Unexpectedly, but pleasantly surprised, our 6 day trip to Barcelona and surrounding area, will coincide with La Merce Celebration, Sept. 21-24. We are in our 60's but still want to appreciate the Gegants and activities. Where would be a good safe, quieter area for upper budget to mid-range accommodations? Any suggestions for viewing fireworks? Would appreciate any ideas for what to definitely attend and what to avoid during this time. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17430 posts
I was going to say that you might have to take whatever is available, as La Merce is very popular and the hotels fill up early. But then I checked on Venere.com for available hotels for 3 nights, 21 August to 24 August, and to my surprise there were many, including one we really liked when we were there last May. Hotel Jazz is modern/trendy, friendly staff and the location is perfect. A couple of blocks from Placa Catalunya, on the edge of the Eixemple and at the top of Las Ramblas. The rooftop terrace is very pleasant in the evening ( and maybe you could see the fireworks from there?). It is located between two streets but faces onto a small plaza which makes it quieter. No clubs nearby to attract late night rowdiness. We felt perfectly safe walking everywhere from here, but if you want public transport that is close by at Placa Catalunya. And if you are flying in to Barcelona, the comfortable and convenient Aeroporto bus stops just a block away, at Universität, and then again at Placa Catalunya. But there are lots of other places too. Have a look at what is available ( easiest to do with a booking site like Venere or Booking.com, then you can book directly with the hotel is younprefer). And if younare there for six nights you might also consider apartments. Often they are less expensive than hotels and you get a bit more space, although no concierge services.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
Lola probably found vacancies in August because La Merce is in September. Still, her method for finding a place is good. I arrived in Barcelona on the last day of La Merce last year. We rented an apartment near the Sagrada Familia. We paid 95€ per night for the 2 bedroom apartment. If you would like information about it you can PM me.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Andrea was 4 days behind us. We had tapas together. We hit La Merce dead on. We were there on the same 4 days as the festival. What a treat. We stayed at the Hotel 1898. The hotel is a bit more pricey but it's on La Rambla and smack in the middle of everything. Bar Lobo, a great tapas bar is right behind Hotel 1898. Great breakfast as well. We're a bit older than you and found all of this to be exciting, safe and all that stuff. I just looked at the Hotel 1898 website and the least expensive rooms are gone but the Superior room is still available at about 303Euro/night. It's pricey but well worth it. Our rooms were 256Euro/night but we do go over the top in 1 or 2 locations during our usual 3-week trips. This was certainly one of them. For other more reasonable possiblities nearby, you can look into the Hosteria Grau or the Hostal Campi. Go for it. The Gegants and the music are great.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10601 posts
I concur with Larry that his hotel was in an excellent location. The lobby was very nice, but I never saw a room there. And Bar Lobo is right next door. It was so good when we had tapas there with Larry that we ended up there the next night. If it is in your budget it was be an excellent choice.