As it's clearest in my mind, let's start with my most recent trip to Europe. I haven't been back for many years to this continent, so was really looking forward to it and it didn't disappoint.
The main purpose of the trip was for my friend's wedding, which was to be a three day event of celebrations. Barcelona was the perfect host for such an event, offering romance, perfect weather, beautiful sunsets, and some seriously good food and drink.
September is a fantastic time to visit, as it's not overcrowded by tourists as most people are back at work, which also means prices are slightly cheaper. We were lucky to be there on the same weekend as La Mercé Festival, Barcelona's largest street party with parades, dancing, fireworks and festivities filling the streets all weekend.
(not just) For the foodies:
(not just) For the foodies:
Besides the obvious works of Gaudí one should marvel at when in Barcelona, one way to get a feel of the city, it's history and people is to do a walking food tour. It started off with some sizeable wedges of local cheeses and complimenting wines, chased down by melt-in-your mouth foie and cava - a great start to any holiday in my books! Then they take you through the old quarter stopping to taste-test edible goodies at various family-run establishments that have been in business for over 100 years, then through La Boqueria food market where the famous mushroom and white strawberry seller is. A quick pitstop to scoff down piping hot churros before the finale of pinchos and sangria. Needless to say you will not leave the tour hungry...or sober. Not only this, but you learn a lot about the history of the city and I think get a better understand of the lifestyle of the people living their today.
Where I stayed:
W Hotel, Barceloneta beach (5*) approx EUR300 / night for their Fabulous room with breakfast
http://www.w-barcelona.com
http://www.w-barcelona.com
The good:
- beautiful sea views
- very professional service and well run/organised ~ our room was incorrectly booked as a twin, Raphael who checked us in, straight away moved around some other rooms (there was a big automobile conference being held there at the same time so the hotel was running close to full capacity) and somehow managed to switch us to a seaview double bedroom straight away
- the pool bar at night time has spacious cabanas and poolside seating areas to relax and enjoy some delicious cocktails
Room for improvement:
- no free wifi, even at the rates they charge!
- a scenic (minus the old naked men), but quite far walking distance from the old quarter, and all the restaurants, bars and main sites
- a large group spin class with blaring music far too early for a Saturday morning, being played outside a hotel full of holiday-makers
My tip:
~ ask for a room with the view of the beach and ocean, as the other side is only partial ocean view and concrete
~ you can enjoy the buffet breakfast down at the beachside restaurant rather than in the main breakfast area with a wide selection to choose from off the menu as well as the buffet
It's very much the W brand - modern, funky, glitzy and showy - so if that's what you're after, you'll love it.
Hotel Neri, Gothic quarter (5*) approx EUR400 / night for their Junior Suite with breakfast
http://www.hotelneri.com
http://www.hotelneri.com
The good:
- absolutely perfect location right in the middle of the gothic quarter, walking distance to Barcelona Cathedral and other sites
- there are only 22 rooms as it's an medieval palace made from 12 Century stone, so the staff all know who you are, where you're from, and address you by your name from the get go
- in the suite rooms you get your own private terrace and hammock chill area
- free wifi in room
Room for improvement:
If like me, you sometimes find yourself coming home in the wee hours of the morning, they lock the front door so you have to ring a buzzer to wake someone up and let you in. The acoustics of the old building means you feel like you're waking up the entire household, so not really a downside, just be aware the clientele seemed to be older, less party-going folk.
Tip:
- ask for a room away from the fountain area out the back, sometimes the noise from the this public courtyard area can travel up to the rooms.
Both properties I'd recommend depending on one's personal taste and purpose of travel, but if I visit again I'd definitely stay at Hotel Neri based on it's convenient location, preferred aesthetics and genuine personal service.
La Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar de Barcelona, my favourite church
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