2015 countdown begins and, to keep up the tradition, we begin with our series of analysis of the best accommodations in every city for next year holidays. Take the calendar and start to highlight the trip dates, your days off and holidays because 2015 is full of novelties with regard to hospitality. Yes, it seems that this industry is working hard and there is no stopping them. We are talking about design, luxury facilities at affordable prices and attention to service. Returning to the origins, but with the best technologies in the market.
The battle for the centre of Barcelona
The location of a urban hotel in Barcelona is essential when travellers decide to take advantage of a long holiday and travel to the Ciutat Comtal. This is why, nowadays, the centre of Barcelona seems a pitched battle as far as hotel trade is concerned. Quality hotels, of course, because lifelong hostels, guesthouses and apartments still exist but, to be honest, they are not what we call innovation pioneers.
Ciutat Vella and its surroundings are the most in demand areas, but new neighbourhoods are becoming much sought-after, such as the mythical Raval, L'Eixample and the area of hotels next to Las Glorias square. The increase in value of these new areas, along with the creation of interesting tourism services, has broadened the meaning of "best location" in the city, increasing the competition in areas usually occupied by hotel for events in Barcelona.
Democratization of prices
Hotels next to Las Ramblas, design hotels close to La Boquería, luxury apartments and even hotels built in modernist houses make up one of the most careful hotel industries in Spain. Although prices are still higher than in Madrid, the competition has led to a balance and to a democratization of prices, with an average of 90 Euros per night at 4 star accommodations.
Considering the impossibility of fighting with price, these quality hotels have focused the strategy on the creation of an added value for the customer. The technology used in hospitality and tourism, specifically in wellness and rest, is the key element in this sense. In this way, the number of chains investing in hotels with free wifi in the centre of Barcelona has significantly increased, some of which, like Petit Palace, have skilfully achieved to offer devices to their customers from which they can connect without needing to pay any type of extra charge. Laptops in the rooms or the possibility of booking an iPad in the reception to enjoy it during the stay. These are services that make the difference and are a real success for business travellers, couples and families that travel to Barcelona in holidays.
The experience is what matters most
When your hotel becomes a must visit place of a traveller in certain destinations, you know that you have an authentic success in your hands. The experiential hotels in Barcelona is getting a space in the consumers mind, result of big investments and a different business perspective. In this sense, stand out those accommodations that understood and took advantage of the lure and attractions of the destination where they are place. A clear example is the museum hotel in the centre of Barcelona, which occupies the old house Garriga Nogués, or the hotel that belongs to Barceló chain in El Raval neighbourhood.
Brunch with the best views of Barcelona, architecture and exclusive design, a restaurant offering traditional gastronomy of the city or gourmet menus... Catalonia is another chain that will be reference in 2015, with so interesting proposals such as its hotel with rooftop swimming pool next to the Fira de Barcelona, the Catalonia Barcelona Plaza Hotel, or its hotel next to Las Ramblas. In this case, location, design and added value in the services are a whole. A love triangle which is the key element for this industry, not just in the next year but also in the future,
