We are looking for a centrally located (walk or easy train/bus to major sights) hotel or apartment for 2 nights before our cruise embarks in July. From what we have read based on the heat in July, air conditioning is a must. We are torn between a hotel with charm (such as the Hotel Ginebra) or an apartment where we can go to the market and cook. We'll likely be very jet lagged.
Posted by
11156 posts
Will you have more time in Barcelona after your cruise?
Eat local foods on those two nights in Barcelona before you are on a ship not having the opportunity for true local foods. . You can easily have tapas for a meal in Barcelona. Stay in a hotel or an Aparthotel such as Hispanos7Suizas. But eat in local restaurants.
You posted in the area for trip reviews, “Destination Q and A” is the correct place for your post. More posters will see it there.
Posted by
Washington DC
27112 posts
With only two nights in the city, I wouldn't want to spend one minute cooking, though it's always nice to have a refrigerator for storing snacks and quick-breakfast foods. Barcelona is a lovely, if crowded and touristy, city; it's great to just walk around and enjoy the funky architecture. If you want to go inside any of the top sights, it is essential to buy tickets in advance, because the ticket lines are terribly long. The problem sights are La Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila/La Pedrera, Casa Batllo, Parc Guell and the Picasso Museum. The Palau de la Musica Catalana is also likely to be an issue for last-minute tickets because the English-language tours can sell out. You won't have time to go to many indoor sights--and they're quite expensive, so select carefully, based on what you think your family will enjoy.
The area around Placa de Catalunya is conveniently located between the historic Barri Gotic and a couple of key Gaudi-designed buildings (Casa Batllo and Casa Mila). There's a large, two-story Carrefour supermarket not far away, at Rambla dels Estudis 113. Others have mentioned the El Corte Ingles department store right on Placa de Catalunya as a good, and convenient, food source. There's a cafe/restaurant on the top floor with good views and a supermarket on the ground floor.
Barcelona is possibly the world capital of pickpockets, so be very careful about your valuables, especially when jetlagged. Neither phones nor wallets should be in accessible pockets.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
5581 posts
We stayed at a BnB near Plaça de Catalunya, BCN Fashion House. We were able to get a family room for the three of us. We booked directly and breakfast was included. I would recommend it. It was spotless with helpful staff. There was convenient transportation options close by.
Maybe you can find something, but I never find that an apartment makes economic sense for a short stay because there is often a cleaning fee and possibly other fees.
We felt we could get reasonably priced restaurant meals in Barcelona making a kitchen less important.
Yes, pickpockets. My daughter had her phone stolen out of her coat pocket. We had the last laugh. The phone was old, with limited storage capacity and a cracked screen.
Posted by
Austin, TX
1924 posts
I will be in Barcelona next October to take a cruise.
I received a lot of recommendations from this Forum about hotels and I have booked Hotel Continental which was one of the recommendations.
It is in The Central Square. Easy to get to from the airport and easy to get to the cruise port.
Offers 24 hour snacks and with two teens, that might be a big plus.
I suggets that you give it. a look.
Posted by
11156 posts
Concerning the prevalence of pickpockets in Barcelona, we caught the pickpocket with her hand in my husband’s pocket in Barcelona. A quick slam with a newspaper on her arm set her running away screaming with her child in tow.This happened as we were boarding the metro. She was screaming and everyone ignored her.
Every time we left our hotel, we were warned about the pickpockets. Also were warned in restaurants.
Just be aware and alert.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
2406 posts
I stayed at the Ibis Sagrada Familia. decent price, near church and 2 metro stops