Olga Desnica. Date of travel: Sep 2005
We have grown to love this hotel, and now we wouldn't think of going anywhere else. The location could be better - 5 mins walk to Plaza Espania, 20 mins walk from Las Ramblas or faster by tube, but I find it helps to walk off at least some of the calories. What's best about the hotel is it's sheer size - lovely large rooms with huge beds, a sitting area with a sofa, coffee and lamp tables and a decent size desk. The bathroom has both a shower and a bath, so two can bathe at the same time. After a good day's sightseeing, it's perfect for relaxing. The breakfast room is charming in pink and white, and we were very happy with the food (self service), nice coffee too. Nearby area of Pobble Sec is charming, several very cheap (seedy) internet cafes which are open well past midnight. MontJuic park starts just behind the hotel, and the only thing missing is the beach on the doorstep. There are so many tempting restaurants in Barcelona that we never had the chance to try the hotel's own dining facilities - we will next time. However, there is a Piano bar, open late, which is handy for a late night drink when you're too exhausted to open up the minibar fridge and serve your own drink. We did have a look at the sports and fitness facilities - they seemed fine, although we never used them - our less healthy habits always won out (eating, drinking and sightseeing). It's really easy to get to and from the Barcelona airport, the bus stops at Plaza Espania and takes about 20 minutes. Taxis from the hotel are even quicker, and (perhaps we have been lucky?) we have never been overcharged. This hotel is not on the usual tourist circuit, it's primarily geared towards business guests, but this didn't bother us, as there are no businessmen around from Friday to Monday, when we usually go. Needless to say, the staff are helpful and polite, ready with tourist maps ot jugs of coffee - whichever is required. We certainly intend to go back again and again.