Hi All,
We're doing the spring crossing (TAP) ending in Barcelona. Can anyone reccomend a nice hotel near, or on Las Ramblas, that won't break the bank. I have tried to book several online, and NO ONE has availability. I wonder if something special is happening in Barcelona in mid May,
2007??? Helaine

Oh my - you are right - not a lot of choices - try the Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona.

Well, I did find one, and booked it, just in case nothing else appears, but it's 600 euros for 2 nights-more than we wanted to spend. However, it looks really nice( I guess so!) it's called the 1898. I'll look into the Hilton. Thanks, Todd.
Helaine

We stayed at a Le Meridian that was right off Las Ramblas in a great location. As I recall, it wasn't all that expensive, but that's been at least five years ago. Since it's been so long, the hotel may not even be a Le Meridian any more but you could check their website.

Well, no rooms at Le Meridian, and the Hilton is 15 miles from town, so, for now it's still the HOtel 1898 ( which is next door to Le Meridian). Thanks for the help. Helaine

Helaine -

Great location. Check periodically and maybe there will be more availability at other hotels.

Helaine, you'll love the location of your hotel--it's pretty handy to everything. One word of caution: Barcelona is awful for pickpockets, so when you go out don't take a lot of money with you and keep what you have as safe as possible.

Peggy,
Thanks for reminding me of that fact, in regards to the pickpockets. I knew that, but haven't thought about it lately. When we travel in Europe, we usually use a money belt, and carry very little cash on our "outside" person. We have never been pickpocketed yet, but there's always that first time. We do try to be alert, but ya never know.............Helaine

The Hotel Colon is great and in fabulous location at Las ramblas across from cathedral and very reasonable.
Http://www.hotelcolon.es

Claudia,
They were already booked also.............Helaine

I tried several hotels for the night of the 14th - after TAP - 3 months ago & they were all booked. Something big must be going on. Couldn't even find one near the airport. I might be sleeping the airport. Hoping time will help with this problem.

Betty,
Yes, I tried months ago, and thought maybe it was too soon, and that they didn't have rates yet for 2007, then I started to try again the other day, and still no availability. SOMETHING must be going on during that time. Try the 1898-it looks really nice and has a great location, albeit, a little expensive. I would rather be in the 150-200 range(dollars), but at this point nothing is available, so I guess we're paying an additional $200.00! Helaine

Helaine, you might try this. We stayed here three years ago. I'm not sure where RSSC docks, but our Silversea ship docked right outside. Very convenient and right at the base of Las Ramblas. Also, the on off bus and skytram are right out the door. We loved it.
http://www.grandmarinahotel.com/

I second the Grand Marina, wonderful hotel, stayed there two nights in Oct/03 after a great cruise on Voyager, Love the location

FV

Just checked - no rooms available for the night of May 14th, but thanks for the suggestion.

Betty, did you call or just check on the website? The reason I ask, is that I get that same message that the hotel is full for every random date that I tried for 2007. I tried some for 2006 and they all cleared. I just think their reservation system online isn't accepting bookings into next year yet. I maybe wrong, but it sure seems that way to me. I tried about 15 random dates and it showed them as sold out each time.

Editing to add that I checked the Eurostars Hotels website as well and apparently there is a problem, because none of their hotels in Barcelona will allow any booking into 2007

Don, I only checked the website, but had already called the major chains last spring. No luck with doing that either. Thanks to Olivia, I now know there is a construction convention in town that date. I still haven't tried AMEX. I might have to use RSSC hotels - but they really stick it to singles. I sure will hate to give up my ff 1st class ticket & have to do RSSC air on disembarkation day. Glad I have some time to fool with this.

Betty, couldn't you find a room through that website I sent? The 1898 or something similar that someone mentioned seemed to have availability. NOTHING is more expensive than booking through RSSC!

