Barcelona is wonderful! There are so many things to see and do there as well as good things to eat. I have a pretty complete report of our trip that you can find in TheTravelzine archives. We were there in 2003 so it is pretty up to date.

I recommend not staying on the Ramblas which is very touristy and noisy. We stayed in the Eixample which is quiet, upscale and where you will find much of the Gaudi architecture. I don't remember the name of the hotel which you will find on my report, but I don't recommend it! Candice, from TheTravelzine, had recommended the Hotel Continental Palacete ( http://www.hotelcontinental.com but go for the Continental Palacete, not the Hotel Continental) which is in a wonderful location in between the Ramblas and Eixample. It is very close to the Plaza de Catalunya where the Tourist office is and buses to any part of the city. It did not have air conditioning at the time and we were there in the summer. We went to look at it, and it was very attractive, with a very friendly receptionist. The reviews on Trip Advisor are almost all very positive. It did not have air conditioning when we were there in the summer which is why we did not stay there, but it does now if that is an issue for you. As I recall the price is great for Barcelona, and the Trip Advisor may recommend which rooms are the best.

We were there for 8 days and it was not enough time to see and do everything. Highlights for us were the Gaudi architecture, just walking around, and the Fundacion Miro. We did not have time to go to the waterfront at all. I would recommend taking a city tour to get an overview and decide where you want to spent your long weekend. Whatever, you will leave wanting more.

Have fun, Michele Missner Appleton, Wi.