Barcelona….

I have  always wanted to go to Barcelona for a City break, so I jumped at the chance when an opportunity arose for me to go for 2 nights to view some hotels that we are using for some of our itineraries.   So four couples were each given 2 hotels to stay in, mine were both 4*, and I have to say both were fantastic, bur for location and the style of the hotel the H1898 was the best.  The hotel is located on Las Ramblas, right in the heart of Barcelona, just steps from Plaza Catalunya where you find easy access to all of the city’s transportation. It is a very classic style hotel, with an amazing rooftop bar with really great views of the city.  The staff were extremely friendly.  Our room was on the side street but you could still see and hear the atmosphere of Las Ramblas.  Breakfast catered for pretty much everyone, from the typical continental to a cooked breakfast, lots of different juices to choose from and specialty teas and coffees, which sets you up for a busy day of sightseeing and exploring.

The other hotel I stayed in was the H10 Urquinaona Plaza.  The hotel is set in a 19th – century building  but being very modern  from the inside.  The hotel was very clean and again staff very friendly.  Our room was on the 4th floor, a very minimalist room, had free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV’s and a Nespresso coffee machine.  The hotel had a lovely courtyard area and a rooftop terrace with a bar / lounge.  The hotel is a 2-minute walk from Urquinaona metro station and a 5-minute walk from the cafes of Plaça de Catalunya square.

I loved walking down Las Ramblas, with all the market stalls and cafes, but then just off this street we found Placa Reial, what a gem, the square has wonderful outdoor cafes, street entertainment and the famous Gaudi street lamps.  The perfect area to end your day with a nice meal. We also found the food market La Boqueria which is a must!!  So many different foods to sample and again a great place to stop and have a drink to people watch!!

Barcelona really has something for everyone, but for me I was amazed by the different architecture and what Gaudi bought to Barcelona, which I will write about in my next blog.

So if you are thinking of taking a cruise from Barcelona you really need to consider flying out a couple of days earlier and add on a city break!