Ayre Hotel Gran Via - Barcelona, Spain 

Booked this trip to Barcelona as a surprise birthday present for my wife. We both were more than happy with Ayre Gran Via. We had an early morning flight which meant we arrived at the hotel very early. Fortunately our room was ready and we immediately checked in. Our room was excellent with double bed (not 2 beds pushed together), flat screen TV, mini bar which contained free water, free safe and an electronic window blind. Our room (106) was located at the front of the hotel. We did hear some traffic noise but not enough to disturb us greatly. The bathroom was large and very modern with a large walk in shower (enough room for 2 people if you know what I mean). The hotel is located a couple of meters off the Placa de Espana which is one of Barcelona's main tourist attractions. As well as the old Bull Ring you also have the famous fountains and the Montjuic museum on the hill. Behind this you have the old Olympic Park which hosted the 1992 Olympic games. The fountains are only switched on certain days of the week but don't forget your camera like I did. There are a few cafe type bars 'dotted' about mainly situated off the roads exiting the square. We sat outside a number of these in the evenings before retiring to the hotel bar for a nightcap. As well as being exciting I think at times we can become anxious when visiting places for the first time. Therefore I have listed a number of tips for future visitors to Barcelona: 1. If flying from the UK with Easyjet then sit on the right hand side of the plane. You will witness stunning views of Barcelona before landing (please note that most airlines seem to land on this route). 2. On exiting the terminal turn right and the AEROBUS (A1) stop is situated approx 50 yards. The bus to Barcelona cost approx 7.50 euros per couple one way and run every six minutes. 3. Bus stops directly on Placa de Espana - walk back 100 yards and you will find this hotel 4. Its a fair walk to Placa Catalunya and La Ramba (approx 25 mins I've been told). We caught the bus NO9 from the same stop to Placa Catalunya (where we were dropped off by the airport bus approx 1.30 euro pp). 5. Buses 57 or 157 take you directly to Barcelona beach (ask for Barceloneta) and take you to the promenade. The bus stop for this was across the road from the above NO9 stop (this is across the road that takes you to the Montjuic hill). 6. To really see Barcelona I recommend you take the open top tourist bus. This is 20 euros per person but well worth it. This has 3 routes and you can hop on/off at any of the stops, or even take a lunch break like we did and hop back on. You can pay on the bus or at any tourist info cabin which are dotted around the city. We had a fantastic stay in this gorgeous city and hope to be returning the the hotel and city in the near future.