Ever since hosting the 1992 Summer Olympics, the city of Barcelona has emerged as a popular destination for millions of visitors taking a holiday in Spain. People go there to embark on a Mediterranean cruise, enjoy the renowned architectural sites of the city, or shop along the wide pedestrian boulevard of La Rambla. Travelers seeking a central location from which to explore these attractions and relax in style should consider the waterfront Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel. While not a destination resort, this large hotel provides the atmosphere of a boutique property coupled with the amenities of a luxury hotel for a reasonable price. 

LOCATION AND AREA ACTIVITIES

The Eurostars is in the port section of Barcelona close to the southern end of the La Rambla boulevard. Built on top of a huge pier that is part of the Barcelona World Trade Center, the hotel is elevated above the water to provide excellent views of the harbor and the city. Taxis and cars have direct access to the hotel entrance and parking, but it is also close to bus stops, metro stops, and a station for the port cable car which connects to the downtown and the distant hilltop area of Montjuic. A ten-minute walk up the pier through the Gothic Quarter and past the 200-foot-high Columbus Monument will bring you to La Rambla. Some other interesting places in the neighborhood include the cruise ship terminal, a maritime museum, and the Maremagnum waterfront mall which features an aquarium, cinema, and restaurants. The location provides an excellent counterpoint to the hustle and bustle of La Rambla.

DESIGN AND ROOMS

The architecture style of the Eurostar has been described as presenting a “maritime theme” and creating a “cylindrical fortress.”  It is certainly modern. The company describes the hotel as a “tourist landmark in the port of Barcelona which resembles a transatlantic liner… with a total of 291 rooms all exterior and with the constant presence of Mediterranean light that finds its way into the most hidden corners. The hotel is full of cutting-edge design details such as an impressive circular staircase designed by architect Leoh Ming Pei…and houses temporary avant-garde art exhibitions.”

There are 244 double guest rooms and 47 suites in the hotel. They are spacious by European or American standards with a minimum of 301 square feet of space. The rooms are described by Eurostars as being “decorated elegantly yet soberly in relaxing tones with fine woods and textiles.” They feature comfortable beds, marble bathrooms with tubs and showers, flat screen TVs, free internet, designer toiletries and pillow menus. Despite being in the center of a vibrant city adjacent to a commercial port, the room provided an excellent night’s sleep during our stay there. 

AMENITIES

We stayed at the Grand Marina twice over the past nine years after disembarking from European cruises in Barcelona. It was always a pleasant experience. The personal touches and professional service at the hotel are well suited for guests looking to unwind or jump into touring the city. Notable amenities at the hotel are the following.

• Terraces and Bars - There are numerous terraces around the hotel with views of the Mediterranean including a rooftop area where drinks and light fare are available. The lobby also contains a relaxing sitting area.

• Breakfast Buffet – The hotel restaurant on the main floor serves an outstanding buffet breakfast outdoors among the orange trees during the summer and indoors during the rest of the year. It is expensive but well worth the experience. 

• Outdoor Pool - There is a seasonal outdoor pool on the roof which is a rarity in urban hotels in Europe.

• Fitness room and Treatments – A fitness room and treatment services are available.

• Personal services – The hotel has a concierge for assistance in planning your visit along with special services such as a laundry room, business center, baggage storage area, and butlers. 

Sometimes people traveling to European cities have romantic notions of staying in a grand old hotel in the middle of the city with Renaissance paintings and large chandeliers in the lobby, a lounge full of local characters, an antique elevator, and a room that a famous opera singer once lived in. Like the hotel depicted in the 2014 movie “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Those places exist but when you are stopping in a city for a night or two on a long trip or have been out walking the city streets and seeing the sites all day, it can be relaxing to come back to a respected establishment with a convenient location, modern facilities, nice views, decent food and drink, and comfortable bedding. The Eurostars Grand Marina is such a place and is an excellent choice for a visit to Barcelona.