I picked this hotel for a weekend break for my daughter and I. The decision was based on the hotel's location close to the main sights but away from the notorious pickpockets of the Ramblas; its very reasonable price for a 5* hotel; excellent reviews on this site; and its contemporary looks (which I thought a 20 year old might appreciate!).
The location was indeed great - about 10 - 15 minutes walk from the Placa Catalunya, close to good restaurants, shops and bars, and only a couple of blocks away from the Metro and airport train. We felt very safe in that area.The service we received was absolutely excellent - the reception staff could not have done more to help us feel at home and to get the best out of our visit with restaurant recommendations, travel assistance, showing us around the spa etc. The spa incidentally had a good sauna and steam room but the fitness room looked very basic and the pool was so shallow you would find yourself beached if you happen to be be quite generously proportioned!
The breakfast is expensive if you are not planning to make an enormous meal of it (25 euros each), and if I stayed there again I would prefer to go to one of the cafes on the Paseig de Gracia a few hundred metres away.
Having said that, the thing that would put me off returning was that I felt the hotel lacked atmosphere and was rather stark - lots of dark grey walls with 'functional' furniture'. The first morning we went to breakfast there was even rather funereal music playing in the lobby (though it was more upbeat the second day). We had a room at the back of the hotel overlooking the courtyard and I believe there may be rooms at the front which are more classically designed. However, despite the friendliness of the reception staff, as you walk into the hotel it feels rather sombre and unwelcoming in appearance. Perhaps it is aiming more for the business traveller than the tourist? Overall a good experience but I probably wouldn't choose it again for a weekend break.

We absolutely loved this hotel. Stylish design, fabulous location, comfortable beds, great service and a quiet night's sleep. Perfect!!!!

The only cons were that they didn't have shower caps (handy for us ladies) and there was no door on our shower room, so if you're not travelling with a partner you have to avert your eyes.

We loved the location of this hotel as it is a block away from Gaudi's La Pedrera and Casa Battlo and easy walking distance from Sagrada Familia and the Gothic quarter. It's off the very elegant Passeig de Gracia so you can enjoy an evening stroll with the locals the moment you step out of your hotel and is an easy walk to the more touristy La Rambla and Gothic Quarter. This area is the optimal base for a Barcelona trip.

Other than the hotel - book your tickets to Sagrada Familia online and save queuing round the block. Also worth getting a BCN ticket special as the Gaudi museums all have entry prices of about EUR20/adult.

Eating
- Cervecería Catalana is great atmosphere for tapas but be prepared to wait at busier times.
- Torre d'Alta Mar has amazing views but VERY average food for VERY fancy prices. If you want to enjoy the view of Barcelona go for a drink at the top of Hotel W or go for the night visit at La Pedrera and then go for dinner at a top notch local restaurant. This is certainly not the place for good food or service.

Very nice quiet discreet 5 star hotel. All dark wood low lighting and excellent staff all with good English and very helpful. We didn't have time to use spa etc as too much sightseeing. Only gripe is that at a 5 star hotel you would think they could include breakfast as this was EUR25 each!
Beds were huge and the most comfortable hotel beds ever. Very central only 10 mins walk from tube and then direct train to airport taking 25 mins.

We have enjoyed this hotel the last couple times we were in Barcelona and have been very impressed. It has great location, service, nice open concept rooms, and reasonable prices given how nice it is. The service really stands out with a personal touch, you see similar faces who do a lot of the little things that many hotels overlook. I'm also always concerned about bedding in Europe and this hotel is great in that area, crisp white sheets, non-split king beds, and down bedding. Great find!