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

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four-star choice within walking distance of the
Sagrada Família. The hotel doesn’t overdo
the Gaudí theme, staff are really helpful and
the comfortable rooms feature contemporary
furniture, marble bathrooms, black-out
curtains and flat-screen TV. Junior suites on
the eighth floor boast a terrace with loungers
and views of the Gaudí church and distant
hills. Buffet breakfast included. From €110,
suites €120–200.
Esquerra de l’Eixample
For locations, see map, pp.128–129.
Australia Ronda Universitat 11, 4 T 933
174 177, W
M Universitat. A very welcoming budget
pension, overseen by Thomas, fount of city
knowledge, musician and cheery host.
Three of the four rooms have basins and
balconies, and share two nice bathrooms
(hairdryers provided); the other is classed
as a suite with private bathroom, a/c, TV,
fridge and kettle for tea and coffee. There’s
wi-fi access throughout. Just down the
street in another building are some more
tidy suites, also with full facilities. €59,
suites €85.
Balmes c/Mallorca 216 T934 511 914, W www
; M Passeig de Gràcia. From the
same stable as the luxury Claris, this boutique
three-star has sharp-as-a-knife dining and bar
facilities, classy rooms with parquet floors and
leather sofas, and some larger duplexes
available. A couple of ground-floor rooms
have their own terrace overlooking the lush
patio garden, complete with swimming pool
and bar, and on your way in and out every
day you can browse the African art and
sculpture in the lobby. Last-minute rates as
low as €100, otherwise from €160.
Expo Barcelona c/Mallorca 1-23 T936 003 020,
W ; MSants-Estació.
Bright, spacious rooms at a good-value
four-star hotel. Each has a sliding window
onto a capacious terrace and the best have
views across to Montjuïc. There’s also a
rooftop pool, a good buffet breakfast, and
the metro right on your doorstep (it’s just a
minute from Sants station). From €90.
Inglaterra c/Pelai 14 T935 051 100, Wwww
; MUniversitat. The boutique
little sister to the Majestic has an excellent
location, and harmoniously toned rooms and
snazzy bathrooms. Space is at a premium,
but some rooms have cute private terraces,
others street-side balconies (and very effective
double-glazing). Best of all is the romantic
roof-terrace – and guests can use the Majes-
tic’s pool. Four-nights-for-three offers available
in July–Aug, otherwise from €130.
Torre Catalunya Avgda. de Roma 2–4 T 936 006
999, W M Sants-Estació.
The landmark four-star-deluxe hotel outside
Sants station towers over the surrounding
buildings, which means the large, light
rooms have sweeping views from all sides.
Rooms above the twelfth floor are superior
in terms of views and services, but all are
elegantly turned out in earth tones and
feature huge beds, flat-screen TVs and very
good bathrooms. Breakfast is a buzz – an
extensive buffet served on the twenty-third
floor, accompanied by panoramic views –
with the adjacent contemporary Catalan
restaurant, Visual, another reason to linger.
There’s a spa with indoor pool, and guests
can also use the sister Expo’s outdoor pool.
The website has the best rates, often
remarkably low for this class of hotel. From
€100, superior rooms from €125.
Gràcia
For locations, see map, p.134.
Casa Fuster Pg. de Gràcia 132 T932 553 000,
W ; M Diagonal.
Modernista architect Domènech i
Montaner’s magnificent Casa Fuster (1908)
is the backdrop for five-star-deluxe luxury
with service to match. Rooms are in earth
tones, with huge beds, smart bathrooms,
flat-screen TVs and remote-controlled light
and heat, while public areas make full use
of the architectural heritage – from the
magnificent pillared lobby bar to the
panoramic roof terrace and pool. There’s
also a contemporary restaurant, Galaxó,
plus fitness centre, sauna and 24hr room
service. From €250.
Confort Trav. de Gràcia 72 T932 386 828,
W FGC Gràcia/
M Fontana. Handy for uptown shopping or
Gràcia nightlife, this modern two-star has far
more character than most, with chic little
rooms, a dining room (buffet breakfast
served) and attractive terrace. Good
advance rates, otherwise €120.
HMB c/Bonavista 21 T 933 682 013,
W ; MDiagonal.
Tucked away at the bottom of Gràcia is this
chic little budget pension, with just a dozen
rooms with flat-screen TVs, coordinated
furnishings and decent bathrooms. It’s a
ACCOMMODATION
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Hotels and pensions