Q: We are coming to visit Barcelona and are not sure whether to stay in the Ramblas area (just off the busy street) or the beach area. What do you recommend? Are there any hotels that have views of the beach?

A: The beach area and the La Ramba areas are very different. It depends on what type of holiday you want to have. La Rambla is right in the heart of the city centre and you will be subject to some noise, there is no way of getting away from that. However you are based in the beating heart of the city centre. 

The beach area is quieter generally and a lot more relaxed. You have a short walk to the beach but if you are based in Barceloneta you also have ready access into the city centre either by foot (about 15 to 20 minutes walk to La Rambla) or via the yellow line metro at the stop Barceloneta.

We have written reviews of each of these areas to give you a more complete picture of what these areas are like. Please see the links below. I have also included links to pages that explain about hotels with sea and beach views:

Barceloneta beach area guide
Barceloneta beach area photo guide
Hotels in Barceloneta
Hotels Near the Beach in Barcelona
Finding accommodation in Barcelona with a sea view
Ramblas Area Guide
Hotels Near La Rambla