Barcelona Universal Hotel
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In 2001 Barcelona Universal Hotel first opened its doors to welcome in travelers to Barcelona. The hotel is huge, and stands over one of Barcelona's main roads, Paral-lel, close to the centre of Barcelona and the business district. Indeed Hotel Universal does seem to be aiming mostly for business clientele although it is a four star hotel and is also well equipped for those just on holiday.
Hotel Facilities
The Hotel Universal restaurant is called The Medea which has fresh Mediterranean cuisine and is advertised as being perfect for business lunches. If you want something a little more exotic then there is a Japanese restaurant just under the hotel on the left as you leave.
Those who are staying in Hotel Universal for pleasure, and those who have had a hard day at work will be glad to know there is an impressive roof terrace complete with a very good-sized pool. There are lovely views out towards Montjuic, and if you need to burn off some energy then there is a gym.
Business Facilities
There was definitely a business atmosphere in this hotel, and its conference centre is the unique feature of the hotel. There are 6 meeting rooms available. 3 can be divided with panels, and they all hold from 8 to 100 people. The rooms all importantly have natural light, air-conditioning, and are equipped with all the audiovisual lines and connections. There are parking facilities which are useful if you want to hire a car, which is cheap to do in Barcelona. Conveniently for business there is also a wireless money transfer office under the hotel, which also offers a money changing service.
Barcelona Universal Hotel's rooms
There are 167 rooms in Hotel Universal, which included 3 suites complete with Jacuzzi. I had a look at one of the double rooms which face out onto Paral-lel. The room was very comfortable, they are all air-conditioned, and have internet, satellite TV, a minibar and a safe. They give you a complimentary bottle of water, and there are nice cosmetics in the marble bathroom. There was a bath but due to its size it was clearly to be used as a shower only. I was there at about 16:30 and the room was bathed in sunlight, and surprisingly little noise was penetrating the windows. In fact I imagine that at night when there are less cars on the road, the noise wouldn't bother you at all.
Hotel Location
The Barcelona Universal Hotel is well-located for business and pleasure. Opposite there is the Victoria Theatre if you feel the need for drama, and can speak Spanish. Or check out the Nou Tantarantana theatre, a 5 minute walk away on Calle de Flores, 26. This is a small, progressive theatre which always has something quirky and fun on.
One of Hotel Universal's best points is the way it is so central in between some of Barcelona's biggest landmarks. 20 minutes up Paral-lel and you will get to the beautiful Placa Espanya where you can enjoy the magic fountain of Montjuic from Thurs till Sunday during the Summer and Friday and Saturdays during Winter. Turn left out the hotel and walk down and you will reach the port, turn left and you will be at the bottom end of La Rambla.
There is a cash machine just opposite and to the right hand side of the Barcelona Universal Hotel, and from there you can enjoy a coffee in one of the many outdoor cafes that there are to both sides of the Hotel Universal.
If you happen to choose an alcoholic beverage over coffee and wake up with a bit of a hangover then no fear there are 2 pharmacies just behind the hotel on Ronda Sant Pau, 2.
Carry on walking down Ronda Sant Pau and you will arrive at one of Barcelona's best loved and oldest markets, Mercat St Antoni. Here you will get a real taste of Barcelona, my tip is head right into the centre of the stalls and have a bite to eat at a tapas bar called Blanca. They have great lunchtime menus, you get to sit and watch the hustle and bustle of market life and you get a free shot of liquor at the end.
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Reservation information - Hotel Barcelona Universal
How to travel from the airport to the hotel
Private transfer service - Barcelona airport to your hotel or hotel to Barcelona airportIf you don't speak Spanish and you are unfamiliar with Barcelona booking a private airport transfer is a good option to consider. Once booked, you will have someone waiting to meet you at Barcelona airport to take you to your hotel. They will be holding a sign with your name on it. You need to book this service online before you leave by following the links below.
Private airport transfer service
Mini Van Shuttle Transfer To And From Barcelona Airport
If you wish to reserve a shared mini-van transfer from Barcelona Airport to your hotel or vice versa click on the link below. Note that this service is not a private service for you own group but the mini van will be shared with other passengers.
Shared minivan transfer from Barcelona Airport to hotel or hotel to Barcelona Airport
Public transport transfer options
A taxi takes 25 minutes and costs about €25.00 - €30.00 depending on luggage.
Aerobus, the express bus service that runs from Barcelona airport, costs €5.30 and leaves from outside terminals A, B and C and in half an hour will get you to Placa Catalunya. From there change to the green line 
Metro and travel to Paral.lel stop in 10 minutes. The hotel is across the street from Paral.lel metro stop.
RENFE train leaves every half an hour from the airport to Barcelona Sants Estacio. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs €3.60. From Barcelona Sants you can change onto the metro Green line which will take you directly to Paral.lel in 7 minutes. Total journey time: 35 minutes
In a nutshell
All in all hotel Universal is a good choice for anyone coming to Barcelona, as long as you aren't looking to be in a cultural centre. You will enjoy comfort and good facilities and you are within walking distance from many of Barcelona's attractions.
Barcelona Universal Hotel - 4 star
Paral.lel, 76-78
08001 Barcelona, España
Tel: +34 93 567 7447
Metro: Paral.lel, (Green Line, L3) 3 minutes walk
