Transfer - Airport to Hotel Continental, Barcelona

[huicl]

I have just booked Hotel Continental, Barcelona for my pre-cruise stay based on the good reviews posted here... Now I am pondering how to get there from the airport. Anyone has experience using public transit to go from the airport to the hotel? How easy is it while carrying a luggage? Including the transfer from Renfe to Metro at Passeig de Gracia, does the whole trip count as 1 trip when using a T10 ticket? How does this mode compare to aerobus or taxi?

While on the topic of transportation, is taking a taxi the preferred way to go to the port? Is there a taxi stand near the hotel? How much will it cost? How long will this take?

Thx... Clement

[GoGoTrvl]

Public transportation is very easy to do. But I think the ease would depend on how much luggage you have and if you want to carry your luggage up the stairs at the metro. We’ve done it once and I’d rather not do it again because we had 2 luggages and our carry on to deal with. And yes the T10 ticket can be used for the whole trip, btw, you can share it with other members of your group. I’d take the aerobus instead because of the luggage/stair situation. It will take about 25 min to Pl. Catalunya then walk to the hotel, I believe the cost is a little more than €4 one way.

Taxi cabs are everywhere, I think from the hotel it’s only a few feet away. Catching one shouldn’t be a problem. It should cost you between €25 - €30 (meter + luggage) they charge about €1 per luggage. Depending on traffic, I would say it will take you about 20/25 min.

Check these websites:

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...ona-metro.html

http://www.bcn.es/turisme/english/tu..._tra_hom11.htm

[Andrio]

Hi we stayed at the hotel continental last year (also based on recommendations from this site) our room was very pink and chintzy but we had a little balcony with table and chairs so we could watch what was happening outside. There is a lift from the street up to the hotel but no lift once you're actually inside the hotel.

I can't remember how much the taxi was from the airport but the trip took about 20-25 minutes.

The hotel is right at the top of Las Ramblas, turn right out of the hotel and at the top of Las Ramblas there's a taxi rank - it's only about 10-15 minutes to the port - sorry I can't remember what the cost was.

Hope this helps

[Parrot Mom]

If you havent left already I have the name of a taxi driver/guide in Barcelona...highly recommened by others years ago and I like to pass him on to others and we stayed at The Continental too..lol 8)

[cruisequeen69]

Parrot Mom:

Can you please post the name of the taxi driver/guide in Barcelona.

We will not be there until March, and are also staying at Hotel Continental.

[Parrot Mom]

LUCKY Y OU... getting into The Continental... We just came back from our cruise with another two night stay at our favorite hotel, The Continental. You can get a taxi outside.. or write to BARCELONATAXI <barcelonataxi@barcelonataxivan.com> and have them waiting for you Either Michael or Auriello give a great tour from the airport to the hotel

[cruisequeen69]

Thanks Parrot Mom for taxi info.

Did you ride the HOHo bus while in Barcelona.

Did you notice a lot of pick pockets like they say are in Las Rambles.

Anything in Las Rambles that I should not miss.

Thanks.

[Parrot Mom]

Although obviously more $$ (and they do take credit cards) we used Auriello and Michael(partners/friends). We had a tour of Barcelona stopping where we wanted to stop etc.One of the highlights was Michael showing Parrot Pop some old architecture and I spotted an INTERESTING mural across the street on a new building.. It was a Picasso Nativity Scene....huge black and white... None of the people who toured had seen it.. Also, by the waterfront is a wonderful statue... a Conquisitors Hat and Fish.. quite a wonderful combination....near a bridge.. This trip due to Parrot Pops long distance walking ability we did the famous market (you can spend the entire day there), The Ramblas (visiting with my bird lady..lol) and visiting with friends.. BTW I know everybody wants to try tapas and sangrias.but we sat with friends at the pizza restaurant next door to the hotel and had an incredible lunch...with a great sangria. The owner of the hotel told me that they are taking over the first floor (hotel is on second), adding rooms on the reception room and constructing a new reception and breakfast room downstairs. BTW I do not travel lightly and the poor guys really stuffed our luggage into their cabs.. one a little suv and the other a regular cab.. Auriello btw was raised outside of NYC and speaks perfect english..Ive received thank you notes (unusual)for recommending both of these guys.. if one is busy the other one comes.. One of the things I found out this time is in their circle of friends that they have taxi driver friends who speak many languages...If you decide to use them and even want to call write me I have their cell phone #'s.. and tell them Parrot Mom said HELLO and sends her regards[/i]

[Andrio]

Parrot Mom - once again you are spot on with your recommendations - the pizza place beside the Continental is excellent. Is it called Pizza Marzano? We weren't sure about going as it looked like formica tables (not that that is necessarily a way to tell what the food's going to be like ) but we were taken upstairs and had a lovely meal.

Cruisequeen69 - I don't think you have to be more worried about pickpockets on Las Ramblas than anywhere else in the world - just keep your wits about you and make sure your wallet/purse isn't on show to tempt anyone. There are things going on on Las Ramblas all the time, when we were there in June last year there were lots of excellent living statues, everything from what sounded like a cat stuck in a box, dancers, musicians. There are plenty of cafes and places to eat too as well as shops bordering each side. You won't be bored.

