We're spending 4 nights in Barcelona, 3 nights in San Sebastien and one night in each Zaragozza and Bilbao. We have most accommodation booked but haven't firmed up the Zaragozza and Bilbao hotels. Recommendations appreciated. Also restaurants in these cities? We are not necessarily into the best-known, most expensive restaurants. We usually stay in a central location that is easily walkable to 'old town centers.' We like to experience local, fresh-food bistro-style restaurants with a great atmposphere and delicious food are the focus. Recommendations please. Also, suggestions as to what to do other than see the main sites. Walking tours? Cooking classes?
Posted by
Barcelona + Sweden
4180 posts
For Zaragoza (note spelling), I recommend Hotel NH Ciudad de Zaragoza. It's an incredible hotel, directly overlooking the Basilica and the old Roman walls. The hotel was recently renovated and is very nice now (4 star), but is still very fairly priced. I would ask for a high room overlooking the main square and Basilica, for some of the best views of the city, from the comfort of your room.
The best place for tapas in Zaragoza is a district called El Tubo. Another place is a Gourmet Food Market off the Plaza de España, called Puerta Cinegia Mercado.
In Bilbao I really liked Hotel Hesperia Bilbao, right on the riverside, overlooking the Guggenheim Museum!
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4262 posts
What about a Barcelona hotel? I am also researching for October. Which neighborhood is best?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7159 posts
We recently stayed at the ibis Zaragoza Centro right at the Puente de Piedra. It’s a basic hotel but the rate included a decent, free, breakfast. It also has a parking garage. It’s just across the river from the basilica and Plaza de Pilar.
Posted by
Bilbao
744 posts
For Donostia-San Sebastian (see spelling), there are two new hotels right by the old quarter that may satisfy your needs: Lasala Plaza and Sansebay. Another one I like a lot is Arbaso. Just take into account that accommodation in SS can be quite expensive.
Posted by
OP
Western Canada
12 posts
Thank you for the replies/advice
Posted by
KS, USA
677 posts
I highly recommend Bicos restaurant in Barcelona. Wonderful atmosphere and incredible food at great value.
I also really recommend the Paella Club cooking class in Barcelona. It is a ton of fun and the paella recipes were great - very tasty!
Posted by
Ponte Vedra, Florida
36 posts
WE just returned and stayed at the Catalonia Donostia in San Sebastian. We had a great view of the bay and a nice patio to enjoy our wine in the evening. The breakfast buffet was wonderful. A great variety of breads, fresh orange juice, cheeses, eggs etc. We even enjoyed a nice dinner there one evening to avoid going out in the rain. We are looking into the chain to possibly stay at one of their other Hotels in Spain. In Barcelona we stayed at Ohla Barcelona. Great rooftop bar and workout room. Not impressed with the buffet. More of a younger crowd coming to the bar at night. Sometimes a little noisy but we enjoyed the location. We also tested around the corner from the hotel. I believe someone posted the location months ago. The hotel is on Via Laietana 49.