Good mid-range hotel in Barcelona (Condado Hotel Barcelona)

Member Name: RamblinMan

Product:	Condado Hotel Barcelona
Date:	03/11/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good location, reasonably priced, clean and cosy

Disadvantages: expensive breakfast

I stayed at this hotel few months ago and would definitely recommend it for a short stay in Barcelona. It has a central location in a safe area, near many shops and restaurants.

We took the bus from the main airport which drops you off at Plaza Catalunya, and then two stops on the metro to Diagonal station. From there it's a 5 minute walk, or you can jump on the bus for a couple of stops down the street.

Our room was facing the inner courtyard so we didn't get much noise from the traffic outside. There are a few night clubs across the street but again this didn't bother us.

We stayed in a standard twin room, which is a bit on the small side, but it was a clean and comfortable place to crash for a few nights. After all you don't want to be hanging around in your room when you're in Barcelona!

The bathroom had a great powerful shower, with all the amenities supplied. There was also an electronic safe to leave all your valuables in the room if you wish (not a bad idea considering the pick-pocketing problem on the Ramblas!).

The hotel offers a free mini bar on each floor containing bottles of water, coke and non-alcoholic beer. These run out quick so make sure you grab a few bottles. There is free Internet access on a PC in the lobby, great if you don't carry a laptop with you, although it can be busy at times.

Breakfast is pricey at the hotel, but you have many cheaper options just around the corner. We liked the Bracafe, cheekily named Brasilian place, that had a special offer of 2 Euros for a quick coffee and croissant. There is also a supermarket opposite the hotel, which we used to pick up a few snacks for the day.

Diagonal station is on Passeig de Gracia which is a long avenue with great shops, some of which are on the posh side. Two of Gaudi's famous buildings are here too, La Pedrera and Casa Battlo.

Go two stops eastbound on the blue line and you're at Sagrada Familia, still being built! Go three stops northbound on the green line to Vallcarca, for Parc Guell and great views of the city. And back on the green line, two stops down to Catalunya, for the Ramblas.

Reception staff all speak good English and are very helpful. Check-in and check-out was quick and painless, and they were happy to keep our bags after check out, so we could pick them up later in the evening before flying back.

Overall, highly recommended hotel.

Summary: I'll be staying there again!