Hotel Granvia review: I would recommend this hotel

We stayed at the Hotel Granvia for 4 nights and were very happy with everything about the hotel. It appears to be a smaller hotel than the others that have been commented on. It is located near Plaza Catalunya and the metro at Paseo de Gracia, making it ideal for getting anywhere easily. The room was comfortable and clean. The best thing about the hotel was the friendliness of the staff, particularly Carlos. Because of construction next door, there was loud hammering all day, through no fault of the hotel. When we asked for a change of room, they were very accommodating, moving us to a room on the other side of the hotel where it was much quieter. There was no street noise in our room, even though the Gran Via was in front. We walked to Las Ramblas, the Palau de Musica de Catalana, and Gaudi’s Casa Mila. The metro was very easy to use and fast. The breakfast was very good, with just about everything you could ask for. We had the romatic package for 2 nights, including a bottle of wine and a nice dinner. The dinner was in Hotel 1898 on Las Ramblas, and it was delightful. I would recommend this hotel.

Hotel Granvía

Doris, November 2011.

Free activities in Barcelona during summer!

Free activities in Barcelona

Whatever you’re into, you can enjoy summer to the full in Barcelona! Even if you’re on a budget, there are many free activities this August.

Outdoor cinema buffs can head to the CCCB in the Raval for the annual “Gandules” cycle, which this year complements the contemporary culture centre’s intriguing exhibition on labyrinths.

Films such as Jean-Luc Godard’s Alphaville or David Lynch’s Lost Highway are screened from Tuesday to Thursday at 10pm. Get there early to grab a sandwich and a seat.

For the ideal combination of art and air conditioning, check out one of the many free exhibition centres in town. They include the Caja Madrid Espai Cultural in Plaça Catalunya, Gaudi’s Pedrera, and Palau Robert on Passeig de Gràcia, which takes you on a tour of the Mediterranean. Caixa Forum on Montjuic explores the work of internationally renowned Majorcan artist Miquel Barceló.

What’s more, other museums and galleries waive their entry charge on Sunday afternoons, including the Picasso and the nearby Design museums in the Born, or the CCCB and the Virreina photography space in the centre.

For those that prefer to be outdoors, the many lovely parks in the city offer a shady haven from the heat, and a very special experience at night, set the scene for free concerts in classical music, jazz and sarsuela.

And if you’re in party spirits don’t miss the lively and colourful street celebrations in Gràcia, in the third week of August, and Sants in the last week, with their extravagant street decorations and live bands in the evenings.