Le Méridien Barcelona

[jmkhambatta]

Hello all. We have a Med cruise coming up in November and we are flying over a few days before to see Barcelona. We are stayinig at Le Méridien which they say is right on Las Ramblas. Has anyone ever stayed there, and if so, how is the location?

 

Thank you!

[cberge]

Hello all. We have a Med cruise coming up in November and we are flying over a few days before to see Barcelona. We are stayinig at Le Méridien which they say is right on Las Ramblas. Has anyone ever stayed there, and if so, how is the location?

 

Thank you!

I have stayed there and the location is great.Rooms are nice and ask if yours is on the street side and if so ask to be moved..it can be noisy altho they may have double pane windows now.Enjoy.BTW,within walking distance of so much.

[riffatsea]

Have not stayed at the hotel. Its location is central. I am not a fan of Las Ramblas as a location as it is a crowded pedestrian tourist area. Many folks do like it though. I prefer quieter more residential neighborhoods.

My suggestion would be to find restaurants away from Las Ramblas if you want good quality food.

[Goldygolfer]

We were in Barcelona at the end of May. We were staying at a hotel across the street (Las Ramblas) from the Meridien. If you are after complete "peace & quiet" then it is probably not a great location. However, we loved staying right on the Ramblas - it's such a "happening" place and very entertaining. We did not find noise to be a problem. Although I can understand that it could be for some people. I loved sitting at my open window and watching what was going on in the street below.

 

Le Meridien looked very nice and appeared to have a very pleasant roof-top terrace which would be a delightful place to watch the sunset and enjoy a pre-dinner drink.

 

It's about 2/3 of the way up the Ramblas and therefore very close to a lot of the "fun" things in the city. IMO it is a great location.

[cabincop]

I have stayed at the hotel 3x's, I love it but this year I am trying Hotel 1898 right across from there. The rooms are quiet, I have never heard any noise and the bathrooms are to die for. There is no rooftop terrace, once they gave me the presedential suite which had a huge terrace overlooking La Ramblas the front desk people are so sweet. When I go in 3 weeks I will stop in to say hello. Every year they remember me. And it is right on the corner in Ramblas, great location. I wanted a pool this year to relax after my flight. They have great coffee bar and restaraunt. Enjoy

[Ashland]

I have stayed at the hotel 3x's, I love it but this year I am trying Hotel 1898 right across from there. The rooms are quiet, I have never heard any noise and the bathrooms are to die for. There is no rooftop terrace, once they gave me the presedential suite which had a huge terrace overlooking La Ramblas the front desk people are so sweet. When I go in 3 weeks I will stop in to say hello. Every year they remember me. And it is right on the corner in Ramblas, great location. I wanted a pool this year to relax after my flight. They have great coffee bar and restaraunt. Enjoy

Hope you'll come back and give your opinion..as these are the two hotels I'm trying to decide between for our precruise next Aug..Price quote for Hotel 1898 with breakfast vs Le Meridian no breakfast, are just a few dollars difference...Thanks..:)

[CruisinGerman]

Dear friends:

 

We have stayed at the Meridien. Its location is good because you are near to Plaza Cataluña (El Corte Inglés and the start of Paseo de Gracia), while at the same time have access to the lower part of Las Ramblas, if that is your fancy (it is not ours).

 

The hotel was renovated over the last several years. However, the result inside of the rooms is that, while modern in style, they are lacking in substance and seem to have been renovated using cheap, Ikea furniture.

 

If you get a good deal and/or are a member of SPG, it makes sense to stay at this hotel. Otherwise, in my opinion, the 1898 across the street is a much nicer hotel.

 

The service at the Meridien used to be awful, but it has improved in the last few years.

