Review Gran Hotel Catalonia, Barcelona

Gran Hotel Catalonia, Barcelona is located in the heart of Eixample. It is a simple hotel with friendly staff and affordable rates. It is located fifteen minutes walk from Rambla de Catalunya - a busy and leafy street that leads to Plaza Catalunya and the Ramblas. The hotel’s lobby area is classic, with stripy red and cream couches. It is a long and narrow space with grey marble floors.

Hotel Facilities:

The hotel does not have a pool, fitness centre or spa. The hotel restaurant offers buffet breakfasts at 10 euros plus tax per person. It is served from 07:00 – 10:30 during the week and from 07:30 – 11:00 at weekends. At lunchtime a set menu (‘Menu del Dia’) is available for 24 euros plus tax, consisting of 3 courses plus a drink. Dinner is an ‘a la carte’ menu.

The hotel bar is next to the lobby and is open from 11:00 – 24:00. It serves snack food.

Room service is available from 11:00 – 24:00.

Check-in time is at 15:00 and check-out time is at 12:00. Rooms are available for day use when possible and cost between 30 and 50 euros.

Business Facilities:

There are four rooms that are available in the hotel for meetings. They have a collective capacity of 400 people.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and is free of charge. There is one computer available with internet access. It is charged at 2 euros per 10 minutes.

Facilities for the Disabled:

There are no rooms in the hotel that are suitable for disabled people.

There are lifts to all floors.

Rooms:

There are a total of 88 rooms in the hotel, over 7 floors. All of the rooms are doubles. It is possible to add an extra bed to the rooms. This will involve a surcharge of 30% of the room price.

Some of the rooms at the front of the hotel have balconies. These must be reserved through the hotel. All of the rooms have double-glazing, so noise pollution should not be too much of a problem. However, those hoping for a quiet nights sleep should request interior rooms.

All rooms contain air-conditioning, television, telephone, a safe and a mini-bar.

The hotel has a liberal approach to smoking. Guests who wish to smoke in their rooms are permitted to do so.

Hotel Location and Facilities:

Gran Hotel Catalonia is located very centrally at the centre of Barcelona. It is just off Rambla de Catalunya – a leafy street with a pedestrianised strip that is dotted with café and restaurant terraces. It is the home of Colmado Quilmez – a large deli style shop with a traditionally Spanish window display. The shop is proud of its history, as well as its large selection of alcohols, cheeses and meats. Close to the hotel it is also possible to find the world-renowned chocolatiers - Godiva.

Colmado Quilez

Godiva

If you are looking for somewhere special to eat, Ottimo is located just around the corner, on Enric Granados 95. The restaurant offers simple Italian cooking in glamorous surroundings that have a 1950s feel with mirrored walls, patterned banquettes and a cocktail bar. The prices are reasonably high, but with pasta and salads on the menu it is an affordable option.          

Zara

The hotel is a ten-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya. This is one of Barcelona’s largest squares. It is at the top of the Ramblas – Barcelona’s famous street for strolling and people watching. On either side of the Ramblas you will find Barcelona’s old town – including the Gothic Quarter and Raval. The Gothic Quarter in particular is renowned for its picturesque narrow streets and old buildings. Raval is an interesting area to explore for those looking for less touristy bars and restaurants.

Passeig de Gracia is a five-minute walk from the hotel. This street is the home of many major stores including Burberry, Zara and Prada.  It is also the home of a large and affordable home design store – Vinçon. It is a picturesque street, lined with ornate street lamps and a couple of Gaudi buildings – La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

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 Passeig de Gracia in 25 minutes. You can either use the T10 transport ticket from the airport (T10 costs 7.70 euros for 10 separate journeys on Barcelona public transport) or you can buy a single fare ticket for 2.80 euros. You can then change to the metro and catch the Green Line to Diagonal. The hotel is a 3 minute walk from the metro station.

Via Bus: Take the 'Aerobus ' to Plaza Catalunya from directly outside the airport. The Aerobus generally runs every 10 - 15 minutes and the journey time is 30 minutes. The hotel is 5 minutes in a taxi and will cost about 5 - 8 euros. Alternatively you can catch the Green Line on the metro to Diagonal, from here the hotel is a 3 minute walk.

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 Reservation Information For The Gran Hotel Catalonia

In a Nutshell:

Gran Hotel Catalonia is a classic four-star hotel, lacking the modern focus on design of other hotels in the area. However, prices are affordable and the location is great for those hoping for a cosmopolitan trip to the city. Businesses will be impressed by the facilities offered at the heart of Barcelona.

Gran Hotel Catalonia - 4 Star
Calle Balmes, 142 - 146
08008
Barcelona

Metro: Diagonal (Green Line, L3) or (Blue Line, L5)

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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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