Barcelona

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Hotels

The issue of Barcelona’s mushrooming hotel construction has been hugely controversial in recent years, as Old City blocks of flats are cleared of any remaining tenants to make way for more four-stars, and towering business hotels spring up around the periphery. Oddly, this massive increase in the number of beds has not seen a fall in prices, and it can still be difficult to find a room in Barcelona outside the winter months, especially in mid-range to budget establishments.

Booking in advance – by at least two weeks, and more in summer – is strongly advised, at least in those places where it’s possible: many of the cheaper hotels won’t accept reservations. It’s always worth calling a few days before your arrival to reconfirm the booking (get it in writing if you can; many of our readers have reported having problems), and to check the cancellation policy. Often you will lose at least the first night.

To be sure of getting a room with natural light or a view, ask for an outside room (habitación exterior), which will usually face the street. Many of Barcelona’s buildings are built around a central patio or airshaft, and the inside rooms (habitación interior) around them can be quite gloomy, albeit quieter.

 

Accommodation in Catalonia is divided into two official categories: hotels (H) and pensiones (P). To be a hotel (star-rated one to five), a place must have en suite bathrooms in every room. Ratings are based on physical attributes rather than levels of service; often the only difference between a three- and a four-star hotel is the presence of a meeting room. Pensiones, usually cheaper and often family-run, are star-rated one or two, and are not required to have en suite bathrooms (though many do). Some pensiones are called hostales, but, confusingly, are not youth hostels; those are known as albergues.

 

Prices can vary considerably depending on the time of year; always check for special deals. All bills are subject to seven per cent IVA (value added tax) on top of the basic price; this is not normally included in the advertised rate. Breakfast is not usually included outside special offers.

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