 

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

[GlendaleCruiser]

I have stayed at the hotel 3x's, I love it but this year I am trying Hotel 1898 right across from there. The rooms are quiet, I have never heard any noise and the bathrooms are to die for. There is no rooftop terrace, once they gave me the presidential suite which had a huge terrace overlooking La Ramblas the front desk people are so sweet. When I go in 3 weeks I will stop in to say hello. Every year they remember me. And it is right on the corner in Ramblas, great location. I wanted a pool this year to relax after my flight. They have great coffee bar and restauraunt. Enjoy

 

 

My Travel Agent has stayed at Le Meridien and loved it. She recommended 1898 because it is right across the street--great location to Ramblas and actually at a cheaper price, but still not cheap. I think you will love it.

[GlendaleCruiser]

I have stayed at the hotel 3x's, I love it but this year I am trying Hotel 1898 right across from there. Enjoy

 

Please let me know how you like 1898 and any recommendations for eating in the area.:D. We will be there for 3 days pre-cruise in May.

[cabincop]

Hi Glendale I leave oct 23rd and will write and let you know. I am also staying at Hotel Arts after cruise. That way I know which hotel I like more. The best thing about 1898 is they have a pool and rooftop terrace, which after a long flight and some walking around, I can go back to hotel hit the pool and hang out before jet lag takes me to bed. Take care

[GlendaleCruiser]

Hi Glendale I leave oct 23rd and will write and let you know. I am also staying at Hotel Arts after cruise. That way I know which hotel I like more. The best thing about 1898 is they have a pool and rooftop terrace, which after a long flight and some walking around, I can go back to hotel hit the pool and hang out before jet lag takes me to bed. Take care

Thanks so much. I look forward to your input. Let me know of any good places to eat that you find, if you will, also.:)

[CruisinGerman]

Dear friends:

 

Sorry to put a damper on your pool plans, and of course the weather can obviously take a turn in 19 days, but at least today it is cold and pouring rain (about 15 degrees Celsius) in Madrid and Barcelona.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

[cabincop]

Hi cruisengerman, who knows how the weather will be when I get there. Three years ago it was really hot. But besides the pool, one thing I already like is when I stayed at Le Meridien and my room wasn't ready I would walk around until exhausted and go back to hotel and it was crowded in the lobby and no where to really hang until your room was ready. It seem 1898 I will be able to go to terrace hang by pool relax have a drink. Us flight from NY gets in at 8ish get to hotel around 930 or so room isn't ready till after 2ish, so lobby is busy. Also in the4x's(last 5 years) I have been to BCN it hasn't rained and I always go in OCT europe is beautiful at this time of year. Have a nice night all, Maria

[johnlh]

Hello all. We have a Med cruise coming up in November and we are flying over a few days before to see Barcelona. We are stayinig at Le Méridien which they say is right on Las Ramblas. Has anyone ever stayed there, and if so, how is the location?

 

Thank you!

Stayed last year b4 and aft cruise. Will stay this year after cruise. Before we are staying in an apartment with a company call Habitat Apartments the apartment is at the top of Rambla for three days. Loved the hotel, just wish they had free internet. They have people out front (I say that they are security that watch as you come and go). Rambla is busy, but we did not hear any noises in the room and the hotel is central to everything. Close to the aerobus stop and sights. Eat at the Ra restaurant. It is behind the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria market on the right side across from the parking lot. You will past the alley way and it is the first restaurant you come to. You may have to wait for a seat, but it is worth it. A lot of locals eat here and the food is good quality. We ate the first night on Rambla and paid 70 euro for 5 small plates of tapas and a glass of wine and beer for two, never again. Next day we found RA and really felt cheated with the tapas meal. Most people in Spain have a large lunch and light dinner. The lunch run between 10-14 euros. Also, on Rambla down by the grocery store there is a gyro shop that was really reasonable and good. So we had the gyros for dinner (think they were about 8 euros which included a salad) See my review at. tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187497-d796409-r56197094-RA-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

[Alli Cruiser]

Cabincop,

 

Could you let me know what you think of Hotel Arts when you return? That hotel appeals to me most but it is $$$$$ especially for us because we need two rooms.

 

Thanks much!

