We booked 3 days here at the end of a cruise. This is a fantastic modernista hotel with a range of hi-tech facilities and extras. We arrived at 8.30 in the morning which was too early to check in. We were given a range of very useful information by the receptionist to fill our time. We purchased a pack for 3 euros which enabled us to buy a 2 day Barcelona tourist bus ticket at a discount. The pack included a range of information including a very useful booklet of vouchers for attractions,eating places, tours etc.
Having spent the morning using the tourist bus to familiarise ourselves with places we might like to visit we returned to the hotel to check in. This took some time as there were a number of people in front of us and there was only one receptionist behind the desk. The situation was improved when an extra member of staff appeared.
Our room was on the fouth floor and there were 2 lifts. The hotel is ultra modern and very highly appointed. The room was large with comfortable beds, lots of wardrobe space and a leather effect bed settee. There was a large flatscreen tv, a keyboard with wifi availability, a fridge and an impressive array of electrical connections for a range of gadgets including an ipod station. The fridge contained 2 bottles of water and fruit juice and 2 packs of peanuts which were replaced daily at no extra cost. There was also a safe in the wardrobe. The bathroom was strikingly modern in black,white and glass. The shower and toilet were in separate cubicles within the bathroom.
We did not use the bar or the restaurant but they were both beautifully decorated and had interesting features. I looked at the bar prices and they were not disimilar to those being charged in eating places on the Ramblas.
On the roof of the hotel there is a large bar area, a small swimming pool and a jacuzzi. This area is open from May to September.It was very comfortable but was surrounded by rusty solid railings which somewhat spoilt the ambience.
There was free wifi available in all public areas which was a useful freebie.
The hotel is in a central position within easy walking distance of Plaza de Catalunya and Columbus' Column. A little further afield are the Cathedral,Casa Batilo and La Padrera and the House of Spikes.
There are 3 routes on the Tourist bus - blue, red and green. We went on 2 of these. The red route covers the district around the centre of the city. The blue route goes further afield and includes Park Guell.(This is the closest to Mount Tibidabo) The green route covers the area nearest to the cruise terminal.
We went to The Monastir de Pedralbes whilst on the blue route. This was a superb experience of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of a busy city.
We can thouroughly recommend this hotel for value for money, proximity to attractions and the high level of comfort.