Review of Alexandre Fira Congress 4*

We picked Fira Congress because of two main things: close to a métro line and free airport shuttle. Let me explain the rundown of our stay here. We came to Barcelona for a cruise, so this hotel was actually the hotel we stayed at after our cruise. When arrived at the airport, we took the métro line L9. If you're planning to stay in Barcelona for up to 5 days, definitely get the 5 day métro ticket. There are many lines, but we discovered that there are two companies and our "métro" ticket didn't work with the other company — I was trying to get us to the port for our cruise. If you are here for a cruise, buy the simple one-way ticket at the métro station; take L9 going to Zona Universitària and get off there; then take the L3 going to Trinitat Nova; finally exit at the Drassanes métro station. In some instances you might have to take the port bus, T3, to take you to your ship — cost is about 2 to 3 euros. Or you can walk there. To get to the hotel for the first time, I highly suggest taking the Fira métro station to exit so you can get yourself situated. There's only one entrance to Fira, so when you exit the station, look back when you get to the top of the stairs. You will see the Hotel Fira Congress. If you take the Europa Fira station, you might not see the hotel right away and will have to find it amongst the tall buildings there. The staff is friendly and speak English, but if you can speak Spanish then you have an advantage. I have mentioned that they have a free airport shuttle that you can book ONE DAY in advance. Not two days in advance. One. The rooms are very clean and stylish. I have a sneaking suspicion that they got their inspiration from the IKEA just down the street. The lights work once you put your card in the slot on the wall. The lights, however, can be a little tricky to work with if you want the light on in the shower or in the water closet. There is small fridge if you want to stock it with your own bottled water — there is a Carrefour Market at the Gran Via 2 shopping center nearby. The grocery section can be found at the bottom floor — the ground level Carrefour Market just has goods like electronics and household items. The room also has a safe which is easy to use. I kept my passport there. There are plenty of outlets for all your gadgets and battery chargers. Hotel Fira Congress does offer a breakfast buffet for 10 euros. Is it a good buy? Well that depends on you. The food is good, by the way, so at least you know you are getting quality. There are two espresso machines which are very good. They offer juices and have a good selection of morning pasteries (croissants, muffins, donuts). They also have warm selections like eggs and meats, as well as toast. And, yes, they do have fruit. If the buffet is not your thing and they typical Barcelona breakfast is not your thing either or yet, there is a McDonald's close by, near the Europa Fira métro station, actually. Be aware, however, that when they get busy, you will have to wait, and it can be stressful with all those people. Insider tip: all the rooms face Barcelona, but if you want a great view of the back of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Torre de Comunicacions de Montjuic, and Palau Sant Jordi, ask for rooms on the 4th floor or higher. Corner rooms don't necessarily mean more windows — we stayed in a corner room. Last but not least, yes, there is free Wi-Fi.