Hotel Suizo

The three-star Hotel Suizo offers a choice Gothic Quarter location and nicely designed rooms at rates that sometimes drop into cheapo range.

Rooms are well equipped with air-conditioning, a television, safe (for an additional charge) and a stocked minibar. Best of all, most rooms have balcony views of the always moving Plaça del Àngel and its many terraced cafés.

The private bathrooms are large, spotless and very well maintained. Most come equipped with tubs, and the Suizo provides toiletries, hair dryers and fluffy towels.

The Suizo is a good value for a solid, albeit “chainy,” hotel. It’s most major plus: a super-central, convenient location. We also liked that the Suizo has a small bar-café area where you can grab a beer and read the paper.

Location

The location is fun (yet touristy), with more class than places along La Rambla. Plus, from the Suizo, many sights are a mere five- to 10-minute walk. The Picasso Museum and Cathedral are both just three blocks away in El Born. Palau de la Música is just up Via Laietana, the beach can be reached in 15 minutes, and the Gothic Quarter is about three minutes away.

Restaurants? Head just across the main thoroughfare, Via Laietana, into the hip, restaurant-packed El Born neighborhood for some of the best eats in town. Thirsty? Look for something in El Born or on nearby Carrer Princesa. Tucked away, Zim Bar is the place for an authentic wine and cheese experience.

And if you’re looking to dance, El Born is again your place. It’s got a few clubs and some live music. The Gothic Quarter also offers lively bars, and the port provides a few nightclubs.

On the whole, we give the Suizo’s location two thumbs up. However, we should caveat that many of the businesses right around the hotel take advantage of the busloads of tourists that pass by here. Hit the side streets for better deals.

Transportation

Subways: The closest Metro stop—located right in front of the Hotel—is Juame 1/L4 also known as the Yellow Line, which will take you to top Barcelona sights such as the beach (La Barceloneta, Ciutadella, Forum) and the city center (Urquinaona and Passg de Gracia).

From the Airport (T1 and T2): To reach the Suizo, take the RENFE Cercanías train (which departs every 20 minutes or so from T2) to the Passeig de Gracia stop, where you can transfer to the Yellow line towards La Pau. Get off at the Juame I stop, and the Suizo will be right in front of you.