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Barcelona hotel location question

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After significant debate, we have booked a Celebrity Cruise for October 2018. We are going in a day early to see as much of Barcelona as possible. We hope to secure our luggage at the hotel around 10:30 am and immediately begin a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. On the day of our ship departure, I want to check out at 8 am and have the hotel hold our luggage as we tour La Sagrada Familia. Then return, grab our luggage and check in the ship as it has a 5 pm departure.

I have found two hotels that would meet our needs. One is located near La Sagrada Familia. That hotel allows us to walk to the church and easily return to get out luggage and go to the ship.

The other hotel is situated near Las Ramblas around the Plaça Catalunya. This hotel would make our first day touring more convenient, but would require transportation to La Sagrada Familia on our departure day.

I am torn on which hotel to use. The first day will be long as it involves the overnight flight to Barcelona. So the Las Ramblas hotel may be better.

However, we like to have our cruise check in day to be efficient as well as properly touring La Sagrada Familia making that nearby hotel more convenient.

Hopefully someone with Barcelona experience can make some recommendations on which hotel location is better. It is going to be a whirlwind Barcelona tour regardless of which hotel we chose. But I want some input versus a coin flip deciding the hotel. The hotels are within a couple bucks of each other so $ aren't an issue. Thanks to all who comment!

Posted by
650 posts

I'm just back from a week in Barcelona, which doesn't make me an expert. But three hours is plenty for The Sagrada Familia. So if you have a morning entry time you won't have any trouble retrieving your luggage either near The Sagrada Familia or near Placa Catalunya in time to board.

Sagrada Familia is an easy metro trip from La Ramblas or Placa Catalunya. Take Line 3 to The Diagnal. Transfer to Line 5 and get off at The Sagrada Familia.

Posted by
7175 posts

I think a Poble Sec location near Parallel metro stop is even better for you.

Arrival Day
•Taxi from airport to hotel.
(Easy and quick via Ronda Littoral if you choose a Parallel location)
•Walk to Ramblas, Bari Gotico, Port.

Sailing Day
•Metro Line 2 (purple) direct to Sagrada Familia. (Book an early entry time)
•Metro line 5 (blue) to Diagonal.
•Walk down Passeig de Gracia passing Casa Mila and Casa Batllo.
•Lunch at one of the traditional old school tapas restaurants in Eixample.
•Metro Line 2 (purple) from Passeig de Gracia to Parallel for hotel and luggage.
•Taxi just a short distance to the port for your ship.

Posted by
7160 posts

A friend of mine stayed at Hotel Barcelona House for a few days prior to their cruise. It’s modern, but basic, right off Las Ramblas, and very near the Port in the Gothic area.

Posted by
1117 posts

Staying on the Ramblas really puts you in the Barcelona experience. You can walk down to the water and over to the Barri Gotic. Its not that hard to get from there to Sagrada Familia.

Posted by
15788 posts

Barcelona traffic can be miserable, so I'd choose a hotel near the port. The metro is the best way to get around - it's easy, cheap, and fast. From my recollections, there's nothing much around SF. Staying near/in the gothic quarter will give you a better overall experience. Also check with Celebrity - often you can drop off luggage much earlier than boarding time. Also note that if the ship sails at 5 pm, you'll probably have to check in around 2-3 pm. It's a fairly lengthy process and there will be lines. A 5 pm sail usually means all aboard by 4 pm . . . . and that's after all the luggage and check-in procedures. BTW you can check in earlier and then go back to the city.

Seeing the SF when it first opens in the morning is an excellent idea. Be at the gate at least 15 minutes before entry and you'll be in the front of the line. You'll have some quiet time in the church with few other tourists, also an opportunity for some nearly people-less photos. I can't imagine spending more than 3 hours there, even if you listen to all the auido guide and go up one of the towers. I would recommend walking to Sant Pau afterward (it's a 10-15 minute stroll).

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