2014 Spanish F1 travel advice

Chunkee

Looking for advice on traveling down to Spain for the Formula 1 race in May 2014.
Going by car. Looking for tips on finding best ferry prices, where to fill up with fuel, Toll roads or not?? Pre book hotel or just turn up on the day?. Any advice or tips are very welcome.

Obviously_the_best

Book as early as possible. Compare ferry ands eurotunnek prices at https://www.directferries.co.uk , fill up at pumps in supermarkets off the motorway where possible.

Moto2

Toll roads or not?

That's going to totally depend on whether or not the drive is part of the enjoyment for you.
Some people love to drive the smaller roads, switch off the air-con, open the windows and take in the experience, others see it as a chore, best got out of the way ASAP

Which are you?
You can, of course, do half and half etc.


EDIT: I wouldn't book anything before the New Year
The Korean GP is still only provisional, if that doesn't happen, the Barcelona race may well move to the 18th May

Chunkee

Going for the adventure drive, so toll roads are a no, no,
Check, avoid Tolls.
Check, Supermarket Petrol station fill ups.
Check, Search for best ferry prices.
Thanks so far guys, anyone with advice on hotel pre- book or just turn up and book in?

Moto2

Beginning of May, away from the main routes?

Just turn up, there'll be loads of places, every small town in France has a Hotel

Chunkee

Thanks Moto2, was actualy thinking about the Hotels in Llorret de Mar near the Sapnish circut. Has anyone experienced any problems with just turning up at a hotel as asking for a room for 3 days. Would I get ripped off or should I pre-book?

Moto2

If you know you're in Lorret for 3 days, I'd book it
Just look on tripadvisor for something that suits

Have a look at sites like booking.com and see if you can get a good price that allows you to cancel or change without penalty.

earthstorm

Moto2 wrote: »

I wouldn't book anything before the New Year
The Korean GP is still only provisional, if that doesn't happen, the Barcelona race may well move to the 18th May

Yes OP keep a check on the F1 website for the full confirmed dates before booking and then as soon as this is confirmed book, as hotels will up their prices and get booked out fast.

i was lucky to get their 2 years ago and stayed at the Astoria Park. Had no issues with the hotel as it served its purpose.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/es/astoria-park.html?

rhammer

As soon as the date is confirmed then I would book your hotel. You should research which hotels you would like to stay at before the dates is confirmed - so that you can act fast and get the best deal. The prices will just go up.
I am sure you are aware of this already but the Spanish Grand Prix is held about 40 minutes outside of Barcelona. When I went we stayed in central Barcelona and got the train to the circuit. But if you are driving I guess you can stay nearer the track.

Enjoy! It's a good race. I would book seats on the first corner as this is where most of the overtaking takes place. Plus, you are in front of t he TV screens and can also see corner 4 or 5 (can't remember which).

Chunkee

Thanks for the advice guys, Will wait for the confirmation of dates then book hotel rooms. I was told you could get a bus from Lloret de mar to the track for about €10, we were planning to do this to avoid any traffic problems and parking costs also no issues with drink driving.

Moto2

I'd probably book now with somewhere that you can get full cancellation on, it'll save the stampede for rooms later.
Hotel Anabel is the top pick on Tripadvisor
You can book it now on booking.com, pay when you arrive or cancel without penalty later.
Always check the prices and terms direct on the hotel's website too as it may be a better deal.