Hotel Review: NH Collection Barcelona Podium

When a work trip took me to Ireland in November 2019, I couldn’t resist a solo weekend getaway to visit friends in Barcelona. Barcelona is a place I have visited before, but I have not spent much time in the city. Its modern attractions from food to art have long inspired me to return, and this time was no different.

For vacation packages on both solo trips and trips with companions, I have been using Costco Travel (which is a fabulous resource, by the way — more on this in a later post!). The NH Collection Barcelona Podium surfaced as one of the hotel options for a weekend trip. I love the variety of package options and discounted rates that Costco Travel offers, which often include meals and ground transportation to and from the airport (at least the ones I have used for travel within Spain).

NH Collection Barcelona Podium attracted me because of its price, location, and amenities. While traveling, I look for hotels that offer affordable meal choices (breakfast was included in the rate for my stay each day, and there was an affordable restaurant on site), gyms, and close proximity to local transportation and attractions I want to visit. Usually a hotel in the city center is key, but these can be expensive. So when Costco Travel offered up the option to stay at NH Collection Barcelona Podium for a decent price including breakfast each day and ground transportation to and from the airport, I couldn’t refuse!

Here is a quick list of the things I enjoyed the most and least about the hotel:

Pros:

• Breakfast was included in my rate each day;

• The hotel is within walking distance to the Arch of Triumph (“Arco de Triunfo” in Spanish or “Arc de Triomf” in Catalan), many shops, restaurants, and local transportation;

• The hotel restaurant has a fabulous selection of Spanish and other red wines from around the world; the hotel restaurant offers the typical Spanish "menu of the day” (“menú del día” in Spanish), which is an economical way to eat in Spain because it includes a drink, first and second courses, and dessert for a flat fee typically advertised upfront (including tax!);

• The hotel is clean;

• The hotel offers laundry service (always a plus when traveling light!); and

• The hotel staff is extremely friendly and willing to help with directions, transportation, etc.

Cons:

• I found the walls to be very thin, so noise was a concern here and there. However, it did not interrupt my activities or sleep.

• The hotel seems to host large groups and events, which may make grabbing breakfast in the morning challenging during peak hours due to the volume of people who stay at the hotel.

Overall, as a female solo traveler (this time around), I would highly recommend a stay at the NH Collection Barcelona Podium. It’s price, food, and location do not disappoint!

Do you consider travel to be a form of self care? Leave us a comment!

All opinions are my own, and I received no compensation for sharing them.

First image above: Shutterstock.

© 2019 Balanza and Beyond, LLC. All rights reserved.

Restaurant Review: Vidrio in Raleigh, NC

“Wow,” was the first thought that came to mind as I walked into the loud, bustling restaurant named “Vidrio” in downtown Raleigh on a cool March evening in 2019. My cousin had asked me if I knew what “vidrio” meant and whether it was Spanish. I thought and responded quickly, “Yes, of course. ‘Vidrio’ means glass in Spanish.” But after responding to her, I could not picture what that meant in the context of this new modern restaurant; I was super curious.

Vidrio main dining room

Walking into Vidrio took my breath away. I was immediately distracted by the vibrant colors, unique glassware protruding from the main wall several feet high, and the rich ambiance reflecting foodies who enjoyed Mediterranean food just like me. I was so in awe that I admit I snapped a few photos before being seated.

Once we took our seats, I immediately asked our server for a brief tour of the restaurant after dinner. I had never seen any restaurant like this. It was then I would learn that Doug Frates (https://www.dougfratesglass.com/), the artist behind the glass masterpieces, had created the mural of “vibrant orbs, which are designed to inspire visions of Mediterranean sunrises or sunsets over crystal-blue waters” (source: www.vidrio.com). Covering one of the restaurant’s back walls, in fact, was a reel of projected photos that alternated images of various Mediterranean landscapes including countrysides, sunrises, and sunsets.

Vidrio main dining room ceiling decorations

I would like to say that the best part about this restaurant is its glassware, and it it probably is. But its food and drinks do not disappoint. After all, my cousin had brought me to this restaurant knowing I enjoy authentic food and unique dining experiences. We began our evening by ordering a variety of tapas. I expected the portions to be small as tapas tend to be in the U.S. However, Vidrio served such generous portions that we ended up ordering more than enough!

Serrano ham pizza

Patatas bravas (fingerling potatoes in a tomato-based sauce)

The food was tasty and generous in portion size, the ambiance was breathtaking, and the vibes were trendy. We had cocktails and wine, and all drinks impressed as well. Dress is trendy to casual; this would be a great date night spot or night out on the town with your favorite friends. The restaurant tends to be on the pricier side, but it is worth the cost to experience the environment and food.

Vidrio main dining room

Vidrio wine cellar

After dinner, we embarked on our tour and noticed a wine cellar and more than enough space to host a private party perfect for a wedding reception or networking event.

Vidrio private space

Last but not least, the service was impeccable. We were greeted; our server was attentive; and the manager gave us the personal tour of the space after our meal. This place is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for Mediterranean fare in an upscale, modern atmosphere.

All opinions are my own, and I received no compensation for expressing them.

© 2019 Melanie Glover. All rights reserved.

Restaurant Review: New Hotel Mertens in Grand Rapids, MI

While 2017 included logistics challenges given increased work travel, 2018 presented more personal demands on my time.  Nevertheless, I attempt to maintain my commitment to balanza by evaluating my relationships, prioritizing the life-giving ones, and investing again and again the time and energy into the ones that deserve it.  I am passionate about trying new places, and I enjoy even more trying them with my loved ones.  Fortunately, I was able to try New Hotel Mertens twice within a couple of weeks, and both experiences were consistently excellent.

New Hotel Mertens is a French-themed restaurant located in Grand Rapids, Michigan that offers cocktails, small plates, and entrees.  What sold me about this restaurant is their cart featuring several different cheeses from around the world to experiment.

Cheese plate featuring four cheeses:  brie, gouda, blue cheese, and cheese made from cow's milk.

New Hotel Mertens offers not only a unique dining experience but also a slice of Grand Rapids' history.  The space used to be an old hotel in the early 1900s.  Throughout the mid-1900s, the hotel enjoyed success; however, in the 1960s its success slowed.  In the last few years, new owners have restored it to its glory while featuring some of its old relics such as certain items of internal decor and the style of its antiquated menu.  These characteristics -- among others -- add to the restaurant's charm.

Debudante cocktail

My favorite part about this restaurant is its hospitality.  The management and wait staff are accommodating from reservations to explaining about the menu.  Another favorite is the drink selection, which is quite extensive given the restaurant's recent rebirth.  My least favorite part about this restaurant is its limited capacity.  If you're looking to bring a party larger than eight to 10 people to the restaurant, it might be a challenge to sit all together.  And while the menu's focus seems to be on seafood, there are several different options to explore and share.

Steak and frites

New Hotel Mertens is a win for a date night, outing with a small group of friends, or happy hour.  The food is great; the service is better; and the ambiance is charming -- definitely worth a try!

© 2018 Melanie Glover. All rights reserved.

All opinions are my own, and I received no compensation for expressing them.