Barcelona - Continental Hotel

Bob, we are planning on staying there. The reviews in Trip Advisor did not scare us. We recognize that it is not a new hotel. It is a typical older EU hotel. If you want something "better", why not use Priceline and bid on a 4 or, better yet, 5 star hotel in the area of your choice?

If you're looking for a budget hotel, then go for it. We stayed there on our last night in Barcelona after our cruise. The rooms are bright pink, furniture plastic, and beds hard. I did find it clean though, so not sure what those comments are about. Part of the draw for us was the free buffet, but I found most of the food unrecognizeable & I'm not a picky eater. The help yourself beer & wine was nice. Hotel staff very friendly. It is what it is, but if you prefer something "nice" and are willing to spend a few more dollars I would do that. Just my opinions.

PS: My best tip for Barcelona is the Flamenco show at LOS TARANTOS. It's in Plaça Reial (17 Barri Gòtic) right off La Rambla. It's on 6E for the approx 30 minute show & very authentic. An exceptional value. We loved it.
http://www.masimas.com/en/tarantos

There are two Continental hotels - the "Palacete" and "Barcelona" - make sure you're reading the reviews for the hotel you intend to stay in. http://www.hotelcontinental.com/web/ I stayed at the Barcelona (overlooking Las Ramblas, and all the rooms in varying shades of pink). yes, it was a bit run down, and had some interesting "furniture" (made out of rubbermaid-type plastic bins), but no worse than other hotels I've stayed in. The staff was lovely and very helpful (I had to reserve at the last minute, so ended up having to switch rooms). Balcony rooms are more expensive but worth it for the people watching. The buffet is an adventure (I'll try anything), but there was always bread/toast/fruit and a nice ion of soft drinks and beer and wine. I used it to supplement my take out food from the market. I did not think the rooms were that small by European standards, and trust me, I've been in closets bigger than some of the hotel rooms in Italy. My room was spotless. Free wi-fi in lobby.

We just returned from a stay at the Continental, the location and price can't be beat! Yes, it is very quirky (take the elevator the the 2nd floor reception, where a green door swings open automatically, Addams Family style), but the staff was super helpful and they have a computer in the lobby (no charge!!!) that made it very easy to check in for our next flights. The decor is unusual (I hope you like pink), and carpets were not in the best shape, but the bathroom was clean and recently renovated. The location at the head of Las Ramblas was great, right next to the Metro station, and a few minutes' walk to the airport (highly recommend it, easiest way downtown). The buffet certainly wasn't gourmet, but good basics and saved us money, time, and hassle, when we checked in and only had an hour to make it to the Barca football game and needed some sustenance. Also, free beer and wine 24/7, good for "roadies" for a wanderings through the gothic quarter to dinner. FYI- try Irati Taverna Basca for the open faced sandwiches (1,80 euro each), as recommended in RS Spain guide. We loved it so much, we returned our second night in Barcelona. It is a really fun scene with locals (and other fun people carrying their RS guides) standing at the bar, sharing sandwich recommendations. Be careful though, the sandwiches are addictive, so many delicious choices!