17th Feb 2011 Barcelona Day 1 – Montjuic Part 2

South-side of Barcelona – the industrial side and working ports

Castell de Montjuic – The original castle was built in 1640 during the war of Segadors but was expanded between 1751 and 1779. The castle now houses a military museum which contains a good collection of guns, swords and uniforms with some heavy artillery outside in the courtyard. The best feature, however is the views from the top.

Guardian of the Castle :)

The Montjuic Cable car and Funicular – transport to reach the castle peaks

17th Feb 2011 Barcelona Day 1 – Montjuic Part 1

The hill of Montjuic, rising 213 m above the commercial port on the south side, is Barcelona’s largest recreation ground, being popular both day and night through its clubs and bars. For the castle take the Funicular running 9am – 8pm. 

CaixaForum – exhibition centre, located within one of the old factories, located opposite the German pavilion

Venetian towers – form the entrance to the Montjuic trade fair precinct, here occupied by the world mobile telephone conference

Montjuic Park – much to Dan’s delight the hilly park had outdoor escalators

Muse National d’ Art de Catalunya (MNAC) – housed within building from the national 1929 exhibition this contains the national gallery, including works by Dali and Picasso. It contains a huge oval exhibition hall at its centre.  There is a restaurant on the third floor over-looking the park and city for those looking for a nice romantic meal.   

Estadi Olympic de Montjuic – built for the 1992 Olympics

17th February 2011 – Day 1 Barcelona : Apsis Sant Angelo Hotel

Hotel Address: 74 Calle Consell De Cent, Barcelona 

Website: http://www.hotel-santangelo.com/index.html?gclid=CLPu-sioxKYCFcoifAod2FLpMw

General Info:

The hotel is located less than 15 minutes from Plaza España, the Fuentes de Montjuic, Olympic stadium, or the MNAC (See the Montjuic region). It has a direct access to the airport and Barcelona-Sants railway station. It is ten minutes walk from the city centre by underground or coach.

With its modern design, including a touch of art deco, you will enjoy the differences this functional hotel offers. The recently constructed building, with the excellent qualities, includes all of the services and equipment necessary to make your stay in Barcelona a pleasant one.

Grounds (6/10) – located in a quiet district of flats, and close to a supermarket for the essentials

Reception (6/10) – small reception hall and then lifts but with very friendly English speaking staff

Bedroom (8/10) – a very nice room for Europe, with Air con and a Balcony, a huge sized room and nice bathroom all at a very good standard

Hotel facilities (5/10) – standard facilities, breakfast was not included in this stay

Value for money (7/10) – very good cost for the quality of room and location

Overall 32/50 = 64%

16th February 2011 – Night stay at the Ibis London Heathrow Airport

Hotel Address: 112 Bath Road, London Heathrow, UB3 5AL 

Website: http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-0794-ibis-london-heathrow-airport/index.shtml

General Info: While basic in room style and standards this was a reflection of the cheap cost of the room and the ease of location relative to the airport terminal 

Ibis Hotel Heathrow Airport is 1 km from Heathrow Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4. A Hotel Hopper Bus H6 (T1, 2, 3) and H56 (T4, 5) to and from the hotel runs every 20 min and cost £4 each way. Given we had to leave the hotel for the terminal at 5am in the morning the transport was very efficient.

Check in time = 12pm    Check out time = 12pm 

Grounds (2/10) – standard hotel building

Reception (4/10) – standard reception

Bedroom (3/10) – basic room type, beds were a little uncomfortable

Hotel facilities (5/10) – a small cafe for food and nice bar area where we had a drink before bed

Value for money (10/10) – night stay cost £49 for double room

Overall 24/50 = 48%