Barcelona: Ice Rink at Plaça Catalunya

Until 8 January, you can get your skates on the ice rink at the Plaça de Catalunya , sponsored by the Barcelona Comerç Foundation.

Measuring 40 by 30 square metres, Barcelona is the biggest outdoor ice rink in Europe. And it has a special ice zone for children too.

The rink, which is crowned by a semi-transparent dome, boasts a cafeteria and changing rooms. Half-hour and one-hour skating sessions will cost 6 euros and 8 euros respectively.

Tickets can be purchased at a discount with tickets given away by shops in the Barcelona Comerç shopping districts.

It will take a maximum of between 350 and 400 people, depending on the number of children on the rink, plus a supervisor, and three to six assistant monitors.

The rink will be open from 10 am to 9 pm, Mondays to Thursdays and on Sundays; 10 am to 11 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays; 10 am to 8 pm on Christmas Eve; 11 am to 2 pm on Christmas Day, and 10 am to 8 pm on 31 December.

We have stayed in many Hotels in Barcelona

My girlfriend and I stayed in Hotel Jazz during September 2010, our second visit. We have stayed in many Hotels in Barcelona but this is our favourite due to its contemporary rooms, fantastic central location and its beutiful roof terrace and pool with panoramic views. The staff are helpful and friendly, security is tight with electronic key cards required for the lifts. Please be aware though that this hotel is central to where its ‘happening’ and you will get noise from the streets outside. If that bothers you this chain has similar hotels in quieter locations, which of course means more walking and public transport.

We voted this hotel 10/10, we love it.

Nigel and Emma, Oct 2010.

Lovely Christmas time at Granvía Hotel

My family and I lodged in your facility from 23 to 27 December 2009. If I spent a lovely Christmas time it was also because of the excellent standards of the Granvía Hotel. Apart from the cost-effectiveness convenience, I very much appreciated the warm welcome and the friendly approach of your staff. The Hotel has a lot of precious historical decorations, with a lovely huge living room on the first floor (where we took fantastic pictures) and internet facilities in two areas. Our two double rooms were nice and clean, with old style furniture and appliances but very cosy and functional. It is located in a strategic position, very practical for all tourists: the underground station very near, Catalunya square and the Ramblas behind the corner. Plenty of choices for breakfast, with an excellent traditional jamón! We would recommend it to both youngsters and families. It was a bit sad to leave…and we will certainly come back!

Le Voci, Januar 2010.

www.hotelgranvia.com