GBB Hotel 4 Barcelona Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Poblenou, Barcelona, Spain

View on a Larger Map

The Hotel 4 is located in the heart of Poblenou, an area that is starting to experience a major overhaul but still preserves the local flavor of a working class neighborhood. The first step towards its transformation was the adoption of a fancier (and somewhat cheesy) name-- District 22@, but few locals use it. That name is mostly used when referring to the far eastern part of the neighborhood, where most multinationals and large corporations have their headquarters-- while the western part is still known as Poblenou.

In this area, modern, trendy hotels and corporate buildings tower over low rises and local businesses. It is working towards becoming a modern and high-tech neighborhood, but is not quite there yet. There are few interesting restaurants and shops, but everything still seems to be under construction. However, it is close to the beach and the bustling waterfront, and is well connected via public transportation to the rest of the city and the main tourist attractions. Also, its proximity to the Ronda del Litoral, one of the main thoroughfares in Barcelona, offers easy access to the airport.

• 25-minute drive to El Prat International Airport
• 10-minute walk to Barceloneta Beach and the waterfront
• 25-minute walk to Ciutadella park
• 10-minute subway ride to the Barri Gotic (Gothic Quarter)
• 15-minute subway ride to Picasso Museum
• 20-minute subway ride to Sagrada Familia Cathedral
• 20-minute subway ride to La Rambla, a lively street
• 20-minute subway ride to Plaça Catalunya, the heart of the city
• 25-minute subway ride to La Pedrera and Casa Batllo, wonderful examples of unique Modernist architecture.
• 25-minute subway ride to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)
• 40-minute subway ride to Güell park, designed by acclaimed Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi