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

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stunningly updated spaces, like the neo-
colonial hall and lounge (and the fanciest
Starbucks in town), while facilities include
outdoor pool and spa, gym, bar and restau-
rant. Some suites even have their own
private pool, Jacuzzi and garden. Walk-in
rates €150, otherwise from €250.
Lloret Ramblas 125 T933 173 366, W www
; M Catalunya. Gilt mirrors, old
paintings and wrinkled leather sofas in the
lounge speak of a faded glory for this one-
star hotel, though some rooms, bathrooms
and tile floors have been upgraded. But it’s
a fine building in a good location, and
many rooms have Ramblas-facing
balconies – as does the dining room where
continental breakfast is available (not
included). From €85.
Mare Nostrum Ramblas 67, entrance on c/Sant
Pau T933 185 340, Wwww.hostalmarenostrum
.com; M Liceu. Cheery two-star pension
whose English-speaking management offers
comfortable double, triple and family rooms
with satellite TV and a/c. There’s nothing
flashy, but rooms are reasonably modern,
well kept and double-glazed against the
noise. Some rooms come with balconies
and street views and a simple breakfast is
included. Their new one-star hotel, Hotel
Curious ( W , offers
funkier rooms nearby, a couple of blocks up
in the Raval on c/del Carme. €75, en suite
€85, Curious €110.
Oriente Ramblas 45 T933 022 558, W www
; M Liceu. If you’re
looking for somewhere traditional but not
too pricey on the Ramblas, this historic
three-star hotel is your best bet. Converted
from a former convent, there’s mid-
nineteenth-century style in the grand
public rooms and a mix of bedrooms, all
tastefully updated, some very contempo-
rary. A fair few have Ramblas views,
though the quieter rooms face inwards.
From €100.
Rivoli Ramblas Ramblas 128 T934 817 676,
W M Catalunya.
The elegant, soundproofed rooms in this
stylish four-star hotel near the top of the
avenue are variously furnished (Art Deco to
contemporary), but all come with spacious
marble bathrooms. The front ones have
Ramblas views, and there’s also a lovely
rooftop terrace and bar. From €200.
Barri Gòtic
For locations, see map, pp.54–55.
Alamar c/Comtessa de Sobradiel 1 T933 025
012, W ; M Drassanes.
If you don’t mind sharing a bathroom then
this simply furnished pension makes a
convenient base. Twelve rooms (including
five singles) have basins and double-
glazing; most also have little balconies.
Space is tight, but there’s a friendly
welcome, laundry service and use of a
small kitchen. No noise requested after
midnight, so it suits early-birds and sight-
seers rather than partygoers. No credit
cards. From €36, July & Aug from €45.
Cantón c/Nou de Sant Francesc 40 T933
173 019, W
M Drassanes. Refurbished one-star hotel
that’s only two blocks off the Ramblas and
close to the harbour and Port Vell. Forty
rooms feature uniform blue-and-white trim
curtains and bedspreads, high wooden
headboards, central heating and a/c, fridge
and wardrobe. Some bathrooms are a bit
smarter than others, and a few rooms have
balconies (though they don’t have much of
a view) – all are well insulated against street
noise. A buffet continental breakfast is
available, served in a stone-walled dining
room, and room prices drop a good bit out
of season. €85.
Colón Avgda. Catedral 7 T933 011 404,
W ; M Jaume I. Splendidly
situated four-star hotel opposite the La Seu
cathedral – rooms at the front throw open
their windows onto balconies with superb
views, while a pavement terrassa takes full
advantage of its position. It’s an old-money
kind of place, with faithful-retainer staff and
huge public salons. “Superior” rooms have
an Edwardian lounge area and highly floral
decor, though other rooms are more
contemporary. Check the website for the
best rates, otherwise from €200.
Fernando c/de Ferran 31 T933 017 993,
W ; M Liceu. Rooms
at these prices fill quickly around here; that
they’re also light, modern and well kept by
friendly people is a real bonus. All come
with basin, shower and TV (some singles
share facilities), while dorm accommodation
is available on the top floor in rooms that
sleep four to eight, some with attached
bathroom. All accommodation is a few
ACCOMMODATION
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Hotels and pensions