Late in the summer, I was having coffee with Cliff at our local Mercer Island Starbucks. We discovered that we’d both be in Europe at the end of October. Me, following a great week of biking in Bordeaux with my husband David, and the Sharples when they spent their first two weeks in Spain in Barcelona. A great plan was hatched! I arrived in Barcelona the day after they arrived and moved into the Mercer Hotel Barcelona, literally a block away the Sharples’ fourth floor apartment in the Barri Gotic neighborhood. We’ve had an amazing week together, visiting Barcelonian sites, meeting up with the Schorr’s from Mercer Island, dining on tapas, coffee, sangria and more.

One of the unexpected highlights of the trip have been the concierges at the Mercer Hotel, particularly Manuel.

In front of the Mercer with Manuel

He has embraced our merry band of eight and helped us with so many questions, ticket procurement and ideas for restaurants, bike rentals and must see sites. Plus, he made the Mercer feel like our home away from home, as he enthusiastically greeted us each time we came and went from the hotel (frequently.) Cliff and Lisa have described their good fortune in making connections in each place they’ve visited. Manuel wins the Barcelona Best Connection Award! Also, the Mercer Hotel staff helped us make Halloween special for Tuck and Jones, by being our main trick or treating location. I’ve had a wonderful time here, being part of the amazing Sharples trip around the world! Hmm, I wonder where they’ll be in April?!?

The Gang, trick or treating at The Mercer Barcelona