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Barcelona Vacation Rental: Barcelona for Kids


Oct 13

Posted: under Barcelona, Spain.
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Barcelona is very much a family-friendly travel destination. For example, the Antonio Gaudi Parc Guell is a great exploration spot of funky proportions. La Sagrada Familia church is sure to send a child’s imagination soaring. Take a funicular tram to Tibidabo (tibidabo.es), an amusement park perched atop a hill in kid-friendly Barcelona with rides, puppet shows and a museum of old toys. Visit the zoo or ride the rowboats at Ciutadella Park. You can take the kids to Papa Bubble (papabubble.com) in the kid-friendly Barcelona where you can watch as candy is made and inhale the sweetness.

 Make your way out to Barceloneta where you will find the Platja de Sant Sebastia beach, an aquarium and a maritime museum. Explore Girona on an excursion about an hour north of kid-friendly Barcelona. It was formerly a Moorish city that still boasts the style of the medieval times. If you drive another 40 minutes further, you can go to Figueres, the biggest surrealist wonder, Theatre-Museum by Salvador Dali. Save some money and get a spacious, multi-room Barcelona vacation rental that will provide your family with all the comfort they need.


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Top Two Party Spots in Barcelona, Spain


Oct 06

Posted: under Barcelona, Spain.
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Book a Barcelona Holiday Rental as soon as possible and enjoy the nightlife in some of the best places to party in Barcelona! Whatever your music preferences may be, partying in Barcelona is a great an experience of its own. The nightclubs in Barcelona are expensive and sometimes a little pretentious, but each place has its advantages, the key is to not take onself too seriously and you’re sure to enjoy yourself! The type of music varies a lot, so we advise you to check before you go to see what they play and pay attention to the posters announcing concerts and parties with famous DJs. Besides music, some nightclubs in Barcelona are worth having a look just for the frame itself. You will always find a nightclub in Barcelona near your Barcelona Holiday Rental.

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We selected the two best places to party in Barcelona for you:

The Maremagnum (located at the end of the Ramblas) is a mall that closes its stores at 10PM and leaves enough space for a dozen small nightclubs. There is no cover charge. On the ground floor you will find 2 or 3 clubs with Latin music, the first floor holds 2 clubs and 3 on the roof where the music tends to be more techno, disco, and electro. The great thing about this mall is that when you’re tired of listening to techno you can take the escalator and head into the Latin nightclub…

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Port Olympic is a series of thirty-some bar/clubs that run along the port with different musical styles: Latin, techno, rock, RnB, disco … and best of all, no cover charge. On the other side of the harbor, close to the casino there are 3 nightclubs with a cover charge, including the famous Baja Beach which is located on the waterfront, with your feet in the sand, a great atmosphere and beautiful surprises…

After having enjoyed all the nightclubs in Barcelona, you can rest and relax quietly in your Barcelona Holiday Rental.


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Relax on the Beaches of Barcelona


Oct 06

Posted: under Barcelona, Spain.
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Barcelona offers 4.2 kilometers of golden sandy beaches 10 minutes from its center. There are 4 main most frequented beaches located near Barcelona Holiday Rentals. In Barcelona, you’ll see that you’re never too far from mezmerizing architecture … even on the beach! You will often see funny, amazing and bizarre sculptures along these beaches.

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The Barceloneta beach is the first beach in Barcelona, and the most visited over the summer. There are lots of beach activities besides swimming. Windsurfing and kitesurfing that are very popular. You can also sip a cool drink in one of the beach huts. But if you prefer to relax, you can simply lie back and let yourself soak in the warm Spanish sun while reading a good book. The shortest way to reach the beach of Barceloneta is to take the yellow subway line - 4 line - and get off at the “Barceloneta” stop.

You can also walk from the Center to the Barceloneta. It will take about 20 minutes if you walk from the bottom of the Ramblas. If you choose to walk you can enjoy beautiful views of the road. You will see the “Monument to Colon” in memory of the great explorer Christopher Columbus.

A little further you will see the port of Barcelona with splendid views over the marina and the sea. During the high season, if you want a little more space to relax, it is suggested to visit following beaches: Icaria Beach, La Mar Bella Beach which is a nudist beach, beaches of Sitges just 40 minutes from Barcelona. All Barcelona beaches are clean and maintained. Sea water is clear and pleasant to bathe in. Pick any Barcelona Holiday Rental, and you will find a beautiful beach near by.

