BARCELONA SPAIN SUN AND SAND IN THE CITY

10 Ocak 2010 Pazar

Barcelona, Spain
Sun and Sand in the City

When travelers think of hitting Europe's beaches, images of quiet coastal towns and revered beach resorts normally come to mind. Wouldn't it be great to have the beach option coupled with the culture and sightseeing that a big European city has to offer? Visitors to Barcelona can have their urban sightseeing and big-city fun, with a little beach time thrown in on the side. And after a day of traipsing around town to take in the best of the city, what better way to unwind than on the beach?

Here you'll find is a wide stretch of coarse sand packed with hip 20-somethings and teens strutting along the beach in the tiniest bikinis. You can also expect to find clean sand and clean water (tested daily). In Barcelona, the most popular urban beach is Platja Barcelona at Vila Olímpica, the home of the 1992 Olympics. Another nearby beach is Platja de Sant Sebastià. Both beach areas have lifeguards to watch over swimmers, areas for the kids to play and showers where you can clean up before heading to a nearby restaurant for some tapas. A trip to Platja de la Mar Bella might get you more than you hoped for: this is the city's nude beach. Even while relaxing on the beach, it's important to keep in mind that you're in the city and not at a small beach town -- be mindful of your personal belongings and don't leave your stuff unattended.

If you're looking for a quick escape from the city's more hectic pace, these beaches should do the job. If you're looking to get farther away, hop on the train and head out of the city to try some of the other beaches along the coast. The most popular coastal town nearby is Sitges, which is just 30 minutes south of the city. A bohemian, artsy beach town, Sitges is a favorite getaway with the young, partying crowd. The welcoming atmosphere welcomes the gay community and the let-loose vibe is reflected on this town's nude beaches, making this hot spot not the greatest for visiting families.

Getting There
Nearest Major International Airport: Barcelona's airport, El Prat de Llobregat, is about 7 miles outside the city. From there, visitors can grab a cab into the center of town or hop on a train to Barcelona's Estació Central de Barcelona-Sants. Direct flights from North America are hard to come by, and a layover in Madrid is common.

Ground Transportation: The city's metro service is clean, efficient, fast and, most importantly, it can get you just about anywhere you want to go in the city. Trains run until 11 p.m. on weeknights and 1 a.m. on the weekends. Other transportation options include the city's bus system, private taxis and even a funicular, a sky-ride option that gives a great panoramic view of the city below (with limited seasonal hours).

Timing
Barcelona summers can be hot and humid, the temperatures hovering around 81 degrees F, making this a perfect time for the beach but maybe not the best time to be wandering around the city. The spring and fall are milder, but not ideal sunbathing weather.

Lodging
Hotels by the water tend to be pricey, as you're paying for direct access to the beach and harbor -- an amenity most of the city's hotels cannot offer. The snazzy Hotel Arts Barcelona in the Olympic Village is just 100 yards from the beach, and rooms offer a choice of sweeping views of the ocean or the city. This hotel is run by the Ritz Carlton, so travelers can expect the best in luxury and some of the highest prices in the city. Just 5 minutes from the beach is the lower-priced Marina Folch in the Barceloneta neighborhood ("Little Barcelona").

Cuisine
The Olympic Port is packed with crowded restaurants where big pitchers of sangria and big plates of food are easy to find at any price. One of the most unique restaurants in the port is Talaia Mar, where the chef serves Catalan cuisine and some of his own inspired concoctions, like bacon ice cream. Can Costa, in Barceloneta, is one of the oldest seafood restaurants in the city and has a great view of the water and even better paella. Why eat near the beach when you can eat right on it? Budget travelers can pick up picnic fixings -- a fresh loaf of bread, a hunk of cheese, and some smoked sausage or ham -- and enjoy a casual meal outside.

Travel Tips
In most European towns and cities, it seems like everyone takes a holiday in August. This means that the touristy spots are more crowded than usual.

While You're There
Get off the beach and get some culture. Many of the best things to do in Barcelona still involve being outside. Spend a morning taking in the works of Barcelona's favorite architect, Antonio Gaudi. His fantastical designs can best be enjoyed at Parc Güell. Walk through the crooked streets of the Gothic Quarter, or stroll along Les Rambles and take in the shops, sights and street performers. Finally, end the day like the natives do -- with lots of food, even more wine and some dancing at the clubs.

