The Rough Guide to Barcelona 8 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

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Hotels and pensions
First things first: if you hanker after a Ramblas view, you’re going to pay
heavily for the privilege – generally speaking, there are much better deals to be
had either side of the famous boulevard, often just a minute’s walk away.
Alongside some classy boutique choices, most of the very cheapest city accom-
modation is found in the Barri Gòtic old town area, where there are loads of
options ranging from basic pensions to three-star hotels. It’s a heavily touristed
district, but you should still be careful (without being paranoid) when coming
and going after dark.
The other main location for budget accommodation is on the west side of the
Ramblas in El Raval , which still has its rough edges but is changing fast as
the whole neighbourhood undergoes a massive face-lift. East of the Barri Gòtic,
in Sant Pere and La Ribera, there are a number of safely sited budget, mid-
range and boutique options, handy for the Picasso museum and Born nightlife
area. North of Plaça de Catalunya, the central spine of the Eixample is the
Passeig de Gràcia, which has some of the city’s most fashionable and luxurious
hotels, often housed in converted palaces and mansions.The Eixample itself splits
into Right (Dreta) and Left (Esquerra), and on either side there are some
comparative bargains just a few minutes’ walk from the modernista architectural
masterpieces. Hotels near Sants station are convenient for Montjuïc and the
metro system, and those further north in Les Corts for the Avinguda Diagonal
shopping district. For waterfront views look at hotels in Port Vell at the end of
the Ramblas, and at the Port Olímpic southeast of the old town – while new
four- and five-stars abound much further out on the metro at the rather soulless
Diagonal Mar conference and events site. If you don’t mind being a metro ride
from the museums and buildings, and like the idea of suburban living, then the
northern district of Gràcia is probably the best base, as you’re only ever a short
walk away from excellent bars, restaurants and clubs.
with an eye for unusual and offbeat accom-
modation, from boutique hotels to private
bed and breakfasts in the city, or rural
homestays and country retreats.
Tourist Flats BCN Barcelona T650 925 252,
W Old-town apartments
sleeping two to ten, especially on and
around the Ramblas.
Turisme de Barcelona Offices in Barcelona at Pl.
de Catalunya; Pl. de Sant Jaume; Barcelona
Sants; Barcelona Airport T 932 853 832, W www
. Same-day, commission-free
accommodation bookings, in person only, or
on the website. For office opening hours,
see p.32.
Visit UK T 0871/990 3045, Barcelona
T 933 152 265, W . Wide
range of private apartments for rent (by the
night or longer), from lofts to modernista
buildings.
The Ramblas
For locations, see map, p.46.
Benidorm Ramblas 37 T933 022 054,
W
M Drassanes. Refurbished pension opposite
Plaça Reial that offers real value for money,
hence the tribes of young tourists. Plain
rooms available for one to five people, all
with bathtubs or showers, and a balcony
and Ramblas view if you’re lucky (and
prepared to pay a bit more). English
spoken and left-luggage service available.
From €69.
H1898 Ramblas 109 T935 529 552, W www
M Catalunya. One of the grander
buildings on the Ramblas, the former HQ of
the Philippines Tobacco Company has been
given an eye-poppingly boutique refit. There
are four grades of rooms (the standard is
“Classic”) all decorated in deep red, green
or black, and all beautifully appointed.
Public areas reflect the original construction
period – 1898 – but there are some
ACCOMMODATION
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Hotels and pensions