Hotels in Barcelona

Situated in the northeast region of Spain and bordering France and the Mediterranean Sea, is this very lively and very hard working city that is responsible for 20 percent of Spain’s GDP. Barcelona – the capital of Catalonia.

The key industries that keep Barcelona pulsating with commerce are manufacture, textiles, electronics and particularly tourism. In 2001, Spain received nearly 50 million visitors of which over ten million visited Barcelona.

Its charming seaside location, the beaches, its great shopping venues, the fabulous restaurants and world class museums are the main attracting forces that bring hordes of tourists.

Until a few decades ago nobody could imagine that this northern Spanish city of Barcelona would be turn into such a major drawing force that the world of sports thought it fit to hold the Olympic Games here in 1992. That event underscored the enormous transformation that Barcelona was undergoing.

Today, the old Baroque elegance of Barcelona’s ancient buildings sits in complete harmony with the modern day architectural marvels. The styles though disparate, speak of a very high aesthetic standard and innovative thinking. The legacy of Barcelona’s most famous son, the genius modernist architect Antoni Gaudi and Montaner’s modernisme (Catalonia’s answer to art nouveau) can be seen everywhere. Whether it is the curvaceous lamp posts and fountains of Placa Reial or the unfinished Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Gaudi lives in the imagination of the new breed of architects whose new monuments of steel and glass do not dwarf these older buildings. The new and old styles blend most beautifully to make a most wonderful urban landscape. Quite understandably, the new architects have succeeded in rejuvenating this old port city without compromising on its charm in any way.

Its architectural beauty draws all the world’s top architects who then are able to create an array of modern structures and avant-garde designs. Their biggest is no doubt the seminal work of Antoni Gaudi.

Barcelona is consolidating its position as a major regional economic power, as it is strategically close to the French border and with a wide Mediterranean coastline. Its economy has been steadily expanding during the past decade the locals are very aware of the city’s potential and possess a strong desire to create an independent Catalan state with Barcelona at its helm. They resent the current Spanish set up, where their favorite city plays second fiddle in political terms to Madrid. But the fighting spirit of the people seems to be on the wane, particularly since the death of General Franco and the granting of a greater deal of autonomy to the region. But you will still see this patriotism finding its voice in places like bars and cafes and especially at Camp Nou, the home of Barcelona FC – one of Europe’s greatest football teams.

Its climate is mostly balmy all year round, neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter. And that is also one more reason why Barcelona is considered one of Europe’s most popular short break destinations.

Le Meridien Hotel Barcelona
Ramblas 111,
Barcelona 8002, Spain

Le Meridien is the only five star hotel located on the Ramblas, very much in the heart of the city. The El Prat Airport is 9 miles from the hotel all the places of tourist interest are just minutes away. So are some of the best venues for shopping, dining and entertainment.

In keeping with the tradition of architectural brilliance, it was built in the classic Modernismo style in 1956. At the time it was called the Hotel Manila. In later years, the hotel underwent a transformation. All its guest rooms and public areas were renovated with a Mediterranean touch that has enhanced the welcoming ambience of the whole property. The rooms are spacious, well-appointed, comfortable and have double glazed windows to keep the rooms quiet and peaceful. The suites offer some of the best views of the historic quarter of Barcelona. The onsite restaurant Le Patio offers fine Catalan and Mediterrean cuisine while the Piano Bar is a favorite for cocktails.

Hotel Majestic Barcelona
Passeig De Gracia,
68 Barcelona 8007 Spain

The Hotel Majestic stands head and shoulders above its peers – the other hotels, for its very high standard of service as well for its world class accommodation and many features. Its location, the neighboring buildings such as Casa E. Batlló and the Pedrera, both designed by the famous Antonio Gaudi, lend it an aristocratic grace. The Paseo de Gracia thoroughfare on which the hotel is situated is also another attractive spot for shopping.

It offers al the convenience of a modern hotel plus an old world tradition of personal care and attention to detail. The rooms are carefully designed to ensure maximum comfort and quiet in each room. The rooms also offer exclusive views over the Paseo de Gracia. Where food is concerned, the Hotel Majestic is considered a gourmet’s paradise. The exclusive Restaurant Drolma is regarded as the city’s most prominent location for gourmet cuisine. For quick snacks you have The Bar at the Majestic.

Silken Gran Hotel
Havana Barcelona,
Gran Via 647
Barcelona 8010 Spain

This classic hotel has a history of over a century. It was built in 1872 when it was known as the Gran Hotel Havana. Down the eventful decades, the hotel went through many transformations as its popularity grew. Its most modern avatar, renovated in 1991, was clearly the influence of the modernist architects. The resulting structure stands out as a tribute to the brilliance of Barcelona’s famous architect son Gaudi. The rooms reflect the care and detail that went into building this hotel. The rooms are furnished most tastefully with furnishings and fixtures that ensure the guest optimum comfort. The rooms are soundproof and have individually controlled air conditioning. The bathrooms are fitted with Italian marble.

The location is also a great advantage with all the fine dining, shopping and entertainment venues minutes away. The Silken Gran also provides function rooms for meetings, banquets, conventions and social events in a selected and attractive atmosphere. The staff is most cordial and attentive to your every need.

Grand Marina Hotel Barcelona
Moll De Barcelona,
S/n,
Barcelona 8039 Spain

The Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel is a fairly new, luxury hotel that was opened in 2002. Its location is a great convenience as both the airport and the central railway station are just 10 minutes away. Public transport is right at the hotel’s doorstep. And many of the popular shopping and entertainment venues are nearby. The hotel rooms from all of its eight floors, offer magnificent views of the famous Ramblas, Maramagnum Complex and the ever-inspiring Gothic Quarter. The rooms are tastefully furnished, equipped with upscale amenities and have luxurious bathrooms. The hotel’s onsite facilities include two a la carte restaurants and a seasonal and open air café, a business centre, a fitness facility and an outdoor swimming pool.

As with most of Barcelona’s buildings, this one too was built by the Pei, Cobb, Freed and Partners, a firm of great repute.

Barcelo Hotel Sants Barcelona
Plaza Dels Paisos Catalans
S/n,
Barcelona 8014 Spain

The hotel’s unique location never fails to amaze tourists. It is situated right atop the central railway station! Yet, the hotel is entirely soundproofed to ensure the guests enjoy a peaceful and most relaxing stay. The station-top location proves to be a great convenience for those wishing to explore the city’s many sights, because travel is simplified. One could even say that the hotel offers an “attached railway station”. This deluxe hotel is 12 km from El Prat International Airport.

The rooms are elegantly furnished with the latest amenities, furnishings and fixtures. The rooms have air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms with bath and shower. The Barcelo Hotel Sants offers very good onsite dining and is close to many popular shopping and entertainment venues.