To Fake That You've Been There
Invite some friends over for paella and brag about your lack of tan lines from Barcelona's beaches.

Linking for a Better Vacation
For more information, visit Turisme de Barcelona.

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Zenit Borrell Hotel

6 Aralık 2009 Pazar

Zenit Borrell Barcelona is an elegant 4-star hotel situated in Barcelona’s primary financial district. This hotel includes easy access to many of the city’s main attractions and combines modernity with comfort.

The Zenit Borrell maintains an intimate surrounding, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Rooms and public areas have an executive atmosphere and are contemporary in design. Guests will sleep peacefully in the soundproofed bedrooms, beautifully decorated with calming colours and soothing dark-wood floors.

At the Zenit Borrell gourmet restaurant, guests can enjoy Mediterranean Nouvelle Cuisine before heading to the luxurious bar to join other hotel guests for a relaxing drink.

In the enchanting neighbourhood of Zenit Borrell hotel, guests can explore Diagonal’s designer fashion stores and then head towards Urgell to enjoy a variety of vivacious cocktail bars. Located just a short walk from the convenient public transport, attractions such as the Gothic quarter, Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya are easily within reach.

Also for guests away on business, the Zenit Borrell Barcelona offers meeting rooms with free internet access.

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Hotel HCC Open

Located in the heart of the Eixample district next to Plaça Espanya, the exhibition area and a few minutes away from Plaça Catalunya,the hotel is placed in a new building constructed in 2004.The HCC Open is the most recent incorporation to our hotel chain, and includes all the elements of the most modern hostelry that comibinate with his perfect location, contitude this functional hotel as the best option for a perfect stay in Barcelona.
The hotel has a guest disposal 100 modern, spacious rooms with satellite TV, free ADSL Internet connection, telephone, air-conditioning, heating, mini-bar, safe, en-suite fully-fitted bathrooms with hairdryer and telephone, laundry and room service. The offer is completed with an accurate bar-cafeteria service, parking facilities in the same building, function suites and a select breakfast buffet.
This spacious, modern hotel is located in Barcelona’s classy Eixample district, just off Plaça Espanya and a short distance from the city’s hub around Plaça Catalunya.

Built in 2004, the HCC Open features wide-open public spaces covered in marble. These include a cafe-bar, where you can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast each morning and a relaxing drink at the end of the day.

A good location for tourism, you can easily walk to the Gothic Quarter and Ramblas, or up to the attractions of Montjuic. The city’s major business districts are also nearby, with the main Fira de Barcelona trade fair venue just a 5-minute walk away. 

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Sixtytwo Hotel Barcelona

Located on Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona’s most prestigious avenue, a Shopping paradise and a stone’s throw from Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and La Pedrera, the SixtyTwo is a boutique hotel for those who like the finer things in life, the privacy of a small hotel and a personalised service.

Designed by the architects Josep Juanpere and María Vives, the SixtyTwo Hotel is a fusion of minimalist design and oriental inspiration in a late XIX Century building. The decoration of its 45 rooms and suites is a pure harmony of material, shapes and colours.

The brown and grey tones, dark wood, silk cushions and intelligent … Read Morelighting system create an intimate atmosphere that is relaxing and sensually stimulating. The rooms are fully equipped with Bang&Olufsen televisions, Jacob Jensen telephones, Tangent taps, Etro bathroom products, Ipod stations and Nespresso coffee machines, Wifi.

After a long day’s fashion hunting on our personal shopper’s trail the hotel’s lounge is the ideal place to relax Help yourself to a drink in the honesty bar in the company of your partner or friends, listen to the music on your iPod o take part in the complementary wine tasting sessions organised on Fridays. If a glass of wine isn’t enough to lighten you spirits try one of our a-la-carte massages in the privacy of your room that will guarantee to leave your body and mind fully relaxed. Ready to Discovery Barcelona by night? Let us surprise you with our restaurant, bar and club recommendations. Let us know how it goes…..
This super stylish hotel is perfectly situated on Barcelona's most exclusive shopping avenue. Enjoy free wine tasting and even a personal shopper during your stay. Sample the buffet breakfast.

