Paul Hanson Becky Hanson. Date of travel: Jul 2005
Travelled on a weekend break (Thursday - Sunday). Booked Flights via Ryanair on-line which cost £92/ each (return)... beware, our inbound airport was "Girona" (the only choice offered by Ryanair from East Midlands) which is a good 1 hour plus coach ride costing approx. 42 Euro's return per person. There is a nearer airport to Barcelona at El Prat de Llobregat, this would cost about 20 Euro in a taxi but would knock off at least one hour by avoiding Girona! The Hotel America ( again booked on-line ) wasn't cheap, costing approx £100/night, but there aren't many decent hotels in Barcelona that are. The Hotel is a 4* and really is excellent, being modern, bright and away from the run down areas of La Ramblas. Airconditioning, excellent beds, beautiful bathroom t.v, mini-bar and sofa make this hotel a quality stay. The Hotel has a roof top pool and jacuzzi with sun loungers and a direct phone to reception/bar to have drinks brought up. Breakfast is extra at around 13 Euros per person, which while not cheap is all you can eat top quality buffet style, the fresh fruit selection is excellent, a waitress serves tea/coffee and the hot "full english". Downstairs is a small reception area and bar, I didn't find many people hanging around here but the staff are excellent, very polite and efficient. Room service is also no problem ( 24 hours ). As for Barcelona itself, not that impressed, very similar to London, very tiring, make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes, you will need them with all the walking about. Good sub-way system, about 80p per single journey, additional train changes cost 80p each time but travel pass tickets can be bought which will save if using the sub-way frequently. Thieves are a real and present danger, from the bag snatchers/pickpockets who operate in the La Rambla area, to the cheating taxi drivers who try and over charge and short change you, the official tariff is displayed in the cab, do not fall for the added luggage charge etc. This is not over the top paranoia, the tourist office there perhaps do not like to make much of it, but it is a disgrace that more isn't done to combat this problem given it's tourist economy. I won't go into what to see as plenty of guide books on this subject, best advise is thoughtfully plan out your time there as Barcelona is a big city and much time can be spent getting from A to B. Tour Operator: Internet - own arrangements