this in several countries, even when we're staying in hostels. So long as it's a reputable place and there's someone at the reception desk the entire time, things should be fine. Generally, they'll lock your bags in a storage room or closet of some sort (at least that's been my experience). Maybe you'll get lucky and your room could be ready early!
I have done that here in the States, but was kind of nervous after reading so many postings about crime abroad. Thanks for all of your insights.
Karen, you need to take all of these postings especially about crime with some understanding. Only those people who have had problems tend to post and discuss the problems. Those who haven't had any problem have nothing to discuss. We have done 300+ days of travel over the past 15 years or so and haven't had a single problem or lost anything. You do need to take some precautions but not necessarily more than for downtown Columbus.
That makes me feel better. Thank you.