Review Paral.lel Hotel Barcelona
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Paral.lel Hotel is a budget, 2 Star hotel in the centre of Barcelona. It offers low prices, a clean environment and helpful staff in a central location. The décor of the hotel is simple and clean. However, there is a slightly dated feel to it, with grey furniture and lots of mirrors.
With only the basic amenities, the hotel's selling point is its location. Situated at the foot of Montjuic mountain and at the back of El Raval area, it is close to both picturesque views of the gardens of Montjuic and the bustling city. The hotel is walking distance from some of the city's most well known attractions, including the Ramblas and Plaza de Espanya.
For those wishing for a beach holiday, budget hotels closer to the Barceloneta area may be a better option. However, the beach and port are still only a ten minute bus ride away.
Hotel Facilities:
Paral.lel Hotel aims to offer affordable rooms and in doing so, has only the basic amenities on offer. The hotel does not offer room service, a pool or a fitness centre.
However, it does provide a continental buffet breakfast, which is not included in the room price. It also offers a television room and an internet area, as well as Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Currency exchange is also available at reception, as is laundry service.
Pets are allowed with extra charge.
Business Facilities:
The hotel is standard and has no real business facilities. However, it does provide an area where internet access is available.
Facilities for the Disabled:
The hotel has wheelchair access throughout. There are lifts to all floors.
There are two rooms that have been adapted for wheelchair users, with widened doors and lowered baths.
Rooms:
The hotel contains 66 rooms. Each room offers the standard amenities including a telephone, Wi-Fi, television and air conditioning.
There are three different standards of room, listed below in Rack Rates.
Paral.lel is a rather busy main road in the city centre. There is, therefore, a risk, that the rooms will be noisy at night. If this is of concern, it is worth booking a room on one of the higher floors, as this will be further from the noise of the street.
Hotel Location and Facilities:
Paral.lel Hotel is located on one of Barcelona's busiest streets at the back of the El Raval area, in Poble Sec. The street is not a particularly picturesque one, compared to others with older buildings or more shops and cafes; however, it is very well located and does have its own Spanish charm. The street will also provide most practical amenities that you may need - a local supermarket, newsagents and pharmacies.
There are a few invaluable dining opportunities in close vicinity to the hotel. On the same street, Poeta de Cabanyes, at number 25, is the legendary tapas bar, Quimet y Quimet. This is a small, old-school Spanish bar with standing-room only. The high walls are covered with rows and rows of old wine bottles, jars and cans. It is well-known for good cheese, as well as tapas made with tinned seafood- considered a delicacy in Spain. Ask hotel staff about opening times, as the hours are typically awkward- many traditional bars and restaurants in Barcelona are only open for very specific hours.
One street down, at 53 Calle Tapioles, is an interesting concept restaurant, Tapioles53. It has been designed with intimacy, to feel as though you are seated in the chef's own dining room and the menu changes daily depending on what treats are available at the local Boqueria food market. Booking is essential, as the small restaurant caters for exactly how many customers it will be serving. It also gets very busy at the weekend.
It is a ten minute walk from the hotel, straight up Paral.lel, to Plaza de Espanya. This is an large square, where the Palau Nacional can be viewed. The Palace is definitely worth a visit, particularly on Thursday to Sunday evenings, when the Magic Fountain show takes place. The fountains that sit in front of the palace are choreographed into a show with music and coloured lights running through the water. The shows take place at half hour intervals from 21:30 until 23:00 Thursday to Sundays only and are totally free. If you're looking for a classically spine -tingling experience, this may be the one for you!
The Plaza de Espanya is also home to the Fira de Barcelona - an enormous conference and function centre, where many major events take place. If you are making a trip over to Barcelona for events such as the Bread and Butter conference for streetwear clothing design or the Harley Davidson conference, Paral.lel Hotel is particularly well located.
If you are looking to sample the Barcelona nightlife, you will find yourself in the right area. The hotel is situated at the back of El Raval, a barrio known to be popular amongst young locals for its stylish bars and clubs. You are also a five minute walk from one of Barcelona's largest and most successful clubs - Apolo.
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:Via Train The RENFE train leaves the airport every half an hour and will take you to Barcelona Sants (Estacio de Sants) , in about 25 minutes and costs €3.60 for a single ticket. Then change at Sants for the Green line 
Metro and travel 4 stops and get off at Paral.lel . The hotel is a few minutes walk from the metro stop.
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 walking distance from Plaza de Catalunya. A taxi would take about 10 minutes and cost about €10.00 - €12.00. Alternatively you can take the metro from Catalunya to Poble Sec on the green line metro.
Reservations - backed by a price promise guarantee
Reservation Information For The Paral.lel Hotel
In a nutshell:
Paral.lel Hotel Barcelona offers a simple concept - a basic hotel with welcoming staff and reliable standards at a price that competes with hostels and economy apartments. Its location is impressive if not picturesque. A great option for travellers wishing to get a real feel for Barcelona.
Paral.lel Hotel
Calle Poeta Cabanyes, 5 -7
08004 Barcelona, España
Metro: Poble Sec (Green Line, L3)