subject: Barcelona Hotels Guide - How To Choose Your Hotel [print this page] The beautiful Mediterranean city of Barcelona has become one of the top city break destination in Europe in recent years. It has lots to offer visitors whether it's a relaxing sun holiday, a sightseeing city break or maybe a bit of both!
The city has hundred's of hotels for you to choose from. The hotels are situated all over the city so picking one depends firstly on where you would like to be located.
'Las Ramblas' could be considered the city's main street and one of the most famous thoroughfares in the world. The 1.2km long tree lined pedestrian street is famous for its entertainment, street artists, flower markets and quirky stalls. A stroll down Las Ramblas is a must, if even just to soak up its vibrant and colourful atmosphere.
Las Ramblas is the hub of activity and is located right in the heart of the city so if you stay here you're within walking distance of most of the sights that this city has to offer. There are restaurants, bars and cafes all on your doorstep and attractions like the Cathedral, the Gothic Quarter, the MACBA Art Gallery, Placa de Catalunya, Port Vell and the beach are all within walking distance. There are lots of Barcelona hotels found on Las Ramblas and nearby it, but be aware that you may be paying a higher price from such a prime location.
The Barri Gothic or the Gothic Quarter is the oldest part of the city and is located in an area known as Ciutat Vella (Old Town). This charming part of the city has a labyrinth of old narrow cobbled streets, which open out onto beautiful medieval squares. Some of the city's most noteworthy attractions are located here; the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, the Church of Santa Maria dei Pi, the Placa Reial (Royal Plaza) and Casa de la Ciutat (City Hall). If you want to stay in the cultural and historical hub of the city then choose the Gothic Quarter.
El Born, El Raval and La Ribera are 'barrios' or districts that also make up part of the Ciutat Vella. They are all within walking distance of Las Ramblas and the beach and are a perfect location if you want to be central.
The Eixample district is quite a large district just north of the Ciutat Vella. This is where you'll find the works of Barcelona's favourite son - Antonio Gaudi. It was in the Eixample district that Gaudi created some of city's most fascinating architecture that it has been draw millions of visitors here ever since. His modernist architecture here includes; Casa Balto, Casa Mila and the magnificent Sagrada Familia. The Eixample district is also noted for its excellent shopping.
If you want to spend a lot of your time at the beach, then you could choose Barcelona hotels in Poble Nou, Port Olympic or Barceloneta. Barceloneta is the closest to the city centre and just a short walk from Las Ramblas. It is home to Barceloneta Beach, Sant Miguel Beach and Sant Sebastia Beach. This is one of the most stylish parts of the city to stay in; you've got the beach, marina, excellent restaurants and top shopping at your fingertips.
The nearby Port Olympic and Poble Nou districts also boast lots of sandy beaches and have lots of beachfront hotels with stunning Mediterranean views.
If you're on a budget then choose Barcelona hotels in the Montjuic or Les Corts which may be cheaper due to being further away from the city centre. Montjuic is a leafy hill overlooking the city. With its excellent transport connections you can be within the city centre in minutes. Attractions located here include; Palau Nacional (National Palace), the Magic Fountains, Montjuic Gardens, Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village) and lots of sport facilities like the Olympic Stadium built to host the 1992 Olympic Games.
If you are coming to Barcelona on business, then chances are, you might be staying in the Les Corts district. It's located in the north west of the city and is considered to be the city's financial and business district. It's also home to an exhibition centre, shopping centres and Camp Nou Stadium.
Barcelona's main airport - El Prat is located 10km south west of the city centre and there's also lots of Barcelona airport hotels located here.
If you're not really bothered about the location of your hotel, then you can select your hotel by star rating. Hotels in Barcelona range from 1 star - 5star. If you're looking for cheap hotels in Barcelona then go for a lower star rating - the lower the rating, the lower the price you pay.
When your booking your hotel in Barcelona for the peak season (April to September) it is strongly advised to book well in advance - at least 2-3 months in advance. If you're coming in the off peak season mid-October to end-March you could avail of much cheaper hotel prices.
