Catalonia Rubens - Barcelona, Spain     

I recently stayed at the Hotel Rubens in Barcelona with an Explorica student group and this was a great little hotel. It was a 10-15 minute walk from the Valcarrca Metro stop and very close to the Parc Guell. The buffet breakfast was excellent with lots of variety and freshly baked pastries/bread every morning. Rooms were also a decent size and modern. - Irene, staff member of Explorica (www.explorica.com) an educational tour company

I just got back from a student tour to France and Barcelona organized by www.explorica.ca. The highlight of the trip was Barcelona. The hotel we booked, Catalonia Rubens, was great, convenient, trendy, nice breakfast and safe. It is located right by Parc Guell (Gaudi Park)---Cannot miss this attraction. It is located 5 min from the Vallcarca metro stop and if you're tired at the end of day, a cab ride is 10 euros. the metro ride to city centre is less than 10 minutes. From the airport to hotel, it is 25 euros. The rooms are roomy, bathroom are supplied with amenities and a blow dryer (not all euro hotels provide this). The staff there were friendly and informative. The breakfast there was buffet style, with fresh baked bread, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, yogurt, cereal, orange juice, coffee and tea. I highly recommend this hotel!!