Barcelona International Airport (BCN): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and is a distance of 12.5 miles (20 km). Taxis are available for the 30-minute trip between the airport and downtown Barcelona. A small surcharge is made for trips between the airport and the city and there is a per-piece charge for luggage.

A single bus route operates between the airport and Sants train station (closest to the hotel, 1 mile away) and Plaza Catalunya. There are departures from all three airport terminals every 15 minutes from morning to evening. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Trains to and from the airport and Sants station (1 mile from the Meliá Barcelona hotel) and Plaza Catalunya station depart every 30 minutes from early morning until late night. It is best to take a taxi from Sants station to the hotel (5 minutes). Taxis are plentiful and affordable, and are by far the best method of getting around town. The Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas are best explored on foot. Bus and subway systems cover the city center and suburbs, but first-time visitors need a good sense of direction and a map to use the systems effectively. The Bus Turistic operates on two circular intersecting routes to all major visitor attractions in the city. Riders can buy a one- or two-day pass, which allows unlimited trips. A Bus Turistic stop is located 2 blocks from the Meliá Barcelona on Avenida Josep Tarradellas.

Cascada - This breakfast-only café is open every morning, serving a complete buffet and made-to-order dishes.

Amenity highlights: The lounge doubles as a reading room for guests. Guests receive discounted admission to the on-site fitness center, which has a staffed gym with free weights, weight machines, stationary bikes, stretching mats, and a sauna; massages are available by appointment. A business center offers high-speed Internet access for a small fee, as well as copying, faxing and mailing services, conference rooms, and audiovisual equipment.

Insider tip: The hotel is 4 blocks from L’Illa, a high-quality shopping mall in Barcelona, and is close to boutiques of world-famous designers located along Av. Diagonal. Also within 4 blocks is the park Jardins Poeta Eduard Marquina, where neighborhood residents enjoy a stroll.

A reading room on the executive floor is open to all guests and offers a quiet spot to read or work. The hotel also has a business center, open during business hours and by request, which has computers, high-speed Internet access (fee), and audiovisual equipment. In summer, the lobby-level piano bar features live music on weekend evenings.