Page Content

Hotel Triunfo

Triunfo Hotel Barcelona is full of surprises. From the exterior it has the appearance of a grand but slightly crumbling hotel, with an old sign behind dark arches. On closer inspection, you will realise that the hotel only resides within one floor of this large building and it is necessary to ring a buzzer to enter. You will ride a small and rickety lift to the third floor of the building where you will arrive at the reception.

The hotel's interior seems to bear no resemblance to its exterior. It has the look and feel of a space that has more than a 1* rating. Its décor is modern, clean and simple, with decorative touches such as flowers dotted throughout the hotel and splashes of warm colour.

The hotel's prices are similar to those in local hostals and there is no sacrifice on location - the hotel is close to the city centre and the beach. It also looks down onto Barcelona's Parc de la Ciutadella - an ornate park, containing a lake with rowing boats, various sculptures and fountains.

The hotel may not appeal to those who are hoping to experience old-school Spanish charm - the interior appears to have been recently renovated in a look that could be said to be at odds with the old building. The lift is also not for the faint-hearted and the hotel is a couple of floors up. In general, though, in terms of prices and location, the hotel offers a standard that is surprisingly high.

Hotel Facilities:

Hotel Triunfo is a 1* hotel offering few extra services- there is no pool, fitness centre, restaurant or bar. There is also no room service. However, the reception is open 24 hours and the front desk staff are very helpful in answering questions.

There is no breakfast option. The only food available is from a small vending machine in the lobby area.

The check-in time is 14:00 and the check-out time is 12:00 noon.

As room prices are affordable, short stays (ie. not overnight) are available, but at the same price as normal room rates.

Pets are not allowed in the hotel.

Business Facilities:

There are no business facilities in the hotel- no meeting rooms, internet or Wi-Fi.

Facilities for the Disabled:

There are two rooms that are suitable for disabled people. They have widened doors and a special bath. However, it is worth noting that the hotel is based entirely on the third floor of the building. The hotel lift is very small and old - similar to those found in all old apartment buildings. It is unlikely to be large enough for an electronic wheelchair.

Rooms:

There are 16 rooms in the hotel- single, double and triple. 4 of these rooms offer views of the Parc de la Ciutadella - they are called the Superior rooms. These rooms may be slightly affected by noise from the street below, however, the windows are double - glazed, so noise should be minimised. The street is also reasonably quiet, as there is little traffic at night and there are no bars in close vicinity.

The room sizes available are single, double and triple. The hotel could, therefore, be an option for a smaller family.

All of the rooms are non-smoking. The only area where smoking is allowed in the hotel is in the lobby.

Each room contains a television, telephone, hairdryer and a safe.

Hotel Location and Facilities:

Parc de la Ciutadella

Hotel Triunfo is located right next to the Parc de la Ciutadella. This is one of Barcelona's most beautiful parks, with lots of green space for lounging and trees to find shade under. During the summer months it is alive with people taking strolls, people-watching on the numerous benches, or practising everything from juggling to playing the congos. It contains many different flowers and plants that may be of interest to botanists. It also has a small lake, where rowing boats are available for hire. The park is dotted with sculptures and structures, such as a large elephant - it is a great place for kids to explore. It is of special interest during La Mercé festival in September when lots of free activities for children take place in the park.

Boules Squares

The hotel's Superior rooms look down onto areas for playing boules that surround the park. This is a romantic sight in the evening as groups of friends, both young and old, meet with bottles of wine and game sets for a relaxing (or competitive!) game.

The hotel also backs onto the area of El Born. This is seen to be one of Barcelona's most desirable areas - it is full to the brim with bars, shops and restaurants. Many see it as a welcome break from the more touristy areas, with less chain shops and higher standards of food and drinks for the price paid.

La Paradeta

A very popular restaurant with the locals is the nearby La Paradeta, on Carrer Commerial. Strictly for seafood lovers only. Be prepared to queue, as advanced booking is not possible, but you will be rewarded for your patience! The concept is that customers select the seafood of their choice from an impressive display similar to those found in markets - fresh fish on ice. They explain how they would like it cooked and whether they would like any sauces etc - as the restaurant is local do not expect the serving staff to speak English. You are then given a number and told to find a seat in the canteen-style eating area. When your number is called you collect your order from a small hatch connected to the kitchen. You will be assured of the quality of the place as you look around and take in all of the old Spanish couples feasting from tables crammed with plates of seafood!

In the El Born area are all of the local amenities generally needed- shops, pharmacies, newsagents and banks. If you need a larger supermarket it may be necessary to Barceloneta or the Ramblas- both about 15 minutes walk away. Barceloneta is also the home of the beach.

How to travel from the airport to the hotel

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 de Franca in about 35 minutes. A single ticket costs €3.60. The hotel is a 5 - 10 minute walk from the station. Alternatively, a taxi from the train station will take less than 5 minutes and cost around €5.00.

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 €10.00 - €12. Alternatively, you can catch the Metro from Catalunya to Ciutadella Vila Olimpica, from where Park Hotel is a 5 minute walk. At Catalunya it will be necessary to catch the Red line to Urquinaona. At Urquinaona it will be necessary to catch the Yellow line to Ciutadella Vila Olimpica.

In a nutshell:

Hotel Triunfo is a hotel that appears to offer it all - a clean and attractive space, a good location and extremely affordable prices. Those who are looking to be at the centre of the tourist action may wish to aim for a hotel slightly closer to the Ramblas, or slightly more Spanish in style. However, Triunfo will now be my recommendation for visiting family and friends who are travelling on a budget.

Hotel Triunfo - 1 Star
Passeig de Picasso, 22
08003 Barcelona, España

Metro: Ciutadella Vila Olimpica (Yellow Line, L4)