Barcelona Universal Hotel
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
A taxi takes 25 minutes and costs about 25 euros depending on
luggage.
Aerobus, the express bus service that runs from Barcelona airport,
costs 4.25 euros 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 2,60
euros. 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
Tel: (0034) 93 567 7447
Metro:
Paral.lel, (Green Line, L3) 3 minutes
walk
Official Hotel Rates:
Double for single use: 122 (low season)- 180 euros (high season)
Double: 140 - 200 euros
(7% tax not included)
Buffet Breakfast: 13.5 euros
Related Pages
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Barcelona Neighbourhood And Hotel Guide - Guide to the main Barcelona neighbourhoods and hotels listed for each area. Photos, descriptions makes it easy for you to know where to choose your hotel.
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