Review Chic and Basic Hotel Barcelona

Reservation Information For Chic and Basic Hotel

Hotel Chic and Basic could be said to be part of a new breed of hotels, offering modern design and interesting quirks in its design and facilities (detailed below), at prices that are affordable to a younger clientele. This may not appeal to those in search of a more classic hotel, but could be worth a visit if you are in search of adventure!

The hotel has a white theme running throughout. They even own next-door’s White Bar! However, lights are installed throughout the hotel that dramatically change colour throughout the day and night - colouring the walls with purple, green and red. The rooms themselves have been designed creatively with amusing pictures on the walls, central showers and mirrored walls. The changes have been made with a sense of respect for the old building, which has a beautiful stone staircase running through the centre.

Based at the heart of one of Barcelona’s coolest areas, it is surrounded by modern bars, international restaurants and expensive shops. This may be the perfect hotel for fans of design and modernity, but may be lacking a Spanish touch for those who would like to gain a real sense of the city.

Hotel Facilities:

There is no pool in the hotel. However, there is a small gym that is available to all customers. The gym provides free bottled water and towels to customers.

There is no restaurant on the hotel’s premises, but, the hotel do own next door’s White Bar. A buffet breakfast is available here, however it is not included in the room price.

There is a communal area available in the hotel, with cushioned seating. This area provides a machine dispensing complimentary hot and cold drinks. Wi–Fi is also available in the communal area free of charge. The area also contains one computer with internet access that is available to all customers for no extra cost.

No pets are allowed in the hotel.

The hotel states that they are flexible about check – in and check – out times. However, the official times are 15:00 check – in and 12:00 check – out.

Business Facilities:

There are no business rooms in the hotel. However, there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and one computer with internet access available in the communal area.

Facilities for the Disabled:

There are no real facilities for wheelchair users in this hotel. There are lifts to all floors. However, doors to the rooms have not been widened and there are no special baths or showers.

Rooms:

There are 31 rooms in the hotel – 29 of these are double rooms and two of them are single. A few of the double rooms are large enough to add a supplementary bed if required. The rooms are listed in sizes normally used for clothing (see rack rates below), so ask the hotel if you are confused by the categories.

The rooms are designed with some interesting features. These include a remote control to change the colour of the lights in your room. There is also a shower at the centre of each room with a crystal curtain surrounding it. The rooms offer all standard amenities – a mini bar, a plasma screen television and internet access. It is possible to use the televisions in the hotel for internet access at a rate of 2 euros per day. Films can be rented at 3 euros each.

All of the rooms are on the second floor of the building, therefore, none offer views of the city. However, some rooms do have balconies, so it may be worth requesting these. Bare in mind, though, that the rooms do not have double glazed windows, so those that are street facing may be noisy at night. The hotel is based in the centre of the El Born area – a popular destination for bars and restaurants.

The entire hotel is a no smoking zone.

Hotel Location and Facilities:

Gimlet

Hotel Chic and Basic is located in the heart of the El Born district. This area is often likened to areas such as Soho in New York, or Shoreditch in London. This is due to its high concentration of design shops, art galleries and trendy bars – all very much in keeping with the hotel itself. Around the corner from the hotel is the popular Gimlet cocktail bar, on Calle Rec. It is a tiny space with low lighting and dark wood where all seating is at the bar. All of the cocktails are made by experts, but are very simple – no Delboy Trotter style umbrellas! Check it out if you want to mix with the locals and feel smug that you’ve found a Barcelona gem.

El Born (Placa de les Olles)

Calle Princesa, where the hotel is situated, is a reasonably popular street for bars and restaurants. El Japonés is on the same street and offers a great lunchtime menu. For 12 euros two courses of Japanese food, including ramens and sushi are available plus a drink and dessert. If you are in search of a more traditionally Spanish meal, El Xampanyet, on Calle Montcada may be what you are looking for. It is one of Barcelona’s traditional and original cava bars, where cava is served at low prices and is accompanied by tapas such as anchovies, stuffed peppers (called picantés, and famous for their kick) and delicious sun-dried tomatoes.

The hotel is located in easy walking distance of Barceloneta beach – about 15 minutes walk away. Barceloneta beach is the busiest of Barcelona’s beaches and is very popular in the summer months amongst a younger crowd.

The hotel is a simple 15 minute walk, straight down Calle Princesa over Via Laietana and along Calle Ferran, to the Ramblas. En-route to the Ramblas you will find many useful amenities such as smaller shops, pharmacies and banks.

The hotel’s closest Metro stop is Jaume I – less than five minutes walk from the hotel. This will give you the opportunity to travel to popular attractions further up town, such as Parc Guell (the Gaudi park), the Sagrada Familia or the Gracia area.

How to Travel from the Airport to the Hotel:

Via Taxi: A taxi from the airport should take about 25 minutes and cost around 25 – 30 euros depending on traffic and luggage.

Via Train: The RENFE train leaves the airport every half an hour and will take you to Estacio de Franca in about 35 minutes. A single ticket costs 2.80 euros. The hotel is about 10 minutes walk from the station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the train station if you have lots of luggage. This will take about 10 minutes and cost about 8 - 10 euro.

Via Bus: Take the 'Aerobus ' to Plaza de Catalunya from directly outside the airport. The Aerobus generally runs every 10- 15 minutes and the journey time is 30 minutes. The hotel is 25 minutes walk from Plaza de Catalunya, or 15 minutes in a taxi that will cost about 10-12 euros. Alternatively, you can catch the Metro from Catalunya to Jaume I, from where Hotel Chic and Basic is a 5 minute walk. At Catalunya it will be necessary to catch the Red line to Urquinaona. At Urquinaona it will be necessary tocatch the Yellow line to Jaume I.

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 Reservation Information For Chic and Basic Hotel

In a Nutshell:

Hotel Chic and Basic is a concept hotel aiming to offer style and quirkiness at affordable rates. This may not appeal to all, as some may be irritated by their attempts at ‘zany – ness’ and the hotel features seem to be pitched at a younger crowd. However, the hotel is very well – located close to the centre of town and at the heart of the popular El Born area.

Hotel Chic and Basic - 3 Star
Princesa, 50
08003
Barcelona

Metro: Barceloneta (Yellow Line, L4)

Rack Rates:

Single: 86 – 96 euros (including tax)
M: 96 – 118 euros (including tax)
L: 123 – 147 euros (including tax)
XL: 146 – 171 euros (including tax)
XXL: 163 – 192 euros (including tax)

Related Pages

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.

Barcelona Hotel Reviews - Read our independent reviews of over 100 Barcelona hotels

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