Barcelona Travel Forum

A friend of mine and I are coming to Barcelona on 6 March and we are looking for a decent, budget accommodation (5 nights), hotel or a B&B centrally located. We are two girls, so a safe area is preferable :)
Any tips?

Thanks a lot

Alma

Until you receive some specific recommendations (as I am sure you will) I recoimend yoyu ecplore what is offered on www.venere.com and www.booking.com

Both are reliable sites, with good mapping and (most importantly) honest guest reviews. You can't post a review unless you have completed a booking made through the site.

Neither site will take any money from you unless you fail to show up, and most hotels on both sites allow free cancellations up to 24/48 hous in advance.

In September I chose a budget hotel suggested by a couple of other VT members - the Hotel Urquinaona. I can add my recommendation to theirs. I am a woman that travels solo - great neighbourhood and absolutely safe. The hotel also has good security.

The hotel is located 5 minutes easy walking distance from Plaça Catalunya. Metro Line no. 1 on the corner - but easier to walk from Plaça Catalunya because of large number of steps up from the Metro.

Excellent security. Lift.
Free internet in the lounge on the first floor. Also free coffee in lounge and nice couches.

Room is large, air conditioned and clean. Bed is firm and comfortable. Seems like it is new, along with the toilet, sink and shower. Tiles not. Pillow very uncomfortable, hard and flat.

Fridge, telephone, safe, TV in room. Very good lighting. Excellent shower, plenty of good hot water. Plenty of hangers provided.

My window is on a small dark inner courtyard - better to keep the curtain closed. There are other rooms with a balcony over the street.

Pleasant, helpful desk staff. Continental breakfast included - cereals, croissant, fresh squeezed juice, jams, butter, coffee/tea, served in the adjoining restaurant (same management?). Need to ask to get the croissant heated.

Nice and quiet after 2200 (10 pm) by request of staff.

Unique Qualities: Location is excellent for getting to any of the sites either by Metro or on foot. Buses too very convenient.

Remember that it is a 2 star only - with that it is among the better 2 star hotels I have stayed at previously.

Best of all for me is the free coffee in the lounge - not instant - COFFEE! In a coffee machine that grinds the beans on the spot and makes espresso.

One of the attractions is definitely the staff. Very helpful and with a smile. The room is cleaned daily, clean sheets and towels every 2 days.

Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$40-80
Phone: + 34 932 681 336

Address: Ronda de Sant Pere 24, at Carrer de les Jonqueres,
Directions: From Plaça Catalunya, walk straight down Ronda Universitat to Plaça Urquinaona. Cross the square and and there is Ronda de Sant Pere. The hotel is on the corner on your right hand side.
Or, Metro no. 1 to Plaça Urquinaona.

Website: http://www.hotelurquinaona.es/index_eng.htm

Thank you all for your comments. I will look into all those options for sure.

I appreciate your help and will remember you in Barcelona! :))))

Well, I hope the storm the news are talking about will be long gone before we arrive there! ;)

Have a great trip. For a rainy day I suggest visiting Gaudi's Mila House (La Pedrera). Just great. See tips on my Barcelona page.

i like that "no chance of rain" :)
thx