While I was researching places to stay in Barcelona, I ran across a small hotel that sat on a beach just north of Barcelona in a village called Premia de Mar. The hotel website stated they were only a 12 minute train ride to Barcelona. I thought it would be nice to stay in a more local, low-key village rather than the big city, especially since I was just coming from a long stay in Madrid. So, I booked the room.
I took a train from Madrid to Barcelona, finally located the local train to Premia de Mar, and discovered that the train ride was not 12 minutes, but closer to 40. The train was standing room only, and I was dragging luggage around. Thankfully, most Spanish people are very considerate, and a young man gave me his seat (Guessing he saw an “old lady” and wanted to be helpful. LOL!).
One thing I have learned to travel with is a folding fan as the air-conditioning on the train was barely on. I’ve found that unlike the US, unless you are in larger, corporate building the chances of having air conditioning are slim to none. In addition, I was also fighting a head cold that had developed the last couple of days in Madrid, so wasn’t feeling up to par.
So, we finally arrived in Premia de Mar. It was about 90 degrees and as I dragged my luggage off the train, I realized that both the train tracks and the highway were between the hotel and the beach. It would have been about a 2 mile walk to get around the tracks and fencing to access the beach. So much for the hotel being “on the beach.” A term used loosely to say the least.
The hotel was old. I mean really, really old! The room was about the size of a closet. The only redeeming factor was it being clean, had air-conditioning, a comfortable bed and an updated bathroom. I was again reminded that no matter how much research you do up front, most often things are NEVER as they appear in photos or descriptions.
What the website “promised” versus reality.
I did spend the evening in a plaza having dinner and enjoying watching the locals come out with their children to socialize.
The next morning, I packed my luggage, got back on the train and headed to Barcelona where I booked a nice 4 star hotel for my remaining stay. Of course, I had to pay for the nights in Premia de Mar that I didn’t use, but it ended up being well worth it. I like staying in places that have a more local flavor, but I did enjoy the luxury of a large, westernized room while there. Money saved is not always the best option.
I was happy to be staying in Barcelona in a room that I could relax in to help recover from my cold. It was also close to the train station that I would need to use to travel to France! Back on track and looking forward to going to France.
