We stayed here for three nights (Thursday to Sunday). Having read some of the reviews we were a bit apprehensive. We need not have worried - what a super hotel!

From the doorman rushing to our Taxi to open the door/grab the bags (the ever present security man opened the Hotel door for us whilst he was doing this) to the Receptionist who gave us brochures and maps and instructions after checking us in (imploring us to come back anytime and ask if we wanted anything else - restaurant suggestions, further info on Barca, whatever) to the Barstaff who served us whenever we called in for a drink, the Staff were all superb. Even Staff "bumped" into in the lift or corridor spoke without fail with a cheery Hola or Buenos Dais!

The room (fourth floor) overlooked the street below, fair enough not much of a view, just the Hotel opposite, & not much to see each way, but we didn't go to Barcelona to sit in the room and look out of course.

The room was great in other respects, huge plasma TV, further plasma TV in bathroom, turn down service, Tea & coffee / well stocked mini-bar, very comfortable bed, enough storage space, iron & board etc. heating & air-con which worked as the controls said. Brilliant shower!

Sorry to say we never tried the restaurant, not even for breakfast as we were out so late at night, but others we spoke with found it fine. Breakfast in a Cafe on the Ramblas was fine for us, except for the beggars coming up to our table - the Waiters left them to it and we felt should have moved them on, some were quite intimidating. (Not the street performers - they are different to the Beggars and at least do something before holding their cap or bowl out).

On another food note, we had Los Caracoles Restaurant in Calle Escudellers highly recommended to us prior to our visit, we like to think we are restaurant connoisseurs and frankly we found this restaurant extremely poor to say the least. We went on the Friday night to a pre-booked table that I took the trouble to ring and book over a week before hand from the UK, however we were crammed into a pokey corner and experienced poor service and very poor expensive food. We felt on leaving that it was a case of rush people through as quickly as possible to make way for the large queue waiting speculatively for a table in the bar. After all, most are City Breakers who probably wouldn't come this way again!

We love the Ramblas and spent a good deal of time watching the world go by from a cafe table with either a beer or a coffee. It was about 20 yards from the Hotel door to being on the Ramblas if you like the area.

Back to the Hotel, the piano bar late at night has a couple performing songs (up to 1am) and stays open until 2am, with as mentioned above great Staff to look after you. We like to sit at the bar and chat to other guests, being a 5* hotel stools weren't on offer and you sit at tables for 2 or 4, and the drink prices were very high, but what the heck, you expect that when you book this calibre of Hotel.

In summary, excellent, and we would probably stay there again rather than risk trying somewhere else if we went to Barca again. Two things I would add to the Hotel if I were the Owner, a gym and a pool (if they have anywhere suitable to put them).

Sorry, didn't get any photos of the Hotel!

LOCATION ! LOCATION ! LOCATION !

My wife and I stayed there from 1/8 to 1/13 and were overjoyed. The airport bus at 3.6 euros was a breeze and only 3.6 euros. It left you off near the top of the Ramblas only a short walk to the Meridien.
We found it more convenient to taxi back to the airport on our return at 25 euros.
The room was a little noisy in the early AM but we got used to it. The bed was enormoud and comfortable. The pillows fantastic. The bathroom was ultramodern, plenty of shelf space,anice deep bathtub
to soak in. It had an adjustable backrest. It also sported an honest to goodness a real efficient American shower.
Continental breakfast was obcenely priced, but the buffet breakfast was lavish and a comparative bargain.
The staff was agreeable and helpful. the price of 179 euros plus seemed fair. Would look forward to returning. the hotel did not seem very busy

The hotel is in great location for sight seeing and shopping. The reception staff are the best that I have come across in Spain (Stayed at Westin Palace in Madrid, Westin Alfonso XIII in Sevilla and Paradors,etc).

They are going through renovation right now but the service of the reception staff made up for everything.

Stayed for 2 nights from 15 December 2005. Reception were very welcoming and upgraded us to a Suite on 7th floor with 2 balcony views of La Rambla - what a view - and a sunrise! Maids were very nice and quickly upgraded our room to accommodate 3 people. Bar staff were great and so friendly - really made us feel welcome. Live music was wonderful both nights. The room was amazing - ultra sleepy beds and great CD and plasma. Bathroom was luxury with all the little extras and fresh flowers everyday. Loved the choccies on my bed! Location fabulous - central for everything and right on top of Starbucks for our morning coffee. The only place to stay when we visit next time. Had the best time with my 2 wonderful sisters!!!