Hotel Lloret Ramblas

The Hotel Lloret Rambla’s out-of-sight location near the top of Las Ramblas and Plaça Catalunya is ideal for those who want to be in the center of the city. The one-star property is family-run and undergoing a makeover, which has much improved it since our last visit.

The Hotel Lloret Ramblas is remodeling one floor at a time. This means that its 58 rooms are something of a grab bag at the moment—unless you ask for a new room you may get an older version of the Lloret.

The less flashy older rooms are okay, with simple furnishings and the bare-bones basics (where a new room has a flat-screen TV, an older room simply has a television). New rooms, on the other hand, are stylish, spacious and fun. Their funky color schemes (think royal purple and red or splashy turquoise and hot pink) are vibrant, creative and accentuated by custom lighting.

New or old, all rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a telephone and free Wi-Fi. Most also have balconies (rooms with a “city view” cost a little bit more, and also stand to be a bit noisier).

All bathrooms are private. Those in the “new” Lloret Rambla are tiled in tan and have new fixtures with hair dryers, toiletries, and some bathtubs (ask ahead). Older bathrooms are adequate but will be better after their makeover.

Founded in 1926, the Hotel Lloret Ramblas is one of the old historic hotels along Barcelona’s popular promenade, and its days-of-old style is still notable in the wrought-iron balconies and lobby, where vibrant armchairs and modern art mix with Old-World architectural details.

Antique on the outside, the Lloret Ramblas offers current perks like Wi-Fi (free throughout), an Internet station and free-of-charge safe boxes. Breakfast, sometimes included in the room rate (check when booking), is served in an airy, romantic-feeling room decorated with small tables and a few antique-inspired pieces.

Location

The hotel is situated on Las Ramblas, where the city gathers to charm and solicit tourists and travelers. That means that it’s a bit of a circus, so hold on to your purse or wallet and enjoy the show!

Hands down, this is the easiest and most central location for visiting Barcelona. That said, it’s crowded (with both tourists and pickpockets) and the businesses here have no qualms about jacking up their prices to gouge visitors. If you stay on Las Ramblas, heed this warning: Don’t eat here. We’d even go so far to say don’t buy anything either (apart from flowers).

When hunger strikes, veer off the main drag for excellent nearby eating options such as Restaurant Tallers 76 (c/Tallers 76) or L’Hortet (c/ Pintor Fortuny 32) for veggies. And the nearby ‘hood, El Raval, is the place to go for nightlife.

The Lloret Ramblas is also close to the Barri Gotic and all public transportation, including the airport bus.

Transportation

Subway: The Lloret Ramblas is located a five-minute walk from Plaça Catalunya, which is serviced by the Green Line/L3.

From the Airport: The Areobús leaves every five minutes from the airport and arrives in Barcelona in 35 minutes (depending on traffic). Take it to the last stop, Plaça Catalunya, and walk to the hotel. It doesn’t get much easier.