Review Gran Barcino Hotel Barcelona
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Gran Hotel Barcino is located on Barcelona's main street linking the area of El Born to the Ramblas. The street itself is picturesque - it is peppered with old and grand buildings and lined with ornate street lamps. It is also lively, with lots of interesting shops and restaurants and in close vicinity to Plaza Sant Jaume- the home of Barcelona's town hall.
The hotel itself has a looming, stately exterior and looks in-keeping with the surrounding government buildings. Its interior is slightly disappointing, with a sense that, perhaps, its glory days have passed. Its faux - Roman trimmings, nineties style furniture and defunct bar area are signs of a hotel in decline.
There is no question, though, that the hotel's location is exceptional for tourists hoping to be at the centre of Barcelona's tourist area. It also offers spaciousness and four star service in an area where these can be hard to find.
Hotel Facilities:
There is no pool or fitness centre in the hotel. There is no restaurant, however there is an area where buffet breakfast is served. Breakfast is not included in the meal price and costs €16.00.
There is a bar in the lobby area of the hotel. However, at the time of writing (January 2009), this bar is not in use.
Pets are not allowed in the hotel.
Check - in time is 13:00 and check - out time is 12:00 noon.
Business Facilities:
There are no meeting rooms in the hotel. However, the lobby area is large and could be used for small meetings if necessary. There are no computers with internet available in the hotel. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, however it must be paid for with a pre-purchased card that may be purchased at reception.
Facilities for the Disabled:
The hotel does not offer facilities for disabled people - all rooms are standard. However, there are lifts to all floors.
Rooms:
The hotel contains a total of 68 rooms over 6 floors. 59 of the rooms are double, 4 of them are single and 5 are for three people.
All rooms include a telephone, television, a mini - bar and a safe.
Two floors of the hotel are designated no smoking areas. Smoking is permitted in the rest of the hotel.
30% of the rooms in the hotel face the street. This is an attractive option for those hoping for interesting views. However, it is worth remembering that the hotel is located on a very busy street that is popular with late night revellers. The street - facing windows do have double glazing, however, this may not prove sufficient to block out drunken sing songs!
Hotel Location and Facilities:
Gran Hotel Barcino is in a very central location and could prove perfect for those hoping for a sight - seeing holiday in Barcelona. It is a five - minute walk from the centre of the Ramblas and is situated on one of Barcelona's main streets - Jaume I.
The hotel is very close to Plaça Sant Jaume, where Barcelona's town hall and government buildings sit. This is an interesting square that can often be the scene of local activity. Many demonstrations take place in this space. It is also where many locals gather on a Sunday morning to take part in the Catalonian traditional dance. This involves groups of people forming circles with their arms linked and raised. It is a slow - moving dance with intricate footwork. It is definitely worth checking out for an experience of the local culture.
Located close to the Ramblas most general amenities are in walking distance - a large supermarket, pharmacies, internet cafés and banks.
On leaving the hotel, in the opposite direction to the Ramblas you will find yourself five minutes walk from El Born. An area that is worth exploring if you would like to find some restaurants or bars that are less touristy.
The hotel is also a ten-minute walk from the port area and a fifteen minute walk from the beach.
The closest Metro stop to the hotel is Jaume I, a two minute walk from the hotel. This will prove useful for connections to areas such as Gracia, Tibidabo and Sagrada Familia. However, the hotel is in walking distance from many of Barcelona's most popular tourist attractions.
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
Via Taxi: A taxi from the airport should take about 25 minutes and cost around €25.00 - €30.00 depending on traffic and luggage.
Via Train: The RENFE train leaves the airport every half an hour and will take you to Estacio Sants in about 25 minutes. A single ticket costs €3.60. You can take a taxi from the train station if you have lots of luggage. This will take about 15 minutes and cost about €15.00. Alternatively you can take the Metro from Sants Estacio at the train station to Jaume I, which is on the Yellow Line (L4) so it will involve two changes.
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 20 minutes walk from Plaza de Catalunya, or 10 minutes in a taxi that will cost about €8.00 - €10.00. Alternatively, you can catch the Metro from Catalunya to Jaume I, from where Gran Hotel Barcino is a 2 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 Gran Barcino Hotel
In a Nutshell:
Gran Hotel Barcino straddles two of Barcelona's popular tourist destinations- the Ramblas and El Born. Its location is perfect for those who wish to enjoy Barcelona's tourist hot - spots and it provides a clean, four star class of service. Its style is old - school and may not appeal to those hoping for a more stylish hotel experience.
Gran Hotel Barcino - 4 Star
Jaume I, 6
08002 Barcelona, España
Metro: Jaume I (Yellow Line, L4)