Casa Vicens (Barcelona)

Advantages: One of the best examples of Catalan Modernism
Disadvantages: Very expensive

...My husband has a job, which more often than not requires him to work on Christmas day and through most of the Christmas period. Whilst this is the perfect reason to turn down all invitations to spend Christmas with family, it's not the greatest way to celebrate the big day with a 14 hour shift. So last Christmas I decided that we'd have our very own Christmas but just a few days before the rest of the world. And so I booked a long weekend in Barcelona. Our hotel - The Gallery (review already posted many moons ago) was just off the Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona's key boulevards where you can find my favourite of the buildings designed by Antonio Gaudi - the almost impossible to pronounce, Casa Batllo. Earlier in the year I had attended a big industry conference in Barcelona and we'd had the conference 'gala' dinner in the Casa... Read review

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Advantages: Everything you want on a city break
Disadvantages: Too many things to do

...Barcelona ^^^^^^^^^ Barcelona is one of the most popular city break destinations in Europe, and for several very good reasons. It is only a short flight from the UK and with budget airlines can be very cheap to reach. Being a coastal city the climate is not too oppressive for our sensitive natures and there is a little bit of everything available to keep just about any kind of visitor entertained. There are bars, restaurants and night life if that’s what you’re after. There are museums, galleries and spectacular architecture if that’s your bent and there are beaches, parks and shopping to fill in the gaps. Whatever type of break you’re after; chances are you’ll find it in Barcelona. Having recently spent four days in the city what struck me most was just how much there was to do and how much I’d left undone. I’ve been on several... Read review

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Advantages: Warm, historical, architecture (Ga*di), beaches
Disadvantages: Some attractions unsuitable for the less mobile

...I've just returned from a week in warm and wonderful Barcelona and I'm sickened to be home in rainy Scotland. Barcelona, as many of you will be aware, is one of Spain's biggest cities but isn't the capital. It does, however, hold interest for holiday-makers worldwide due to the outstanding architecture, sporting links and proximity to beaches and museums alike. I chose June to visit Barcelona due to the comparatively good temperatures (around 30 degrees in the afternoon, not humid but certainly warm enough for me!) and my love of the work of Antoni Gaudi who was, in my opinion, one of the world's greatest innovators. I stayed in a simple, noisy hotel (across from the Immigration Office!) towards the coast in an area known as Barceloneta but in conjunction with some ear-plugs this posed no problem. Barcelona is one of the few... Read review

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