FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

NH Constanza

by Gtrav

Sep 1, 2008
2008

Arrival/Check-in: Opened in February 2007, this slick business hotel in Barcelona’s business district is somewhat distant from the best parts of the city, but equally distant from the noise and exhaust fumes. Nearby shopping is noteworthy, but food options outside the hotel are dismal. The hotel was rather quiet during my stay, so I usually had the undivided attention of the desk staff whenever I wandered up with a question, including during check-in, which was swift and friendly. (29/30)

Guest Quarters: Designed partly by world-renowned architect Rafael Moneo, the rooms are modern and all hard angles, wood and mirrored surfaces. Superior rooms have a view of a small park, ringed by inexpensive lunch spots popular among business people, as well as separate baths and showers, coffee facilities, and free use of the spa. Beds are decent and equipped with giant lounge pillows for propping yourself up while you watch the flat, wide-screen TV. Bathrooms have average toiletries, good towels and plenty of mirrors. Hint: Though they aren’t automatically provided, guests in standard rooms can request one of the hotel’s plush, baby-blue robes. WiFi is provided by two third-party ISPs — Swisscom and Telefonica — and is not inexpensive. Though doors are heavy and windows thick, screaming children and loud TVs in other rooms were easily discernable. And when those heavy doors slammed, windows shook three rooms away. (23/30)

Services/Amenities: The hotel has two restaurants, including Nhube, designed by Michelin star chef Ferrán Adriá, serving Mediterranean cuisine in a space that’s equal parts restaurant, lounge and bar. The modest Elysium-run spa offers standard treatments. The rooftop pool is fronted by sun beds. The meeting facilities are massive and modern, with modular-walled meeting halls, breakout rooms, party terrace and catering.

The hotel has an arrangement with a nearby Europolis for fitness facilities. The complimentary buffet breakfast is a dizzying mix of fruit, pastries, cereal, hot and cold meats, cheeses, breads, juices, sweets and even mimosas if you’re so inclined. A small, two-PC kiosk with printer passes for a business center. The hotel provides the services of a personal shopper/fashion consultant in case you require translation/style support. (37/40)

The Experience: The 308-room hotel is designed like a skyscraper on its side. It’s nice to look at on the outside, but long hallways inside lack aesthetic appeal. The multi-national desk staff wield varying degrees of practical knowledge of the city, but all are unfailingly nice and helpful. Although I enjoyed myself immensely while on the property, getting anywhere involved tackling a new form of public transport or forking over the fare for a slow taxi ride through Barcelona’s traffic-heavy streets.

Total Score: (89/100)

NH Constanza

Calle Deu i Mata, 69-99
08029 Barcelona, Spain
tel 34 93 281 1500
http://nh-hotels.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
March 2025
Mar 15, 2025

Norwegian Debuts Late Disembarkation Option

Norwegian Cruise Line just launched a new late check-out service on select ships and European sailings, allowing passengers to remain on board the ship until 12:30–1 p.m. to enjoy a few more hours of relaxation, lunch and other amenities before going home. The new service still requires passengers to check out of their staterooms by 8:30 a.m., but guests can now store their luggage at the cruise terminal for the remaining hours.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

Daily
Mar 14, 2025

Glamorous Flamingo Las Vegas Gets Pool Makeover

Chances are you already know the name, but what you may not have heard about the iconic Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas is the celebrated pool is undergoing a $20 million transformation of its GO Pool.

Airlines
Mar 14, 2025

Don’t Miss Out on All Nippon Airways’ Sweepstakes to Explore Japan

All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest 5-star airline, launched a contest to give travelers a chance to win a trip to go beyond Tokyo and experience Japan’s under-the-radar destinations. One winner will receive two round-trip economy-class tickets from a U.S. ANA gateway city to a unique destination within ANA’s extensive domestic network, such as Komatsu (KMQ), Odate (ONJ), Okinawa (OKA), Oita (OIT), Sapporo (CTS) and Tottori (TTJ).

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Daily
Mar 14, 2025

Hotel Zeppelin Launches Dead-icated Stay in Honor of Grateful Dead’s 60th Anniversary

Hotel Zeppelin in San Francisco is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead with an exclusive Dead-icated Stay offer. Hotel Zeppelin is all about celebrating its city’s countercultural tradition, and this offer helps them honor the band’s legacy and its roots in the Bay Area.

eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025

Air India Partners with Lufthansa Group, Virgin Australia

India’s leading global airline recently announced its expansion of codeshare partnerships with both Lufthansa Group and Virgin Australia. Through these new partnerships, travelers can enjoy access to more than 100 routes combined across the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Americas.

Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach

Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.

eFlyer News
Mar 12, 2025

SH Hotels & Resorts Rebrands to Starwood Hotels

SH Hotels & Resorts, parent company of 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels and Treehouse Hotels, celebrates its 10th anniversary by officially rebranding as Starwood Hotels, reviving the iconic brand created by Barry Sternlicht nearly 30 years ago.