Sep 30, 2018, 9:23 am
Le Meridien Barcelona, Spain [Master Thread]
Dec 1, 2015, 10:23 am
#376
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Toronto. Ontario
Posts: 32
The Airport Bus runs every 10 minutes, it's a 5 minute walk to the hotel. The bus uses an HOV lane so will probably be faster than a cab and 1/5th the cost. And you don't have to tip anyone. Public transit in Europe is almost always a better option than cabbing in to the city imo.
Dec 1, 2015, 4:41 pm
#377
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,047
In Spain you never have to tip anyone.
Taxis in Barcelona are fine. There are signs posted in the windows informing tourists what the fare should be (about 28 euros IIRC). Although the meter will run, you are unlikely to get ripped off.
The bus is much cheaper and leaves you near the hotel if you're not carrying much luggage.
Pickpockets are rampant in the Ramblas area so unless you are comfortable with your surroundings you might want to take a taxi for trips when you have all your valuables on you...
Taxis in Barcelona are fine. There are signs posted in the windows informing tourists what the fare should be (about 28 euros IIRC). Although the meter will run, you are unlikely to get ripped off.
The bus is much cheaper and leaves you near the hotel if you're not carrying much luggage.
Pickpockets are rampant in the Ramblas area so unless you are comfortable with your surroundings you might want to take a taxi for trips when you have all your valuables on you...
Dec 1, 2015, 5:01 pm
#378
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: UA 1/MM SPG gold, CEO: Grandmother of 4
Posts: 557
I have use the airport bus many times when I stayed at Le Meridien in Barcelona...easy trip, easy walk to hotel, no problems! Its as easy to use as the Pickadilly line from Heathrow to Park Tower Hotel.
Love when I can be independent coming from airports.
Love when I can be independent coming from airports.
Dec 1, 2015, 8:21 pm
#381
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I used the bus upon arrival, but I know Barcelona. Still, be very careful around the Ramblas. If you have a lot of luggage or seem lost, you could be vulnerable.
Hint: From the bus to the hotel, you want to walk downhill.
Hint: From the bus to the hotel, you want to walk downhill.
Dec 2, 2015, 1:31 am
#382
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Programs: FB LTPE, BAEC GGL, EK Blue, SK Gold, Marriott Amb+LTT, IHG Diamond Amb, Accorhotels Silver
Posts: 1,954
You can use one of the taxi apps in use in the Barcelona area (if you have data). HailO works very well and takes AMEX (in addition to Visa/Mastercard of course) and has plenty availability and free reservation.
Dec 7, 2015, 6:22 pm
#384
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Platinum Pro (LT Gold), Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium, National Exec,Hyatt,Melia, BA Exec, Iberia+
Posts: 527
I would say it depends on how many points you have and also where in the city you plan to spend most of your time. I really love the Le Meridien, and have often gotten great upgrades there (both as SPG Platinum and Gold, though particularly as Plat). It's also more central for most people's interests. That said, the Four Points by Sheraton is perfectly nice, and the Poble Nou neighborhood is fun to explore, plus it's easy to get to other parts of Barcelona via Metro or taxi.
When I was in Barcelona in September, I spent two nights at the 4 Points and 3 nights in an AirBNB apt in El Born. In March, I'll be back to run the Barcelona Marathon - using points one night at the 4 Points and splurging the night before and after the marathon at the Le Meridien.
When I was in Barcelona in September, I spent two nights at the 4 Points and 3 nights in an AirBNB apt in El Born. In March, I'll be back to run the Barcelona Marathon - using points one night at the 4 Points and splurging the night before and after the marathon at the Le Meridien.
Dec 7, 2015, 8:47 pm
#385
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 200
I would say it depends on how many points you have and also where in the city you plan to spend most of your time. I really love the Le Meridien, and have often gotten great upgrades there (both as SPG Platinum and Gold, though particularly as Plat). It's also more central for most people's interests. That said, the Four Points by Sheraton is perfectly nice, and the Poble Nou neighborhood is fun to explore, plus it's easy to get to other parts of Barcelona via Metro or taxi.
When I was in Barcelona in September, I spent two nights at the 4 Points and 3 nights in an AirBNB apt in El Born. In March, I'll be back to run the Barcelona Marathon - using points one night at the 4 Points and splurging the night before and after the marathon at the Le Meridien.
When I was in Barcelona in September, I spent two nights at the 4 Points and 3 nights in an AirBNB apt in El Born. In March, I'll be back to run the Barcelona Marathon - using points one night at the 4 Points and splurging the night before and after the marathon at the Le Meridien.
Dec 11, 2015, 4:26 am
#386
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MEL
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat. WOH Glob. SQ Gold
Posts: 1,637
Currently concluding a six night stay here and the hotel is growing on me. Used a SNA for an upgrade to a Prestige Suite that had some positives but overall I wasn't happy with it. Had a bit of a sook on the second day and was shown some alternatives. Each one was very different and involved different compromises - in a perfect world aspects of each would make a perfect suite. We can't name names on flyertalk but the service from the Assistant Front Office Manager was great.
Staff at breakfast are very good and absolutely plow me with enough expresso that I maintain a base level of shakes for the day. Buffet selection is adequate but really nothing special and could benefit from a higher level of quality ingredients. Over the course of the stay have received a drink voucher for one of the sparkling cocktails at the bar, a bottle of Cava, bottles of sparkling water and some red wine.
Depending on what you are after rooms on the Ramblas side clear the tree line starting on the 5th floor which opens the view up a bit. Also recommend signing the long and multiple page security contract to get the windows unlocked - you can stick your head out the window and get a really nice 180 degree view from the W Hotel across to Catalunya Plaza.