[cabincop]

I will let you know about this Hotel as well. The reason I chose this hotel after cruise is because it is near the casino. Also I have been to BCN alot and have to get up early for my monday flight and thought I would love to try their casino. I like to go to different casino's when I am in countries with them. I am looking forward to this hotel also.

 

By the way I read on Hotel 1898 they have a spa hotel underneath so I can use that one if weather is not conducive to pool. Nite all, Maria

[GlendaleCruiser]

Dear friends:

 

Sorry to put a damper on your pool plans, and of course the weather can obviously take a turn in 19 days, but at least today it is cold and pouring rain (about 15 degrees Celsius) in Madrid and Barcelona.

 

Kind regards,

 

Gunther and Uta

Well, I'll be okay with that as I don't expect it to be too warm yet there in May and I'm not going until then. I'm from a hot climate anyway and don't swim when it's too cool. I need to have a hotel with good sleeping conditions so I can rest up from flights and sightseeing all day. Spa might be nice, though.

[GlendaleCruiser]

Stayed last year b4 and aft cruise. Will stay this year after cruise. Before we are staying in an apartment with a company call Habitat Apartments the apartment is at the top of Rambla for three days. Loved the hotel, just wish they had free internet. They have people out front (I say that they are security that watch as you come and go). Rambla is busy, but we did not hear any noises in the room and the hotel is central to everything. Close to the aerobus stop and sights. Eat at the Ra restaurant. It is behind the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria market on the right side across from the parking lot. You will past the alley way and it is the first restaurant you come to. You may have to wait for a seat, but it is worth it. A lot of locals eat here and the food is good quality. We ate the first night on Rambla and paid 70 euro for 5 small plates of tapas and a glass of wine and beer for two, never again. Next day we found RA and really felt cheated with the tapas meal. Most people in Spain have a large lunch and light dinner. The lunch run between 10-14 euros. Also, on Rambla down by the grocery store there is a gyro shop that was really reasonable and good. So we had the gyros for dinner (think they were about 8 euros which included a salad) See my review at. tripadvisor http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187497-d796409-r56197094-RA-Barcelona_Catalonia.html

 

Thanks so much! I am taking notes on all the recommendations. I appreciate it.

[smoothdancer]

We stayed at the Le Meridian in September, with points..

 

The rooms are small but quite comfortable, service and staff very good... The room we were in did have double doors opening to the street. It was fun, it you wanted to hear the sounds and activity you could yet once you closed the door, complete silence...

 

Centrally located and for a one night stay a good choice... Here is a picture of the room.

 

Now if you want to spend a little more, the W on the shore was awesome... Attached a few pictures of this hotel... We stayed in one of the suites. Gotta love points!!

[FeelingCruisy]

We stayed there 2 years ago I think. Location of course is great. But the hotel is pretty ordinary, modern decor, lots of switches for lots of lights! :D The bathrobes are thick and luxurious!

[cabincop]

Hi all, just remember this is only my opinion. I am a s/f traveling alone so some of these thoughts might affect it.

 

Hotel 1898 is right across from My Le merdian,, when we pulled up to the hotel I could not help but notice there were bellman and doorman at Le Meridien, however when I got out of the cab for 1898 I had to open my hotel door and drag in my luggage. Also I noted no one was in the huge lobby. I checked in and there was one bellman Pablo who was very nice. My room was ready. It was 441 a corner room. It was beautiful with a sofa and great bathroom. However from a womens point of view in the shower there was no shelf to put your soap shampoo or towels nearby. Also I learned the windows aren't soundproof like they are in Le Merdien as I was awoken at 0230 from loud noise. I would pick Le Merdien over this hotel, Meriden has amazing service and I felt more secure. 1898 has 2 main doors one were starbucks is the other on side road, neither had any guard or way to control people coming and going. Also when I spoke to the front desk staff they were not interested in anything I said gave no suggestions and lastly when I mentioned I was upset that no one helped me with my luggage she said we are only a 4 star hotel, that was it no other explaintion so for me I am going back to Le Merdien they have great service staff and security and they remember you every year. Any questions?