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Architectural Works that should not be missed in Barcelona


Oct 06

Posted: under Barcelona, Spain.
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You’ve prepared your trip to Barcelona and you want to stay in a Barcelona Holiday Rental? Perfect! because in this city you will enjoy the architectural wonders of the great architect, Gaudi. Gaudi was an architect much admired with a unique and distinctive style. Samples of his work can be found throughout Barcelona. Strongly influenced by nature, his ideas often organic shapes, curved stones and twisted iron. His use of colorful mosaic is a characteristic of his many works. You must visit Gaudi’s work while staying in your Barcelona Holiday Rental.

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The Sagrada Familia is known as one of Gaudi’s most popular monuments in Barcelona. Its construction is one of the biggest attractions in Spain. Construction began in 1882, and the completion date is estimated at about 2026. Once completed, the church will seat 13,000 people and will have 18 towers. You can also visit the Casa Batllo, one of the most beloved buildings of Gaudi in Barcelona due to its latest complete redesigned facade, also with its renovated interior allowing beams of light to fill the entire building. Casa Mila is also another fine example of Gaudi’s work. It was built in the early 1900s and is now World Heritage of UNESCO “The works of Antonio Gaudi”. Gaudi was able to give a unique feel to the city, with his magnificent works of art. You can admire all his masterpieces when you book your next Barcelona Holiday Rental.

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Restaurants in Barcelona


Oct 06

Posted: under Barcelona, Spain.
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In general, you will not find better or more affordable cuisine in Barcelona than the following examples listed below, when visiting a Barcelona Holiday Rental.

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The Restaurant 23 specializes in world cuisine and offers a variety of a la carte dishes as well as three-course meals for just 15 Euros. The menu offers a choice of three different appetizers, entrees and desserts and includes the beverage of your choice! The dishes are simple but to date and you do not wait long for your plate. The salad with goat cheese and the Mexican chicken is highly recommended. For desert, the chocolate brownie will make your mouth melt.

The Restaurant Can Culleretes is a traditional Catalan restaurant. By 9PM, When the doors open, a queue will have already been formed and that is in midweek! So you can imagine how the weekend is. Despite the large number of people, the service is very friendly and quick. We recommend making a reservation or to get in line in order to avoid any frustrations or inconveniences. The pig in milk is one of the most exquisite dishes at this restaurant.

The Restaurant Come Bio is an organic restaurant that serves excellent food with some vegetarian dishes. Adjacent to the restaurant is a grocery store, which offers an interesting selection of products. Also, along the same street, you will find a hip coffee bar, great at any time for a quick coffee and croissant break!

In the Restaurant Euskel Etxea, you really have to reattach yourself to the Spanish culture because everything is very informal. Ask for a plate, make your way to the counter and serve yourself. The food is very good and the staff is warm and friendly. Do not feel embarrassed by the quick tourist tapas, try it, it’s really worth it!

Sensi Restaurant is a new and excellent restaurant in the city of Barcelona. They have amazing food, well cooked, full of flavors to which we are entitled to when visiting a good restaurant. The wine list is traditional with the very best, famous Spanish wines.

The Restaurant La Fianna deserves to be mentioned. It is a bar restaurant that serves many delicious cocktails. The food is excellent, with particular reference to the entrees that are well-priced. We suggest you try the duck confit followed by a chocolate flow as dessert. The favorite cocktail: the Mojito. You will experience a 5 star experience. The Moorish decor comes with funky lights and a soothing atmosphere.

Reserve one of these 6 most recommended restaurants in Barcelona while you are staying in your Barcelona Holiday Rental.




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Districts of Barcelona, Spain


Oct 05

Posted: under Barcelona, Spain.
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The city of Barcelona is divided into ten districts, each of them divided into districts or as they say in Spanish, “barrios”. Some neighborhoods are well taken into consideration because they are well-known tourist spots in Barcelona where you will find Barcelona Holiday Rentals.

One of the most visited districts in Barcelona is the “Ciutat Vella” where La Barceloneta is the central area of Barcelona near the beach and harbor. This is an area much frequented by fishermen and sailors. It has an undeniable charm of the Mediterranean and is known for its festivals. The area is also known to families and tourists who want easy access to the heart of the city, but away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. You can then stay in a Barcelona Holiday Rental near or within the neighborhood itself to enjoy the activities and tourist places of Barcelona.

