I will be in Barcelona this May with my Father after a two week cruise from Santos Brazil-Barcelona. In August I went onto various websites such as Expedia and saw hotels going for $90+ and were rated 3 Stars. Some 2 star hotels were going for $70.
I studied the map of Barcelona and thought to myself "Where would Rick stay" How much would he want to pay",
So I went onto Hotwire and saw a 4 Star in the L'Example District. Ahh now we're cooking. Rick recommends that we stay right in the city center. But as you know Las Ramblas can get loud.
After I pulled the trigger Hotwire came back with the Amister Art Hotel a 4 star Boutique Hotel located in the L'Example. It has 55 rooms, a library and sitting area. While breakfast here is expensive we will skip it and go to a local bakery. But the Hotel offers free Cava, Bike Rentals for 10 Euros, Free Wifi and is located close to everything.
Sants Train Station is a 15 minute walk, The Metro Station is also about 10 minutes. There is a stop for the Air Bus a 10 minute walk away. Yet its in a residential area which is what we enjoy.
The same hotel today is going for $230 per night.
The only reason not to use Hotwire is if you are not sure of your dates. Be sure to e-mail the hotel with your requests before you checkin such as a non-smoking room on a high floor away from the elevator with two beds.
I looked over Rick Steve's hotels and saw they wanted more . Now I don't discount Rick's suggestions but I feel that as a consumer you can find better Hotels.
What I like about the hotel I booked is it has 55 rooms and is not part of a large chain and there is even a bath tub in the bathroom. I love boutique hotels.