Barcelona, Spain: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

Travel overview of Barcelona, Spain

Catalonia's lively and beautiful capital makes one scintillating destination. As the largest metropolis of Europe's Mediterranean coast, Barcelona, Spain, is brimming with artistic and cultural flair. Part of Barcelona's place as the fourth richest city in the European Union is attributable to at least 30 million passengers who enter the Barcelona International Airport and those who dock through its ports. The city's statistics aren't that much of a stretch, as Barcelona is home to some of the world's most beautiful heritage sites, thanks to Lluis Domenech I Montaner and Antoni Gaudi's architectural works. Guests can explore Montjuich and admire the Olympic Stadium, or take an excursion to the Picasso Museum. Others can drive around Paseo de Gracia and Plaza Catalunya to see the eccentricity and greatness of Gaudi's beacons of architecture in the Sagrada Familia and Casa Battlo et Mila. Art-nouveau fantasies come to life at the Gothic Quarter with its impressive Cathedral, the Christopher Columbus' Monument, and the colorful Ramblas. Tourists can see more of Catalonia and visit mysterious Montserrat, situated in a mountain range composed of strikingly pink conglomerate, or experience the Spanish spirit and passion at a fiery Flamenco show.

'I get confused when people ask me where my home is. I am a pro footballer, I keep traveling the world. Of course, Argentina is my home, no doubt. But no city has ever loved me more than Barcelona has. I have never loved a city more than I have loved Barcelona either. We share mutual love.
Lionel Messi, known to be the best footballer of his (and perhaps every) generation is well known for his forays onto the soccer field while representing his club Barcelona FC. To him, and to millions of people around the world, the major identity of Barcelona is that of football “ efficient, ruthless, systematic and impeccable football.

You would be forgiven to make a trip to Barcelona just to soak the atmosphere of football in, for that is how the city has shaped itself. When the sun is out and there's no real work to get done, no Barcelona resident would be found cooling under the ceiling. They are all always out in the sun, either soaking the sunshine or playing what they call joga bonito. At any rate, street side foot joints would be the only place they would be found, if not on the beach.

In that sense, Barcelona is all about having fun. It is a city blessed with immaculately strategic geo position. It is located just by the Mediterranean Sea “ the best sea in the world. It boasts of physical proximity to over 100 must-visit tourist destinations and is famous for its vibrant night life that knows no time limits, and certainly no entertainment limits.

Therefore, if you are planning on making a tour to Barcelona, make sure you are all geared up to let go of all the worries of daily life. Just land in Barcelona, book a hotel and head to the beach or to the Camp Nou.

Talking about hotels in Barcelona, here is a quick round up of what you can expect from the accommodation scene in Barcelona. 

Budget Lodging in Barcelona 

It's not impossible to find cheap hotels here in Barcelona, despite its status as one of the richest cities in Spain. As tourism thrives here, one can expect hospitality industry to open all sorts of avenues for tourists of all budgets. 
However, you can really not expect to find such a cheap hotel in a swanky Barcelona neighborhood. You will probably have to make do with a slightly isolated area that lies at a reasonably long distance from major tourist attractions and the heart of the city.

Euro Park Hotel is among the most popular Barcelona hotels that can be counted in the ˜budget' segment. It is located centrally from the local transport point of view and offers all the basic amenities at quite cheap prices.

Hotel Praktik is another similarly budgeted hotel that wouldn't go you wow, but will be good enough to get you through the night without any cause of concern. Hostal Campi is a backpackers' hostel that is extremely cheap and quite pleasant “ especially if you love hanging out with likeminded backpackers and tourists with all the stories in the world. 

Luxury Hotels in Barcelona 

Moving on from cheap hotels, there are over four dozen luxury resorts in Barcelona that can satiate the need for some royal treatment that wealthy tourists seem to expect out of their travels. A luxury hotel here is typically located either in the heart of the city or just by the beach, boasting enviable views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Among such hotels in Barcelona, Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is a standout pick. There's no denying the quality and status that a brand like Mandarin Oriental brings with them, and this particular property exceeds all those tall expectations by spoiling the guests with regal treatment right from the moment they land in the city.

Mercer Hotel and El Palace are two similar luxury resorts that provide the highest class of amenities to their patrons. Cotton House Hotel is located quite close to most of the attractions in the city, and can be a perfect fit for those don't want to travel too much while staying in Barcelona.

What Not to Miss in Barcelona?

When in Barcelona, act like Barcelona residents. That's the thumb rule of travel. So, when you land in the city, just chill out as much as you can.

Of course, Barcelona has to offer a 12 course meal to you if you are a sightseer of passion and conviction. The Basilica of Sagrada Familia is among the most revered and admired buildings in Europe, and is a top-choice tourist spot in the city. 
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is another popular and quietly impressive destination that will make believer humble in piety. Park Guell is an excellent example of Gaudi architecture (remember Vicki, Cristina, Barcelona?) that's a perfect spot for clicking some memorable pictures.

Of course, no trip to Barcelona can be complete without a visit to Camp Nou. Adored by millions of fans around the globe, the home of Barcelona FC is a holy shrine of those believe in the beauty of football. If there's a game on with the senior team playing, just start counting your blessings already!

Finding Hotels Near Barcelona Airport 

Barcelona Airport (Barcelona-El Prat Airport) is a hugely busy airport, handling millions of passengers every year. If your point of entry into this city is going to be the airport, it would be quite sensible to find a hotel in the vicinity of it.

Along the 8 mile stretch from the airport to the city center, you can find a number of Barcelona hotels in a number of price ranges. Make sure, however, not to sign up for an overly expensive hotel just because it is near to the airport. 

Barcelona Weather Review 

The best time to visit any port city “ Barcelona included “ is generally during mid-summer. That's why, your perfect trip to Barcelona should be planned somewhere around March or April.

Christmas is a grad affair in Barcelona, and if you want to experience it, then you can head to the city of life in December.