Blending minimalism, Eastern design and modern technology, the Sixtytwo is a true example of Barcelona's sophistication housed in a building typical of the 19th-century.

Thanks to the Sixtytwo's fabulous location on Passeig de Gracia, you are footsteps from the city's famous Gaudi buildings - Casa Batllo and La Pedrera.

The Sixtytwo's bedrooms are decorated in rich, organic tones with dark words, silk furnishings, black leather and sophisticated technology. Relax with your Bang&Olufsen television or listen to music on the iPod station. In the morning, wake up to a Nespresso coffee made on the machine provided.

After a day exploring the sights and shops, relax in the lounge with a glass of wine from the honesty bar or surf the free, wireless internet. You can pamper yourself with the Sixtytwo's massage service. Then head to the wine bar and try some delicious Catalan wines from the Sixtytwo's impressive collection. 

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Barceló Raval Hotel

Barceló Raval is a new luxurious avant-garde hotel set in the fashionable surroundings of the Rambla del Raval, in the cultural heart of Barcelona. The hotel has recently undergone a restoration which has made it one of the city's trendiest establishments.

Hotel Barceló Raval features contemporary design of the interior, 186 comfortable stylish guest bedrooms as well as a roof terrace with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding. The guests will enjoy the hotel's Review restaurant, which serves breakfasts, light lunches and an elaborate evening menu.
This new, avant-garde hotel complements its fashionable surroundings of the Rambla del Raval, in Barcelona's cultural heart.

The Raval has recently undergone a transformation to make it one of the city's trendiest districts, with highlights including the MACBA contemporary art gallery. Take in 360-degree views of this surrounding area from the hotels roof terrace.

Meanwhile, the hotel's interior continues the contemporary theme, with bold design throughout. Dine on site at the hotel's Review restaurant, which serves breakfasts, light lunches and an elaborate evening menu. 

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Hotel HCC Montblanc Barcelona

157 modern, spacious rooms with en-suite fully-fitted bathrooms, with satellite TV, free ADSL connection, telephone, air-conditioning, heating, mini-bar, safe, laundry and room service.
The offer is completed with the "Racó del Montblanc" restaurant, Piano Bar, terrace, solarium, four floors of parking facilities in the same building, function suites, wireless Internet connection and a select breakfast buffet. Childs under 12 years old will be free of charge sharing room with two adults and previously requesting the extra bed or cot while making the reservation in the "comment" area and to the hotel directly.

Childs older than 12 years old (inclusive) will be considered as adults and will have a 100% charge sharing room with two adults in a triple room.
Strategically located in the commercial centre within walking distance of most attractions, this hotel provides spacious rooms and fantastic facilities including pool and piano bar.

Enjoy a delicious meal in the Montblancs restaurant which boasts live music 5 times a week and is housed in an impressive dining room.

In the summer months, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Montblancs outdoor pool and soak up the sunshine on the sun loungers provided.

Keep up to date with your emails using Montblancs free, wireless internet, which is available throughout the hotel.

Explore the enchanting Gothic Quarter with its impressive cathedral that begins just outside the Montblancs entrance. Visit the trendy shops, bars and cafes in the Born area, located adjacent to the hotel. 

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Hotel Europark Barcelona

The centrally located Hotel Europark sits between some of Barcelona’s most emblematic streets and landmarks, such as Paseo de Gracia, Avenida Diagonal, Gran Via, and Plaza Catalunya. It’s easily accessible by public transportation (subway, train, bus) and makes a great starting point for exploring the city.
The new Hotel Europark offers 105 rooms, including 2 Penthouse rooms and 4 Top View rooms, with unbeatable views of the city. The hotel is also proud to offer new exclusive services and facilities, such as the pool-solarium on the terrace, the new conference room with 40-person seating capacity, free internet Wi-Fi access throughout the entire building, and a bright, spacious mezzanine home to the hotel bar and breakfast room.
The Hotel is particularly convenient for exploring the Ruta Modernista, as it’s located quite close to some of Barcelona’s most famous and well-loved buildings: Casa Batlló, la Pedrera, and the Sagrada Familia. It’s also just steps away from the Barcelona Shopping Line on the Paseo de Gracia and Rambla Catalunya.
Set in the centre of Barcelona, just a short walk from the monumental Passeig de Gracia, with its impressive Gaudí architecture, and the lively main square, Plaça Catalunya and Las Ramblas.