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Another area that is well known in Barcelona is the Eixample district where you will find some of the best shops in Barcelona. If you stay Barcelona Holiday Rental in the Eixample district, you’ll be close to many bars and restaurants as well as modernist architecture such as Casa Battlo, Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia by Gaudi.

The El Born district is a district of culture with its traditional historic buildings. This area is both near the center of Barcelona as well as the beach and offers a major nightlife, various restaurants and bars. Come take a vacation in one of our Barcelona Holiday Rentals and discover the different areas of Barcelona that offer different faces and different moods.


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Barcelona’s Climat


Sep 30

Posted: under Barcelona, Spain.
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If you stay in a vacation rental in Barcelona but aren’t sure when the best time to go is, just read on about Barcelona’s weather. The climate of Barcelona is Mediterranean, with sub-Mediterranean influences because of its location in the north-western Mediterranean and is sheltered from prevailing winds through the Pyrenees. Barcelona Winters are drier than in the traditional Mediterranean climates such as Portugal and Italy. On the other hand, in the summer, there are periods of disturbance and storms. It is primarily a period of rain and strong thunderstorms between May and November, but especially in August when the sea reaches the high surface temperatures (often over 25 º C). The rainiest months of the year are May, October, September and August with the driest being July.

If you are staying in a vacation rental in Barcelona, you must know that the average annual temperature in Barcelona is 15.4°C. The temperature of the warmest months reaching over 28°C, the minimum coldest winter are greater than 4ºC. December, January and February are the coldest months, with an average temperature of 10ºC at the center of the city. July and August are the hottest months, with an average temperature of 24°C. Barcelona can be a sunny city but its location between sea and mountains often creates a wall of clouds sufficient to produce long days of covered skies with fog, especially in early spring and in autumn. We recommend to visit Barcelona in the spring (May and June) and fall (September). The climatic conditions are favorable because the sun is usually present and it does not undergo excessive heat. Another advantage: it avoids the tourist crowds! Then you can fully enjoy Barcelona when you walk out your vacation rental in Barcelona.


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History of Barcelona


Sep 30

Posted: under Barcelona, Spain.
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The city of Barcelona has a great and important history. It was founded over two thousand years by the Celts and was later inhabited by the Carthaginians. It gained momentum after its conquest by the Romans. The Empire has made its capital in the small province of Layetana, where they built the temple of Augustus. Barcelona was the object of all desires. It was conquered by the Visigoths and then by the Moors in the 8th century. Then Charlemagne freed a century later. Even tourists are now attracted by Barcelona and many of them staying in vacation rentals in Barcelona to know the rich history of Barcelona.

In the history of Barcelona, it is mainly from the thirteenth to fifteenth century, that Barcelona has had its successes, the economic alliance with the architectural and artistic creativity. In the same period, a government was created. This autonomy was heavily threatened in 1714, when Philip V, youngest son of King Louis XIV, took possession of Barcelona during the War of Succession. The economic recovery started in the late seventeenth century and industrialization in the nineteenth century to allow Barcelona to become a major political and cultural center.

Barcelona is modernizing and expanding rapidly to accommodate a growing population, until now, building vacation rentals in Barcelona to welcome visitors from around the world. During the 1930s, Barcelona suffered greatly from the civil war. Gradually, she got up and resumed his extraordinary population growth and politics. In 1992, Barcelona had the privilege of hosting the Summer Olympics. On this occasion, the city has increased its popularity worldwide and has established a program to restore historic monuments.

Today Barcelona is a booming city. The city of Barcelona has retained its traditions but is always ready to look ahead. She looks forward to maintaining its hub status and its economic influence in Europe. Stay in a vacation rental in Barcelona, and you will find the history of Barcelona rooted in architecture, landscapes and tourist attractions of the city.


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The Culture of Barcelona


Sep 30

Posted: under Barcelona, Destinations and Places, Spain.
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Barcelona’s capital, Catalonia, is an autonomous province of Spain. The people of Catalonia hold on tightly to their culture, their traditions and their language.

They are Catalan before admitting to be Spanish. When staying in a vacation rental in Barcelona, you will notice that the Catalan folk culture is rich and exhilarating. The traditional dance practiced by the folkloric Catalan is the Sardana.

