Hilton Barcelona {ESP}
Jan 21, 2003, 3:14 pm
#61
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 5
Thanks everyone, the information is great! Are there any hotels that you might reccomend? There seems to be an absence of branded product in the market. I am going in Mar and really looking for something similar to an upper-upscale Marriott/Hilton/Westin. My budget is approx $200 US/night. Thanks again!
Hotelie
Hotelie
Jan 21, 2003, 3:51 pm
#62
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: SYD
Posts: 2,437
I'm staying at this place in Feb....
www.hotellaietanapalace.com
I will post a report on the hotel if anyone is interested.
www.hotellaietanapalace.com
I will post a report on the hotel if anyone is interested.
Jan 21, 2003, 4:30 pm
#63
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Orlando, FL, USA
Posts: 2,398
I searched earlier for info on the Barcelona Hilton and found some who said it was in a neighborhood with lots of restaurants, had great breakfasts and afternoon treats and alcohol and that upgrades (we're Gold) were common. Rooms on the hotel page look as though the windows only come halfway down the wall. Anyone have insights on what to ask for in the way of an upgrade to get the best room/suite? Do some have balconies, better views or other distinct advantages over other rooms? Exactly how far away is the metro and does it go directly to Playa Catalunya (sp?) and Las Ramblas or do you have to switch? Does anyone know if it has recently been renovated? (given earlier poster's depiction of drab decor) Thanks.
Jan 21, 2003, 5:31 pm
#64
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Madison, WI, USA; NW Platinum, Marriott Silver, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 938
A bit further out, but clearly within walking distance of a subway stop, is the InterContinental. They occasionally have good prices there and it's a nice hotel.
Jan 21, 2003, 10:44 pm
#65
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 187
I found Barcelona to be one of the more sterile and lethargic Hilton properties. Also, as others have mentioned, it is not conveniently located to many areas you might want to visit. Sorry, I don't have any suggestions for alternatives.
Jan 22, 2003, 1:25 am
#66
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Oslo, Norway.
Programs: SK EBD, AX Cent, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Club-A Plat, Avis' PC, CC Gold,Hertz PC, CX Diamond,BA Bronz
Posts: 683
BCN is definetely one of my favourite cities, my problem being on European time, is that with itsd daily rhytm and great night life I'm jet-lagged when going back to Norway....
As for the Hilton I've stayed there twice, last time as HH Gold. On that occasion (Having by phone given them my HH number and status)upon checking in I was met in the lobby by an ...'t manager and personally escorted to the Club Level where I was given a Corner Junior suite (as described above). The lounge is great, with savouries and snacks all day long as well as medium quality wine, cava, and self service bar.
The rooms are showing their age, and IMHO need refurbishing. If wanting to be near Pl. de Catalunya or any other central attraction is your main point, definetely look elsewhere, taxis, though, are abundant, faily dependable, and cheap. I always drive an Avis car, as Spanish drivers actually are very courteous and forgiving as long as you signal ahead. Parking in the area around the Hilton is also easy.
Within walking distance are two major shopping centres, including El Corte Ingles, as well as one of Spain's best stocked wineshops; Lavinia, a bit further down Av. Diagonal.
BTW: La Rambla, is definetely over-hyped and a nightmare pickpocketwise, do the stroll once and after that you'll have a much better (and safer) time in some of the back streets on the east side.
Enjoy a vibrant city with some of the world's best restaurants!
Edited for a couple of serious spelling mistakes
[This message has been edited by The Viking (edited 01-22-2003).]
As for the Hilton I've stayed there twice, last time as HH Gold. On that occasion (Having by phone given them my HH number and status)upon checking in I was met in the lobby by an ...'t manager and personally escorted to the Club Level where I was given a Corner Junior suite (as described above). The lounge is great, with savouries and snacks all day long as well as medium quality wine, cava, and self service bar.
The rooms are showing their age, and IMHO need refurbishing. If wanting to be near Pl. de Catalunya or any other central attraction is your main point, definetely look elsewhere, taxis, though, are abundant, faily dependable, and cheap. I always drive an Avis car, as Spanish drivers actually are very courteous and forgiving as long as you signal ahead. Parking in the area around the Hilton is also easy.
Within walking distance are two major shopping centres, including El Corte Ingles, as well as one of Spain's best stocked wineshops; Lavinia, a bit further down Av. Diagonal.
BTW: La Rambla, is definetely over-hyped and a nightmare pickpocketwise, do the stroll once and after that you'll have a much better (and safer) time in some of the back streets on the east side.
Enjoy a vibrant city with some of the world's best restaurants!
Edited for a couple of serious spelling mistakes
[This message has been edited by The Viking (edited 01-22-2003).]