Housing sleek and stylish rooms with a contemporary décor, each comes equipped with ultramodern facilities, including 32-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi internet access. Check your emails are any time, or unwind while surfing the internet in your room.

Boasting an elegant rooftop terrace, complete with a swimming pool, relax and enjoy sunbathing in Hotel Europark. Take a dip in the pool to keep cool, or to do some light exercise.

Hotel Europark also has a bright and spacious mezzanine, where you will find the breakfast room and the elegant bar the perfect place to enjoy a drink in the evening before heading out to explore the city. 

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Hotel Omm & Spa

Grupo Tragaluz has created a space where the ambience is the main attraction. Contemporary and colorist, it is the place to go if you live or spend time in Barcelona.
Omm Hotel, a boutique hotel situated in the city center of Barcelona, was designed by Architect Juli Capella and Interior Designers Sandra Tarruella and Isabel López. With 91 rooms available (8 suites, 9 junior suites, 16 superior rooms and 58 standard), it is modern, comfortable and with lots of light. It boasts spectacular views of Paseo de Gracia and a terrace with swimming pool with views of Gaudí's Casa Milá.
A multipurpose space in the entrance hall leads to: Moo Restaurant with chef's own dishes, MooVida Restaurant offering casual food and the cocktail bar Moodern Bar. For night-time: Ommsession club with DJ and live music.
In January 2006, Spaciomm opened its doors as a centre of relaxation and personal care specifically designed for your wellbeing.
This unique design hotel features its own spa and rooftop terrace overlooking central Barcelona’s chic Passeig de Gracia.

Boasting impressive views of Gaudí’s famous La Pedrera building, Omm offers a contemporary-yet-authentic experience of this capital of culture. It features a rooftop swimming pool and spa area to help you relax after a busy day’s sightseeing, and a nightclub to end the day in style.

The stylish decor extends to the hotel’s 2 restaurants, one of which has been awarded a Michelin star. Wines are picked by one of Europe’s best sommeliers.

Check out the special rates for 2-night stays during the summer season.

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Hotel Casa Fuster G.L. Monumento

This iconic, Modernist building was built in 1908 and occupies one of the most prestigious locations in the city, at the head of the chic Passeig de Gracia.

The 5-star Casa Fuster is a monument in itself, being the work of the architect Lluis Domènech i Montaner. The work of this famous Modernist, including this hotel, has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. From the building’s roof terrace you can enjoy unique views down the classy, central Passeig de Gracia and much of the rest of Barcelona.

Along with the historic value of this hotel, you can also enjoy facilities added during the recent careful renovation. These include the rooftop plunge pool and the elegant, contemporary decor throughout.

Casa Fuster was named 2008 Best Urban Hotel in Spain by Gran Hotel magazine.

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Duquesa de Cardona

This is another good hotel is a very good location. Just on the edge of Ciutat Vella, the Duquesa de Cardona is on Passeig Colon and faces the Mediterranean. Although you won't get expansive views of the sea, a room facing the street will have a rather pleasant harbor view. The hotel has good access to Ciutat Vella, La Rambla, Puerto Olimpico and several museums.

Everything worked very well in the rooms. Beds were comfortable, showers were good, water was hot, air conditioning was quiet. This is a good place for a comfortable night's stay. The staff is very helpful and friendly. A business center with free internet access is located on Floor 1. 

In the historic centre of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, close to Las Ramblas and opposite the marina, this 4-star hotel combines a 19th century structure with 21st century comforts and accommodation.

The hotel’s attractive structure was originally built in the mid 19th century. Carefully preserved and sensitively remodelled, the hotel now offers advanced 21st century technology, comfortable modern accommodation and the flavour, tradition and hospitality of a bygone era.

