Located btwn Placa Espanya (where you will find Las Arenas, the bullfighting arena that was converted into a megamall--check out the roof in the evenings for the light and fountain show (seasonal) and Placa Catalunya, ER is quite central. If you take the airport transfer bus, it stops at both but I recommend you get off at Pl. Esp, but pay attention as some of the drivers refuse to answer questions so you could end up missing your stop! The hotel is also located btwn two subway stations: RED/L1 Rocafort and GREEN/L3 Poble Sac *closer* which makes getting around very easy, also on foot. The surrounding area has a LOT of bars and restaurants, all within a short walking distance. There are even more just south of Paral-lel and also the area east of Sant Antoni The immediate area is mostly residential and is convenient for supermarkets, bakery, a few shops, etc. Sant Antoni Market is also a few blocks away but the outdoor/sheltered half of it was closed when I was there as it is being revamped so there were mostly only fish/seafood stalls and many sections selling unappealing clothing in the market building. Overall the area is pretty safe, just be smart about it.
My room didn't look quite as bright and cheery as in the photos I saw online and the furniture was pretty basic and dated. You get the feel of a dorm room but it was roomy enough with a good amount of closet space, and for me, location is more important than fanciness, as I don't spend much time in my room. I requested a room with a view as one reviewer somewhere recommended but the "views" consist of either the building across the street where others live and there was work being done by guys on scaffoldings when I stayed so I couldn't open my curtains, or you get to face the courtyard and other occupants so don't go in there expecting any grand, city views of rolling waters or bright city lights. I found the pillows very soft and shaped funny but I made do after a couple of days. The room was OK in terms of cleanliness but the blanket covering the bed seemed dingy which I find in some European countries (what is up with that??) so I cast it aside. Ladies, I would highly recommend that you bring your own shampoo if you have hair longer than one inch, as the stuff provided at the hotel was like water and makes your hair feel unclean. The soap was also not very cleansing.
The staff at the hotel were very, very nice, especially the overnight guys at front desk. Agnes was also very kind and welcoming when she checked me in, and provided maps so I could find my way. Do yourself a favour and get acquainted with where you are in relation to where you want to go early on in the trip as Barcelona is a big city with LOTS to see, and you would be surprised how much you can access by foot (unless you either hate walking or can't), which allows one to see a lot. I did not have breakfast at the hotel so I can't comment on that. They offer luggage storage upon checkout which is super convenient if you're not due to leave early in the day. There is free wifi (often cut out on me, but good speed when it was fully functional) as well. You might think it's a basic offering at any hotel but believe me, it's not.
Price-wise, this hotel cost less than many others in the area and met my requirements in terms of location and convenience, price, and cleanliness. BCN accommodations can get very pricey so if you don't need urban chic and just want a clean place to rest your head and take a shower, I would recommend considering Evenia Rocafort. read more