Andrea

[Parrot Mom]

YES, you should be aware, because of the LIVING STATUES where you usually stop and are fascinated. As a matter of fact a young lady (handing out brochures for a dance show) told my husband to watch his pockets.. Because we travel so much Parrot Pop bought through Magellen a camera and a camera bag strap that contains a metal wire.. Of course, the mob in the market is something else..Parrot Pop has promised to download all our pictures this coming week.. I did wear my travel bag across my chest. As for the restaurant I wouldn't have stopped in, but we were exhausted from walking upand down The Ramblas after meeting an e-mail friend.. On the side streets are many tourist aimed restaurants advertising tapas.but this unexpected treat at Marzano provided great service and pretty decent food. We went back the next day for pizza and an individual pizza will feed suffice for two.. especially if you a large pitcher of sangria and terimisau..lol

[cruisequeen69]

Parrot Mom

Thanks for all your info.

I will let you know in March how things went.

[Parrot Mom]

If you use Auriello or Michael tell them Parrot Mom had one extra suitcase going home.lol

[Parrot Mom]

When you meet Auriello or Michael...remind them we are coming back in Nobember...and I refuse to sit on the roof of their taxi. Somebody just wrote and said they had FOUR people and lots of luggage..Can 't remember if you mentioned The Continental.. but they now have a 24 hour buffet..They have transformed the first floor into a reception and breakfast area.. Got some fabulous feedback.. Have fun..

[49erfan]

I am staying at Hotel Colon and they said they could arrange transportation, but it would be $70.00, cab is cheaper. metro buses take me to the plaza area, but I would have to walk to hotel with 3 pieces of luggage alone and that doesn't sound like I would do that. Cabs is probably about 20.00 look for cab with one light (I heard that somewhere in a review). Let me know if that is true

[Parrot Mom]

Originally Posted by 49erfan

I am staying at Hotel Colon and they said they could arrange transportation, but it would be $70.00, cab is cheaper. metro buses take me to the plaza area, but I would have to walk to hotel with 3 pieces of luggage alone and that doesn't sound like I would do that. Cabs is probably about 20.00 look for cab with one light (I heard that somewhere in a review). Let me know if that is true

SORRY, But we are an older couple and take two week t/a and travel with four suitcases and each a carry on, plus cane for Parrot Pop... it just isnt worthwhile.. I'd rather have a pick up at the airport. Not famliar with the Hotel Colon. Whatever the cost for Auriello or Michael. it's wonderful seeing their signs at the airport and knowing I don't have any hassles going to t he hotel, taking tours if I want to and getting to the port.. At our age..it makes a huge difference

[smackie]

Parrot Mom,

I haven't contacted that e-mail address you posted. Is it still valid?

I have a group of 10 people cruising in May. I wish I had read everyone's advice about arriving the day before, but it is all booked now and I have no choice. Do you know if they can accomodate that many people or how many vans we would need?

We are arriving at about 11:30 am in the morning and our ship leaves Barcelona at 7:00 pm. We also have a lot of luggage between the 10 of us plus we always travel with our own wheelchair for my sister (mobility impaired), but she can walk.

I think that it would be best for us to take a quick tour of Barcelona from about 1pm to 5pm before embarking at the dock instead of trying to embark early, then trying to leave the ship for a tour and get back on the ship later on.

Would we be able to clear customs, get luggage and have airport snack/washroom break in about 90 minutes to be ready for 1 pm pick up? Would we have enough time to see la sagrada, gothic quarter, las ramblas before heading to ship? Any idea of costs to do this kind of tour for this many people before I write to them? Do I just reserve with them and pay them in euros when I arrive? Do they speak Engllish and act as guides and would they guard the luggage in the van while we are trying to see the sights?

Would really appreciate your advice. Thanks!

[Parrot Mom]

First of all write.. they maybe able to put together a few cabs for you and take you on a tour.. BUT I HAVE TO ADMIT.. YOUR PUSHING IT....In a wheel chair your they and you will be able to get through immigration much faster...we do.. See what Auriello and Michael say... Auriello speaks perfect english as he grew up o utside of NYC and Michael speak great english..I WOULD WRITE THEM IMMEDIATELY. OR IF YOU want write me and I'll give you Auriellos phone #.. parrotmom@verizon.net. your cutting it close

[Parrot Mom]

First of all write.. they maybe able to put together a few cabs for you and take you on a tour.. BUT I HAVE TO ADMIT.. YOUR PUSHING IT....In a wheel chair your they and you will be able to get through immigration much faster...we do.. See what Auriello and Michael say... Auriello speaks perfect english as he grew up o utside of NYC and Michael speak great english..I WOULD WRITE THEM IMMEDIATELY. OR IF YOU want write me and I'll give you Auriellos phone #.. parrotmom@verizon.net. your cutting it close and their e-mail address

[smackie]

Parrot Mom,

Sent you an e-mail. Thanks for super quick response.