Barcelona Anarchy is not going to spend much time and energy with hotel recommendations. There are a wide variety of options available across prices ranges, and your best choice will depend on your interests, itinerary and personal tastes. We’ve written about the best neighborhoods to stay, but generally will leave your hotel choice to you and Kayak.
But we’ll occasionally share hotels we like.
Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella offers an easy, no hassle option. In many ways, it’s a typical mid-range Euro hotel (prices are generally in the €150-€200 range), with Euro-small rooms, which means you probably won’t want to spend more than a few nights. It’s no frills — no balconies or pool. But Motel One executes well, with a friendly lobby and bar, with hanging swinging chairs… and who doesn’t like a bar with hanging chairs? The staff is friendly, everything is clean and there is a rooftop terrace with spectacular views.
The best part about the Motel One is that it is close to everything, but not actually in the heart of the tourist area. You are across the street from the spectacular Parc de Ciutadella (and you may awaken to the sounds of a local festival), but you’re far enough away from the entrance not to be bothered by the crowds. Best of all, you are a short walk to El Born, one of the best places to eat and hang out in the city. You definitely don’t want to stay in El Born, but staying El Born adjacent is a big plus.
In general, this part of the city, typically referenced by the Arc de Triomf, is an underrated base of operations. If you’re ready to get away from the tourists, there is nothing better than a stroll up Passeig de St. Joan, one of the city’s great boulevards. It’s a part of the city that most tourists don’t see.
Tip: Motel One will definitely hit you with a hefty parking fee.
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