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Barcelona

Travel

48-hours in Barcelona

We took Madge’s boys to Barcelona for a weekend. Lots of tapas, walking and a bit of sightseeing. The weather was really pleasant and it meant we could sit outside for drinks and chill out. The boys have never been to Barcelona before, so it was good to take them somewhere that was at least a little familiar to us.

We found an amazing sweet shop called Happy Pills – think posh pick and mix, but more fun.

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We also drank fresh juice on the beach, and lit a candle in a cathdral.

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I went and got my nails done and sneaked off for a cheeky plate of ham and glass of wine at the bar of a cool tapas place.

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And of course we ate helados, one of my very favourite things.

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Every time I go back to Barcelona there’s more to see, or new places to go. I love it, and will definitely be going back AGAIN.

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Travel

Barcelona hotels: The Ohla

As you know, I love a hotel, me, so was excited about the two we had booked for our stay in Barcelona.

We were only there for 6 days, but the first hotel, The Ohla, didn’t have availability for the whole week, so we took the opportunity to try two different locations while we were there.

It’s been 9 months since I had a holiday, so I was really looking forward to it. That’s way to long to leave it and I shan’t make that mistake next year! As well as a holiday this was also my Birthday present, so I was doubly excited.

We got an early flight on the Monday morning and were in Barcelona in time for lunch. Our first hotel, The Ohla was in a great location in the Bario Gothic, with lots of sidestreets full of interesting shops and restaurants, and just across the road from the Palau de la Musica. You didn’t have to walk far to eat or shop, which was perfect.

We were too early to check in but the hotel offered us drinks or lunch on the terrace and a welcome glass of cava. We opted for coffee on the roof terrace, to catch our breath and decide where to go for lunch. Our week had started!

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The hotel was lovely, very modern (hidden behind a neoclassical facade) and with great service. There is a cocktail bar on the ground floor and a lovely roof terrace with a pool and bar – which is where we spent most of our time. Just the view across the Barcelona rooftops was wonderful and it was great to be able to go out for dinner and come back and have a nightcap up there. The rooms were a really good size, with lovely decor. We’d booked the ‘Design Delux’ room, which had a massive glass shower in the middle of the room. Definitely not one to book if you are shy about showering in public!

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The room was overlooking Via Laietana and included free WiFi, TV, iPod dock, minibar and free bottled water, along with good quality bath products. We had breakfast included in the price, and the choice and range was great – you could get cooked food along with a great selection of continental breakfast fare.

We didn’t eat in the hotel other than than breakfast, but we did use the consierge service to book a couple of restuarants and the recommendations were very good. La Gavina on the harbour was a highlight!

All too quickly it was time for us to move on to the next location – but I would definitely go back to The Ohla if I were in Barcelona again.

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