Ibis Barcelona Meridiana

The Ibis Barcelona Meridiana Hotel is situated in a narrow 12-story high-rise fronted with rows of square windows. The building is on the premises of the Heron City shopping and entertainment center, giving guests easy access to restaurants and shops. Built in 2001 and renovated in 2013, the hotel is clean and modern, particularly for a budget property, though it has few extra frills and decor is straightforward and fairly simple. The reception area features cream-colored tile floors, gray and white walls, and red accents. The lobby doubles as the breakfast area, with some red cushioned seating around gray columns, cafe tables, and a small but pleasant 24-hour bar. The hotel attracts a range of guests from business travelers to tourists, especially those coming by car because of the easy highway access.

This hotel is situated within the Heron City entertainment and shopping center and sits right across from another shopping spot, El Corte Inglés. It's located in the district of Sant Andreu, about 30 to 45 minutes from the main tourist sights via public transportation -- like Las Ramblas, La Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and the Gothic Quarter. Guests can walk to the Sant Andreu Arenal train station in nine minutes or the Fabra i Puig underground station in 10 minutes. The property is particularly convenient for guests traveling by car, as the hotel is only a five-minute drive from the Avenue Meridiana, a main highway entry point into the city from the north. While not in the heart of the city, the hotel is within easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, and a movie theater. The hotel provides a parking discount at the parking facilities in Heron City. The Barcelona–El Prat Airport is about a 25-minute drive or an hour via public transport.

Rooms are simple, but modern and clean, with nice wood floors, blue walls, and light-wood furniture. Artwork that resembles Picasso-esque figures drawn on chalkboards hang above the beds backed by darker blue accent walls. All rooms are air-conditioned and include small open wardrobes, desks with simple chairs, and flat-screen TVs, in addition to free Wi-Fi, but rooms lack coffee/tea facilities and mini-fridges. Bathrooms tend to be quite tiny, but they're nice and contemporary with green sinks and standing showers with glass doors. Towels are provided, as are soap dispensers and hairdryers. Most rooms sleep two, though there are some available for two adults and a child. Some rooms on higher floors have nice views of the city. Note that some rooms are smoking.

This budget hotel offers few on-site features. The daily breakfast buffet costs an extra fee, and most guests find it decent but crowded, with a standard selection of cold options like meats, cheeses, cereals, breads, and fruit. The breakfast area merges directly with the lobby bar, which is open 24-hours and serves snacks as well as drinks. Pets are allowed for an extra charge as well. Wi-Fi is free throughout. There is no full-service restaurant or fitness area -- but the hotel is on a property with the Heron City shopping and entertainment center, which has restaurants, a movie theater, and other amenities. Discounted parking is available at Heron City as well.