Interior soundproofing in the rooms is very poor. Of course the hotel advertises itself as a five star hotel but more realistic it is a standard four star.
Staff at breakfast are very good and absolutely plow me with enough expresso that I maintain a base level of shakes for the day. Buffet selection is adequate but really nothing special and could benefit from a higher level of quality ingredients. Over the course of the stay have received a drink voucher for one of the sparkling cocktails at the bar, a bottle of Cava, bottles of sparkling water and some red wine.
Depending on what you are after rooms on the Ramblas side clear the tree line starting on the 5th floor which opens the view up a bit. Also recommend signing the long and multiple page security contract to get the windows unlocked - you can stick your head out the window and get a really nice 180 degree view from the W Hotel across to Catalunya Plaza.
Interior soundproofing in the rooms is very poor. Of course the hotel advertises itself as a five star hotel but more realistic it is a standard four star.
Dec 11, 2015, 7:08 am
#387
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,860
When I checked in to my room, with my first successful SNA redemption in use, it was disappointing in the size. Just a single large room. I called to confirm it was a suite, it was a large room - yes. But not really that nice.
We were on the backside of the hotel, and it looked out to the hills. Quiet on this side of the hotel, but I imagine La Ramblas could be different.
We were on the backside of the hotel, and it looked out to the hills. Quiet on this side of the hotel, but I imagine La Ramblas could be different.
Currently concluding a six night stay here and the hotel is growing on me. Used a SNA for an upgrade to a Prestige Suite that had some positives but overall I wasn't happy with it. Had a bit of a sook on the second day and was shown some alternatives. Each one was very different and involved different compromises - in a perfect world aspects of each would make a perfect suite. We can't name names on flyertalk but the service from the Assistant Front Office Manager was great.
Staff at breakfast are very good and absolutely plow me with enough expresso that I maintain a base level of shakes for the day. Buffet selection is adequate but really nothing special and could benefit from a higher level of quality ingredients. Over the course of the stay have received a drink voucher for one of the sparkling cocktails at the bar, a bottle of Cava, bottles of sparkling water and some red wine.
Depending on what you are after rooms on the Ramblas side clear the tree line starting on the 5th floor which opens the view up a bit. Also recommend signing the long and multiple page security contract to get the windows unlocked - you can stick your head out the window and get a really nice 180 degree view from the W Hotel across to Catalunya Plaza.
Interior soundproofing in the rooms is very poor. Of course the hotel advertises itself as a five star hotel but more realistic it is a standard four star.
Staff at breakfast are very good and absolutely plow me with enough expresso that I maintain a base level of shakes for the day. Buffet selection is adequate but really nothing special and could benefit from a higher level of quality ingredients. Over the course of the stay have received a drink voucher for one of the sparkling cocktails at the bar, a bottle of Cava, bottles of sparkling water and some red wine.
Depending on what you are after rooms on the Ramblas side clear the tree line starting on the 5th floor which opens the view up a bit. Also recommend signing the long and multiple page security contract to get the windows unlocked - you can stick your head out the window and get a really nice 180 degree view from the W Hotel across to Catalunya Plaza.
Interior soundproofing in the rooms is very poor. Of course the hotel advertises itself as a five star hotel but more realistic it is a standard four star.
Dec 11, 2015, 8:19 am
#388
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
Over the course of the stay have received a drink voucher for one of the sparkling cocktails at the bar, a bottle of Cava, bottles of sparkling water and some red wine.
Depending on what you are after rooms on the Ramblas side clear the tree line starting on the 5th floor which opens the view up a bit. Also recommend signing the long and multiple page security contract to get the windows unlocked - you can stick your head out the window and get a really nice 180 degree view from the W Hotel across to Catalunya Plaza.
Interior soundproofing in the rooms is very poor. Of course the hotel advertises itself as a five star hotel but more realistic it is a standard four star.
Depending on what you are after rooms on the Ramblas side clear the tree line starting on the 5th floor which opens the view up a bit. Also recommend signing the long and multiple page security contract to get the windows unlocked - you can stick your head out the window and get a really nice 180 degree view from the W Hotel across to Catalunya Plaza.
Interior soundproofing in the rooms is very poor. Of course the hotel advertises itself as a five star hotel but more realistic it is a standard four star.
Also received the bottle of Cava, sparkling water, and Le Pop vouchers upon check-in. Our SNAs didn't clear and the FD staff was almost overly apologetic.
Upon reflecting, the property was good but not exceptional, but the staff was really quite good and the highlight of the visit.
Also, turndown service the first night resulted in the addition of Hermes soaps and cologne to our bathroom, which was kind of neat.
Feb 17, 2016, 5:07 pm
#389
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Platinum Pro (LT Gold), Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium, National Exec,Hyatt,Melia, BA Exec, Iberia+
Posts: 527
Just wanted to post about some great customer service. I've stayed at the Le Meridien Barcelona 6-10 times over the years. I had a two-night stay reserved for next month as I was planning to run the Barcelona Marathon. Due to an injury, I'm not going to be able to run and hence postponed my trip. I had booked a nonrefundable fare about two months ago (although my credit card hadn't yet been charged). I called, and they agreed to waive that "in an exceptional case." Very happy with their service, and will look forward to returning sometime soon.
Feb 17, 2016, 10:12 pm
#390
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Just wanted to post about some great customer service. I've stayed at the Le Meridien Barcelona 6-10 times over the years. I had a two-night stay reserved for next month as I was planning to run the Barcelona Marathon. Due to an injury, I'm not going to be able to run and hence postponed my trip. I had booked a nonrefundable fare about two months ago (although my credit card hadn't yet been charged). I called, and they agreed to waive that "in an exceptional case." Very happy with their service, and will look forward to returning sometime soon.