Review Chic and Basic Born Hotel Barcelona
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Chic and Basic Born hotel could be said to be part of a new breed of hotels, offering modern design and interesting quirks in its design and facilities (detailed below), at prices that are affordable to a younger clientele. This may not appeal to those in search of a more classic hotel, but could be worth a visit if you are in search of adventure.
The hotel has a white theme running throughout. They even own next-door's White Bar. However, lights are installed throughout the hotel that dramatically change colour throughout the day and night - colouring the walls with purple, green and red. The rooms themselves have been designed creatively with amusing pictures on the walls, central showers and mirrored walls. The changes have been made with a sense of respect for the old building, which has a beautiful stone staircase running through the centre.
Based at the heart of one of Barcelona's coolest areas, it is surrounded by modern bars, international restaurants and expensive shops. This may be the perfect hotel for fans of design and modernity, but may be lacking a Spanish touch for those who would like to gain a real sense of the city.
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Hotel Facilities
There is no pool in the hotel. However, there is a small gym that is available to all customers. The gym provides free bottled water and towels to customers.
There is no restaurant on the hotel's premises, but, the hotel do own next door's White Bar. A buffet breakfast is available here. However, it is not included in the room price.
There is a communal area available in the hotel, with cushioned seating. This area provides a machine dispensing complimentary hot and cold drinks. Wi-Fi is also available in the communal area free of charge. The area also contains one computer with internet access that is available to all customers for no extra cost.
No pets are allowed in the hotel.
Business Facilities
There are no business rooms in the hotel. However, there is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and one computer with internet access available in the communal area.
Facilities for People with a disability
There are no real facilities for wheelchair users in this hotel. There are lifts to all floors. However, doors to the rooms have not been widened and there are no special baths or showers.
Rooms
There are 31 rooms in the hotel - 29 of these are double rooms, and two of them are single. A few of the double rooms are large enough to add a supplementary bed if required. The rooms are listed in sizes normally used for clothing (see rack rates below), so ask the hotel if you are confused by the categories.
The rooms are designed with some interesting features. These include a remote control to change the colour of the lights in your room. There is also a shower at the centre of each room with a crystal curtain surrounding it. The rooms offer all standard amenities - a mini-bar, a plasma screen television and internet access.
All of the rooms are on the second floor of the building, therefore, none offer views of the city. However, some rooms do have balconies, so it may be worth requesting these. Bear in mind, though, that the rooms do not have double glazed windows, so those that are street facing may be noisy at night. The hotel is based in the centre of the El Born area - a popular destination for bars and restaurants.
Hotel Location and Facilities
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| Gimlet |
Chic and Basic Born hotel is located in the heart of the El Born district. This area is in the Born area surrounded by historic old buildings. However, this area is characterised by a high concentration of small design shops, art galleries and trendy bars - all in keeping with the hotel itself.
Around the corner from the hotel is the popular Gimlet cocktail bar, on Calle Rec. It is a tiny space with low lighting and dark wood where all seating is at the bar. All of the cocktails are made by experts, but are simple - no Delboy Trotter style umbrellas. Check it out if you want to mix with the locals and feel smug that you've found a Barcelona gem.
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| El Born (Plaça de Les Olles) |
Calle Princesa, where the hotel is situated, is a reasonably popular street for bars and restaurants. El Japonés is on the same street and offers a lunchtime menu. If you are in search of a more traditionally Spanish meal, El Xampanyet, on Calle Montcada may be what you are looking for. It is one of Barcelona's traditional and original cava bars, where cava is served at low prices and is accompanied by tapas such as anchovies, stuffed peppers (called picantés, and famous for their kick) and delicious sun-dried tomatoes.
The hotel is located in easy walking distance of Barceloneta beach - about 15 minutes walk away. Barceloneta beach is the busiest of Barcelona's beaches and is popular in the summer months amongst a younger crowd.
The hotel is a simple 15 minute walk, straight down Calle Princesa over Via Laietana and along Calle Ferran, to the Ramblas. En-route to the Ramblas you will find many useful amenities such as smaller shops, pharmacies and banks.
The hotel's closest Metro stop is Jaume I - less than five minutes walk from the hotel. This will give you the opportunity to travel to popular attractions further up town, such as Park Güell (the Gaudí park), the Sagrada Família (the Gaudi giant basilica) or the Gràcia area.
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How to travel from the airport to the hotel
Booking your airport transport in advance onlineWith a private transfer service the driver will be waiting for you at the designated meeting point given to you on the booking voucher. The driver will help you with your bags to the vehicle and then drive you to your hotel. Private transfers are independent of the the public transport system. This means if there is a public transport strike these services will continue to operate.
Public transport transfer options
Via Taxi: A taxi from the airport should take about 25 minutes.
Taxi Fare: €30.00 - €40.00
Via Train: The RENFE train leaves the airport every half an hour and will take you to Estació de França in about 35 minutes. The hotel is about 10 minutes walk from the station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the train station if you have lots of luggage. This will take about 10 minutes.
RENFE Train Ticket Prices
Single ticket: €4.60
Via Bus: Take the 'Aerobus' to Plaça 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 Plaça de Catalunya, or 15 minutes in a taxi. Alternatively, you can catch the Metro from Catalunya to Jaume I, from where Hotel Chic and Basic Born 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 Jaume I.
Car parks near Chic and Basic Born Hotel Barcelona
| Car Park Name | Address | Approximate Walking Distance to Car Park in Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Laietana Princesa | Vía Laietana, 20 | 450 m |
| SABA BAMSA Francesc Cambó | Avinguda de Francesc Cambó, 10 | 600 m |
| BSM Moll de la Fusta | Paseig de Colom, 1 | 800 m |
| NN Palau de la Música | Ramón Mas, 1 | 850 m |
In a nutshell
Hotel Chic and Basic Born is a concept hotel aiming to offer style and quirkiness at affordable rates. This may not appeal to all, as some may be irritated by their attempts at 'zany - ness' and the hotel features seem to be pitched at a younger crowd. However, the hotel is in a good location close to the centre of town and at the heart of the popular El Born area.
Hotel Chic and Basic Born
Princesa, 50
08003 Barcelona, España.
HB-004452
Metro: Barceloneta (Yellow Line, L4)