Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain, with a rich cultural heritage, amazing medieval architecture, and the world famous Flamenco. If you are heading off to Barcelona, these are five great places to rest your weary head and full tummy. We recommend that you head there in September, not too hot, not too touristy; which will make your getting into the best restaurants in town significantly easier. Le Meridien: La Rambla, La 111 This hotel is pretty close to the Sagrada Familia (Gaudi’s jewel); the Gothic Quarter with a more traditional Cathedral; Las Ramblas (one of the hottest streets in the area); Palau de la Musica (right next to Ohla restaurant – incredible tapas). Needless to say it is great for sightseeing. It’s restaurant; CentOnze serves neo-Mediterranean cuisine; just in case you’re ready for a change. The restaurant offers a prix fixe which includes a starter, main course and dessert at 16€. Latitude Bar 41º 23′ transforms into a wine and tapas bar at night. If you are a beer lover; LePop serves cocktails and beers with some great tunes. Great vibe, great food. Axel Hotel Barcelona: Aribau 33 The Axel is located very close to Plaça Catalunya; a perfect location for grabbing a bite at La Boqueria or strolling around Las Ramblas or the Gothic quarter. A short walk and you will find yourself at the steps of La Sagrada Familia (buy tickets online the night before – you’ll skip the line while all other tourists look at you with jealousy). Hungry? Kitchen Restaurant serves Italo- Mediterranean style dishes and wines by Castillo de Peralada. The restaurant’s Ground Bar bar designed for & featuring Pommery champagne while Sky Bar is the hotel’s nightlife center. Suites should run you $189 per night. Barcelona Hotel Colonial: Via Laietana 3 If you are an ocean lover; this hotel is for you. Steps away from the Ayuntamiento (City Council) and the Cathedral;; but most importantly a short walk from the Puerto maritime. Once you’ve enjoyed the ocean air; head over to the Museo Picasso for a little culture. This should have opened your appetite and any of the amazing tapas bars in the area should make do. Hotel Zenit Barcelona: Santalo 8 This hotel is for those in love with the modern and sleek and the love of fun. You can step out into Las Ramblas and find a great tapas bar with a Flamenco dancer to entertain. Young people walking all around the area and tourists making their way to Casa Mila,Fundacio Anoni Tapies, Sagrada Familia, and Parc Guell. And as a plus; their restaurant is very good for the price. Expo Hotel Barcelona: Explotacion Hotel Expo Sa Mallorca,1-23 We recommend this one for art lovers; the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is a quick walk away as is the Plaza Espana and the amazing mall next door. If you are a true foodie; you can try to get reservations for Tickets and 41 degrees (The famed Adria resaurants). If you can’t get reservations there; you can head to Zarautz or the restaurant’s own Stop N’ Rest Zone which serves Catalan and Mediterranean cuisines and gluten-free meals. The Chillout Terrace turns into a nightspot for long talks and drinks. .