Jan 22, 2003, 9:20 am
#67
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 252
I just got back from Europe on 1/18/03, Spent 3 nights at the Barcelona Hilton.
We also were upgraded to the "junior suite" which could accommodate three to four adults (two single beds in the bedroom and one sofa bed in the front room). There is also plenty of room for a roll away in the front room if needed.
It is in a business area, so not much to see or do nearby, a large shopping center around the corner with a Pizza Hut, was about all we found.
We used taxi's most of the time, which was real cheap 5-6eurosrros to most nearby attractions.
I found the decor to be a bit modern/70'ish drab as well, tho very clean.
Staff very friendly and helpful,
Free bottled water placed in our room everyday, as well as free internet at a computer near the front desk.
Lounge was just recently redone, it was nice, but again it's in that modern/70'ish drab decor.
Lot's of food and drink all day long,
But what is up with the coffee? I've never tasted such horrible stuff.
Maybe I'm just spoiled with a Starbucks on every corner here in Portland.
Marvella
We also were upgraded to the "junior suite" which could accommodate three to four adults (two single beds in the bedroom and one sofa bed in the front room). There is also plenty of room for a roll away in the front room if needed.
It is in a business area, so not much to see or do nearby, a large shopping center around the corner with a Pizza Hut, was about all we found.
We used taxi's most of the time, which was real cheap 5-6eurosrros to most nearby attractions.
I found the decor to be a bit modern/70'ish drab as well, tho very clean.
Staff very friendly and helpful,
Free bottled water placed in our room everyday, as well as free internet at a computer near the front desk.
Lounge was just recently redone, it was nice, but again it's in that modern/70'ish drab decor.
Lot's of food and drink all day long,
But what is up with the coffee? I've never tasted such horrible stuff.
Maybe I'm just spoiled with a Starbucks on every corner here in Portland.
Marvella
Jun 15, 2003, 2:38 am
#68
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Malaysia
Posts: 51
Hilton Barcelona
I am thinking of staying at Hilton Barcelona. Can anyone help to provide information : how do I get there from Madrid? If there a coach service or train. How long is the journey and what are the times?
Thx
Thx
Jun 15, 2003, 6:05 am
#69
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,230
Fly there. Tickets are really cheap around ~40 euro's when bought in Spain. BCN Hilton is a nice hotel in the biz district. Quite a distance from the main attractions but a subway station is near by. Rooms have been recently upgraded to a 'W' style feel. Lounge is ok, staff are fantastic.
Jun 15, 2003, 6:22 am
#70
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: BCT. Formerly known as attorney28
Programs: LH HON,BA GGL GfL,Hyatt LT Glob,Mrtt LT P,Hilt LT D,IC Amb,Acc P,GHA Tit,LHW Strlg,Sixt/Av/Hz D/Pres
Posts: 6,826
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by sunil:
Quite a distance from the main attractions but a subway station is near by. Rooms have been recently upgraded to a 'W' style feel. Lounge is ok, staff are fantastic. </font>
Quite a distance from the main attractions but a subway station is near by. Rooms have been recently upgraded to a 'W' style feel. Lounge is ok, staff are fantastic. </font>
Jun 15, 2003, 2:06 pm
#71
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: EWR
Posts: 681
u can find more rail info for spain here:
http://www.renfe.es/
the barcelona renfe station is a short taxi ride from the hilton. the closest subway station to the hilton is abt 2-3 blocks away, so if u're traveling light, u can take the subway from the renfe to the hilton.
have fun in barcelona, i did! the hilton there is the best i've been in.
http://www.renfe.es/
the barcelona renfe station is a short taxi ride from the hilton. the closest subway station to the hilton is abt 2-3 blocks away, so if u're traveling light, u can take the subway from the renfe to the hilton.
have fun in barcelona, i did! the hilton there is the best i've been in.
Jun 28, 2003, 5:15 pm
#72
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Programs: AA Plat, HHonors Gold, Marriot Silver
Posts: 952
Im actually there right now. They were sold out of rooms so I had to PAY for the executive lounge rate. No upgrade. All i got for being a gold was some chocolate dipped strawberies and some cologne... but im not sure if everyone gets that.
Jun 29, 2003, 9:50 am
#74
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: SHD
Posts: 208
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by TonySymons:
Am I right in thinking the Hotel is not very suitable for families?
Max occupancy seems to be 2 persons ;-(</font>
Am I right in thinking the Hotel is not very suitable for families?
Max occupancy seems to be 2 persons ;-(</font>
Jun 29, 2003, 10:01 am
#75
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: EWR
Posts: 681
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by TonySymons:
Am I right in thinking the Hotel is not very suitable for families?
Max occupancy seems to be 2 persons ;-(</font>
Am I right in thinking the Hotel is not very suitable for families?
Max occupancy seems to be 2 persons ;-(</font>