Hola todos!<br /> My wife and I are trippin' to Spain first time<br />in Sept. Have a place to stay in Madrid, want<br />any suggestions for 2-3 day stay in Barcelona.<br />We want a nice, safe place, not fancy or ritzy - for less than 100 Euros/day. We usually go by Rick Steves suggestions, but just askin' to see if anybody knows someplace especial.<br />Muchas gracias!

If you can spend that money, you may try one of the Hoteles Hesperia: they are really good, but they are new business hotels, so maybe they are not what you are looking for.

And an advice for those going to Barcelona: it is a real business city, so hotels are very, very expensive during week days, but they get a lot cheaper during weekends, while hostals usually keep their prices all the week long. If you are going in a weekend, and you can spend that money, I would try four and five star hotels.

Hi Create --
I was in Barcelona for a couple of days mid August with a friend of mine. We stayed at Hotel Acces (Gran V�a Cortes Catalanes, 327. phone: 93 425 5161). It wasn�t a ritzy hotel and was located in a very accessible area close to Montjuic and the Feria de Barcelona. Just off the Plaza de Espa�a.

I paid 87� a night plus 7% tax for a double (two double beds in the room).

The room had all the usual amenities: full bath with bidet, minibar, TV, phone, etc. The only complaint that I had was that the AC was a little high for my liking, but that was quickly resolved.

There is plenty of tourist information at reception including maps of the city and metro maps.

I have never been a big Rick Steve�s fan, but having worked in public television for several years, realize that he does have a big following. In a recent thread there was a debate about him. I know that he wasn�t particularly impressed by Parc G�ell, but I really believe that it is a must see. I have been there a few times and really enjoy the Gaud� architecture. When I was there this summer, there was a classical guitarist playing in the park and it was just beautiful. The only drawback is that it was swarming with tourists (myself included). Perhaps in September it won�t be so bad.

I am not a big tourist bus fan either, but my friend convinced me to get tickets for the Barcelona Bus Tur�stic and I have to admit, it was one of the best ways that we spent our money on our second day there. We rode it all morning getting on and off at the stops that had the tourist attractions of our interest. In one day we rode 5 different forms of transportation: the tourist bus, the telef�rico, the golondrinas (ferry boats), the metro and a taxi. There is no way we would have been able to see/do so much so economically without the use of that bus. When you buy the tickets, you get a coupon book that gives you discounts to numerous tourist attractions and restaurants. Without trying to sound like a commercial or publicity person, it more than paid for itself.

Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona has complete information about the touristic bus, metro and regular city bus routes in English.

Be sure to visit Gaud�s Casa Mil� also known as La Pedrera on the Passeig de Gr�cia. (It�s also one of the discount coupons you get with the bus.) Breathtaking views and amazing artwork/architecture.

One place that I would have liked to visit if I had done my homework ahead of time would be Colonia Gaud�, a small village, founded in 1860, about 12 Km outside of Barcelona. Essentially it is a small town that pays total homage to Antoni Gaud�. So, if you like his work, try to get to this village. It is visited by thousands of tourists each year.

Have a great trip and don�t forget to post back here about your experiences!!

muchas gracias, Max
and especially you, Chica!
That is some great info! There are many reasons I want to visit Barcelona, but the 1st one is that many years ago in art history class I recall marvelling at photos of the Sagrada. Definitely seeing Gaudi's work is a major objective and we'll see as much as we can! Also we're hip to the "hop-on-hop-off" buses and will be using that! We will check out the Hotel Acces. Thanx again for the great, detailed info - I can tell you were very happy with Barcelona.

Hey create, you will truly love Barcelona, it is a great place to visit.

I have been there about 7 times on both biz and pleasure and I never get tired of visiting.

Saludos & enjoy!!!
jer...

Chica, I read you post and although it was written in 8/03, I was wondering if this info is still upto date in 2005. I am traveling to Barcelona in Aug of 05 and am looking into hotels and if I should travel on the bus or train. Thank you
Bianca

Hi Bianca,

Well, the info here is all still relevant, nothing has changed very much at all really, I'm in BCN every year, all over the place, and I think the Metro and suburban train services are fine, but on a bus you will see a lot more of the place as it rides through the streets, you get to see many different things at street level, that you would miss under ground or on any train for that matter, so take the bus if you've got enough time and the destination is not too far away.

As for Hotels, well, they are seriously bloody expensive in BCN, and you can get a decent Hostal room for about 40 to 50 Euros upwards, per person per night, with shower & TV etcetera, why pay 100 euros per night for a so called Hotel, which will give you no more than the Hostal? but you know what, the problem is with availability, it is bloody hard work trying to find any free rooms at the best of times in Barcelona, I know I've been going there for years, and I have had to pay through the nose to get a room a few times, which is why I always look for and book my rooms there well in advance, at least 2 to 3 months in advance is normal for Barcelona, so if you start now you'll probably get what you can afford without too much trouble.

www.hostelworld.com/

Have a look at this website, I've used this one a lot, and the Hostals on this one are pretty good, as are the prices, my room in September last year was 30.00 euros per night, with air-con & TV, and right next to Placa Catalunya & La Rambla, neat huh?

Anyway, I hope that helps you a little.

Saludos,
Santiago.