Insight Guides: Barcelona City Guide

Insight Guides

• Publisher: Insight
• ISBN:
  9781780057101
• Edition: 8
• Topic: Personal Development
• Subtopic: Travel

A vibrant, exciting city that also passionately preserves its heritage, Barcelona offers everything from innovative architecture and food to Gothic treasures and streets that are made for exploring. Insight City Guide Barcelona is a comprehensive travel guide to one of the world's most-visited cities. Whether you want to wander La Rambla, admire Gaudi's architecture or visit the numerous colourful markets, this book will make sure you have the quintessential Barcelona experience. Features by local writers delve into topics including festivals, shopping and urban regeneration, while evocative accounts of the city's districts bring Barcelona to life, from the Gothic Quarter (Barri Gtic) to the culturally-rich district of El Raval. Full-colour photography and maps help you navigate with ease, while the detailed Travel Tips directory gives you all the practical information and travel advice you need when planning what to do on your trip, including selective listings for hotel and restaurants. Whether you are new to the city or a repeat visitor, Insight City Guide Barcelona will help you discover the very best of the Catalan capital.

Accommodation

Price Categories

Prices for a standard double room without breakfast or IVA (VAT):

€ = under €50

€€ = €50–100

€€€ = €100–200

€€€€ = over €200

Accommodation

As Barcelona has become an increasingly desirable destination, the last few years have seen a boom in hotel construction and renovations of old buildings to provide quality accommodation. There are now nearly 400 hotels, rated from one-star to five-star GL (Gran Luxe), as well as innumerable guesthouses (pensions), ranging from basic rooms accommodating three or four beds to boutique bed and breakfasts.

At the top end of the scale establishments are suitably indulgent, in avant-garde or historic buildings, with privileged views, rooftop pools and impeccable service at a very high price. Boutique hotels, with exquisite interior design and a more intimate feel, are on the increase.

In the moderate range there is a wide choice, with an equally diverse price range according to the services offered or the location. Further from the centre there are better deals – these can be a good option considering the city’s efficient public transport system, which can whisk you to the centre in a matter of minutes.

The inexpensive range has improved, with more economic deals in attractive surroundings and giving good service. Pensions range from basic to decent, with just a few notable exceptions where an effort has been made to modernise or give some extra value. There are plenty in the centre, mostly in the Old Town, particularly in the streets leading off La Rambla. Some do not accept bookings in advance, so be prepared for dragging suitcases around, but at least that gives you the advantage of checking out the rooms first, though many are accessible through internet booking agencies.

Rates vary dramatically, mostly on a supply-and-demand basis. Now that there are more rooms available, the client has more chance of getting a rate way below the standard price quoted, especially at weekends or off-peak times of the year. However, if there is a trade fair or large congress taking place, prices may double. Ironically – and fortunately for the many northern European and American travellers who take their holidays in midsummer – July and August are not considered peak times, whereas September and October are high season. Good deals can also be found through internet booking, directly with the hotel or through the many booking services on the web. Special offers are advertised, often with bargains for families. A small tourist tax is also charged. There are several new hotels along the recently developed waterfront near Diagonal Mar where high-standard accommodation can be found at a reasonable price. As they are a taxi or metro ride from the centre they are less popular, but the advantages of sea views and more peaceful nights, not to mention speedy access to the beach, are well worth considering.

Self-catering has become a popular choice in the city as it offers the opportunity to select ...