Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHERE TO STAY
Ifyouhankeraftera
Ramblas
view,you'llpayfortheprivilege-generallyspeaking,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 Barcelona's cheapest accom-
modation is found in the old town, principally the
Barri Gòtic
and
El Raval
neighbour-
hoods, which can both still have their rough edges - be careful (without being paranoid)
when coming and going after dark. 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 the Born nightlife area. North of Plaça de Catalunya, the
Eixample
-
split into Right (
Dreta
) and Left (
Esquerra
)- has some of the city's most fashionable ho-
tels, often housed in converted palaces and mansions and located 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 Avin-
guda Diagonal shopping district. For waterfront views look at
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
Diagonal Mar
conference and events
site. If you prefer neighbourhood living, then the northern district of
Gràcia
is the best
base, as you're only ever a short walk away from its excellent bars, restaurants and clubs.
ESSENTIALS
ROOM RATES
Prices
Rates given in our reviews reflect the usual cost of a double or twin room in high sea-
son (basically Easter to the end of Oct, plus Christmas/New Year, major trade fairs, festivals
andotherevents).Thecheapestroomsinasimplehotel,sharingabathroom,costaround€50
(singles from €30), though for private facilities €70-80 a night is more realistic. Places with
a bit of boutique styling start at around €100, while for Barcelona's most fashionable hotels,
count on €250-400 a night. Studio apartments sleeping two start at around €100, while a
hostel dorm bed costs between €15 and €30 a night, depending on the season.
Tax
An eight-percent tax, IVA, is added to all accommodation bills, though it's sometimes
included in the quoted price. A new “tourist tax” means that for stays of up to seven nights,
you will also be charged €0.65 to €2.25 (determined by the type of property) per person per
night on top of your bill. Under 17s are exempt, though, and most tourist establishments in
Barcelona fall into the lowest tax band.
Discounts
Book directly online through hotel websites for the best available rates. Some
places offer discounts in the off-season months of January, February and November, while
others have special rates in August (when business travel is scarce).