We booked the 1898 because it was the ONLY thing we could find. If I find something less expensive, but still good, closer to the date, I'll cancel the 1898, and book the other one. At least in the meantime, we have SOMETHING. Helaine

Olivia
Didn't have time to try. Will do so tomorrow.
When a person's DH, totally crashes the computer when his beautiful, sweet, adoring wife runs off to Vail & leaves him by himself for an extended period, there is much to reconstruct - even with backups. And he managed to do this when I had only been gone 10 days. Humidity or not, I really did need to come home. :(
Example: "Clay, use Blue Rivets as the wallpaper." He did, in a way. I had a solid blue screen with a big black rivet in the center. Big enough to hold up the Empire State Bldg. Poor baby, he tried. I didn't even ask where he found the rivet photo. :)

Editing to add: Olivia & Helaine - Now I'm also booked.

Betty,
Where did you book? Helaine

The 1898.

The Hilton on Ave. Diagonal has rooms available.

I re -read this because I am trying to find a hotel in Barcelona in Sept 07. Last week all the hotels mentioned did not allow Sept bookings, and this week, the Colon and 1898 are s/o. The Grand Marina is $463.00, a bit too rich for my little group.
Any other suggestions in the main section of town with a moderate rate?
Thanks a lot.
Lynn

I always phone the hotel directly. If they are booked I leave my number in case of a cancellation and get the name of the person I speak to. I ask if they like Godiva chocolates !!! It always works.

I wonder what's going on that hotels in Barcelona could be sold out so far in advance! This past summer we stayed for a couple of nights at the Atrium Palace www.hotel-atriumpalace.com

Good location , close but not on top of Las Ramblas ( am I the only person in the planet that dislikes Las Ramblas??). I got a pretty good rate in the internet ( approx 130 euros). Just be aware the rooms are small ( although the bath was a good size and very modern).

I just booked at Le Meridien on the Ramblas.

Tina

Thanks for the suggestions. I am just waiting for the rest of my 'group' to get back to me.
Lynn

This website might be helpful. It's how we found out about the convention in town in May that's taken all the hotel rooms for post-TAP.

http://www.barcelona.com/

Tina,

We are considering this crossing with Regent.

I tried to book the Meridien online, and have been unsuccessful.

Did you use an agent, or take another route?

Many thanks.

pincus

We often stay at the Hotel Majestic. It is excellent AND reasonable. Taxis are inexpensive.

Thank you very much for this suggestion. I will take a look at the Majestic. Trip Advisor reports are generally favorable also.

When were you there last?

We haven't booked TAP yet, because of family complications, but are hoping...

Thanks for the reply.

Pincus

We are booked at the H10 Hotel Raco del Pi, in two weeks. It's 3 stars. It would have 4 stars if it had a swimming pool. Looks fabulous.

Frances

web site

http://barcelona.h10-raco-del-pi.tobook.com/Spain/Hotels/H10-Raco-Del-Pi?citypname=Barcelona

Another great hotel is Melia Barcelona, www.solmelia.com. At 200 Euros/night we were very pleasantly surprised at that low price. Really 1st. class all around.

Thank you, Frances, and neviboy,

These two hotels are "new" to us, and I appreciate not only the suggestion, but also your taking the time to reply.

Enjoy!

Pincus

Sorry for being out of touch with a response but I've been travelling. I booked via Starwood.com

Tina

Thanks to everyone. This can be overwhelming.
Lynn

Thanks, Tina.

We are now looking into several options.

pincus

We stayed right on the Rambles a year ago at the Royal Hotel. Best location in Barcelona!. Reasonable, breakfast included. I went on hotels.com Have stayed at the Le Meridien before and it is nice, but I thought expensive for what you get. The rooms at the Royal have double paned glass that keeps the noise out. Bathrooms were marble and the room was very nice. Not the Ritz; but nice. Can't beat the location. Also stayed at the Hilton once and the location is terrible. It is in the financial district. Judy