The dancers form a circle to the sound of drums, wind instruments and flute parts. The Catalans have another tradition of making human towers. This requires organization and trust between partners. The Catalans then show their solidarity and their courage.

As for the Catalan language, it represents a lot to the Catalans. This is the official language of the province. This language differs from Castilian as the vocabulary and pronunciation are very different. Therefore, the Catalans strengthen their culture before speaking Catalan to speak Castilian (the classic Spanish). The culture of Catalonia is also found in the character of the Catalans.

These features are only trends and are not, of course, all the inhabitants of Catalonia. But they probably reflect what you can expect if you stay in a vacation rental in Barcelona. The inhabitants of Barcelona need to get to know people in order to build relationships and are not quiet fond of superficiality.

If you manage to bypass the first approach, the Catalans show to be very faithful in friendship and extremely helpful in whatever one may need at anytime. Finally, the Catalan defines its character as a powerful combination of common sense and excess …

Just take the example of figures such as Dalí and Gaudí to be convinced! Stay in a vacation rental in Barcelona and emerge yourself in all the culture Barcelona and its Catalan community has to offer.


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How Budget South Beach Hotels Fare with Consumers


Jun 16

Posted: under Destinations and Places, Lodging and Hotel News, Restaurants News.
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South Beach hotels, South Beach hotel reviews

Traveler reviews and forums are among the latest trends in tourism websites. Consumers want to voice their opinion and other consumers like to get unbiased opinions on accommodations. Forums and travel websites are where past visitors can exert their power. Nowadays, travelers don’t trust travel agents or hotel websites anymore. Tourists want to read other travelers’ comments and other unbiased travel tips to prepare for their trip in Paris, Hawaii, Anguilla or Miami. Vacationers read and write testimonials on everything from restaurants in New York to Flamenco shows in Barcelona or Miami Beach vacation rentals. We analyzed South Beach hotel reviews and ratings posted on the new Travelpost.com website which provides in-depth information and reviews by people that actually stayed in the South Beach hotels. We only selected South Beach hotels we considered budget hotels (from $80 per night to $200 a night). This website calculates a grade from 0 to 5 (worst to best) for each of the South Beach hotels. The analysis of 2 dozen South Beach hotels provides a surprising result of South Beach hotel reviews. Their South Beach hotel reviews state that travelers are mostly dissatisfied with Miami Beach hotels with an average rate of 2 out of 5. Reviews on other websites for vacation rentals shows that vacationers have a better experience when they stay in holiday rentals.

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Analysis conducted June 10, 2009

Hotels

Henrossa: $50-$100 - 1.3 Rating by Travelpost.com
Princess Ann: $89-$140 - 1.9 Rating by Travelpost.com
San Juan: $80-$193 - 3.2 Rating by Travelpost.com
Altantic: $89-$199 - 0.5 Rating by Travelpost.com
Tropics: $92-$115 - 3 Rating by Travelpost.com
Starlite: $90-$162 - 1.6 Rating by Travelpost.com
Boulevard: $100-$202 - 1.6 Rating by Travelpost.com
Kent: $105-$272 - 2.9 Rating by Travelpost.com
Claremont: $102-$344 - 1.6 Rating by Travelpost.com
Maxime: $104-$215 - 1 Rating by Travelpost.com
Cavalier: $106-$295 - 3.3 Rating by Travelpost.com
Viscaya: $112-$126 - 2.5 Rating by Travelpost.com
Days Inn: $114-$216 - 2.2 Rating by Travelpost.com
Beach Comber: $115-$195 - 2.3 Rating by Travelpost.com
Haddon: $117-$338 - 1.9 Rating by Travelpost.com
President: $119-$223 - 2.7 Rating by Travelpost.com
Island House: $119-$250 - 1.9 Rating by Travelpost.com
Royal: $125-$339 - 0.5 Rating by Travelpost.com
Colony: $126-$299 - 2.6 Rating by Travelpost.com
Geneva: $128-$235 - 0.5 Rating by Travelpost.com
Greenview: $127-$229 - 2.5 Rating by Travelpost.com
Dorchester: $128-$258 - 1.8 Rating by Travelpost.com
Shelly hotel: $130-$288 - 2.2 Rating by Travelpost.com
South Beach hotel: $132-$275 - 3.5 Rating by Travelpost.com

Average Rating 2.041666667

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