Hotel Colón

The Colón is a stately hotel with elegant touches, built in 1951, right in the middle of the enchanting Gothic Quarter (Barrio Gótico) of Barcelona, facing onto a promenade. The lobby is entered by a broad, brown marble stairway. The public rooms are decorated in neutral tones and furnished with comfortable chairs, antiques, collectibles, and interesting artwork. Linger awhile, and watch the passersby in front of the massive cathedral across the street. On certain days, local folklore buffs gather here for a session of the regional dance, the sardana (ask at the hotel desk for the current schedule). Some 34 of its rooms, a few with terraces, overlook the city’s famous cathedral. When making reservations, request a room with a terrace, which will afford you a memorable view of the cathedral and a preferable, quieter location on one of the upper floors; and, if the budget allows, a suite or double room with a sitting area—for more money, but also more space. All of the rooms have wonderful high ceilings and are accented with old-world touches that lend an intimate feeling to this fairly big hotel. The Colón is a good, not-too-expensive hotel that enjoys an incomparable location. When you unload your luggage inquire about nearby parking.