The rooftop pool and terrace offer superb panoramic views of the city and the stylish accommodation is well-equipped, with all the modern comforts and facilities you need in a restful, relaxing base.

In a superb central location, the Duquesa de Cardona combines contemporary style and technology with the classical elegance and refined sophistication of its 19th century exterior.

Bookings for stays of a minimum of 4 nights receive a very special discounted price (this discount is already calculated in the quoted room rates). 

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Hotel Barcelona Center

The Hotel Barcelona Center is a superior 4 star first class hotel that will suit both leisure and business traveller. The central location of the hotel will prove an ideal hotel of choice for the more discerning guest.
The staff at the Hotel Barcelona Center have been trained to offer superlative, courteous and professional service to each valued guest and will be close at hand to offer any assistance, including tourism advice.
There are a total of 135 guestrooms at this central Barcelona hotel and each has been designed with the comfort and convenience of the guest foremost in mind. All rooms are equipped with every mod con the busy guest would expect of a hotel in this class.
The restaurant at the Barcelona Center Hotel will impress with a selection of traditional Spanish dishes as well as a mouth watering dessert menu. Choose from a wide variety of specially prepared meals using only the freshest of local produce and enjoy your meal with a bottle chosen from the extensive wine list.
Should you need a nightcap after a long day or somewhere to rest with friends before you enjoy the Barcelona nightlife pop into the bar where luxury and taste combine to offer the ultimate hotel lounge experience.
For the more active guest the Hotel Barcelona Center houses a small fitness center, Jacuzzi and whirlpool.

Business guests are assured of top class facilities for conferences, meeting and seminars with a dedicated conference staff on hand to ensure everything goes as planned.

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Grupotel Gravina Barcelona

Set in the heart of Barcelona, just off Plaça Catalunya, this attractive, 19th-century building provides a convenient base for a sightseeing tour or business visit.

The Grupotel Gravina offers an elegant setting for your trip to the Barcelona. Its interesting façade is typical of this world-famous capital of architecture. Inside, the smart, modern interior runs throughout the guestrooms and public spaces, which include a sociable bar and classy restaurant.

Culture surrounds the Gravina, with the MACBA contemporary art gallery just a 5-minute walk away. You will also find numerous lively bars and great restaurants in the surrounding streets.

Check out the special rates for 3-night stays and other discounts.

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Confortel Auditori Hotel

5 Aralık 2009 Cumartesi

Just a few steps from the Gothic district and the vibrant Paseo del Borne, this newly built hotel features stylish modern design and the latest in technology.

The Confortel Auditori has excellent modern facilities and Wi-Fi wireless internet access is available in all the public areas. The swimming pool has a terrace for sunbathing and is ideal for relaxing after a hard day's work or a long day exploring Barcelona.

With great facilities and modern accommodation, the hotel is a good choice, whether you are visiting Barcelona for business or for leisure.

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Hotel & Spa Villa Olimpic@ Suites

Set in the young, up-and-coming district of 22@, this brand-new property offers both hotel rooms and suites, as well as facilities to help you relax and exercise.

The Villa Olimpic@ Suites features its own spa area, allowing you to enjoy a workout in the gym before relaxing in the indoor pool or Jacuzzi. The whole building is set around a sunny garden, providing another place to relax in the Mediterranean sunshine.

Take the short walk from the hotel to the Olympic Marina – full of lively bars and restaurants. Around here you will also find Barcelona’s long stretch of sandy beaches. The city’s historic heart, with its numerous attractions, is just a 10-minute Metro ride away.

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Hotel Condado Barcelona

This smart hotel boasts a fantastic location at the heart of the city of Barcelona, and a short walk from the charming neighbourhood of Gracia.

Hotel Condado’s bedrooms are spacious and practical, and are ideal spaces to relax and get some rest after a long day’s sightseeing.
Each is equipped with satellite TV, and an en-suite bathroom.

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel’s cafeteria, before heading out to do some sightseeing in the city. From here you can stroll to the famous Gaudí sights of Casa Pedrera and Casa Batllò, located on Passeig de Gracia.

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