We stayed at the Barcelona Universal for three nights preceding a cruise. We found the hotel on Hotwire and paid just over US$100 per night. The Barcelona Universal is located on a busy street, right next to a metro station. We found the room to be very clean and comfortable, though much smaller than we were accustomed to. The bathroom was especially nice,modern and clean and had a bidet. The rooms are decorated in a very modern minimalist fashion that we found very attractive. Although our room overlooked the street, we were not bothered by street noise. The neighborhood itself is nothing to write home about, but taxis and the metro are very accessible. They serve a very nice buffet breakfast, but It is quite pricey (13,00 euros pp) if it is not included in your room rate.

I have only good things to say about Universal Hotel, Barcelona, we arrived quite late and were expecting the left over room, however the reception was welcoming and we discovered we had been upgraded to a superior room. It is definatley worth telling the hotel if you are celebrating a special occassion, we also had complimentry champagne delivered to our room.The room was gorgeous, very big and modern, lovely decor.Breakfast in the place 2 doors away is fine. We had the most gorgeous meal in a restaurant called Ra it is just of Rambla right by the fruit market.I cannot recommend it highly enough lunch is at 2 dinner is 9 get there early as its popular, wine and 2 courses 45 euro for two, FANTASTIC FOOD!!! however if Ra is full do not make the mistake of going to the restaurant next door Lupino the staff are RUDE. The staff at Ra fab. A must is the old fairground Tribidabo very romantic and the views are the best you can ever see of Barcelona, try the Funicar to get up there its a breathtaking ride.

Just returned from a trip to Barcelona (September 2005) and we had a wonderful time! We had booked our hotel based on reviews posted on this site, and I want to say how thankful I was that people post their opinions and recommendations here - we were very pleased!. The Hotel Barcelona Universal was a great hotel - very clean, spacious room and closet, very functional A/C in the room, quiet, helpful and attentive staff. Definitely four star in my book. Great location too - subway stop is just outside the main entrance - the doorman will get you a taxi at any time, a few blocks walk to the south is the port area, to the north is downtown - we found everything we wanted to see and do was either an easy walk or a subway trip away, without all the noise and dirtiness of Las Ramblas. I highly recommend it to travellers looking for a great place to stay without paying a fortune.

Stayed here for 4 nights in one of the suites with jacuzzi (was our honeymoon). Suite was massive and the private terrace we had was huge 30+ feet, with good views of Montejuic. We stayed in Suite 902 for which the terrace is right behind the hotel lettering!

Room was always spotless and was even cleaned when we went out for the evening. Found that the Room Service was a touch slow, but staff very polite. Note that for English patrons, breakfast is very continental and English papers are not available.

Location was excellent though and the receptionist gave us some good pointers on places to visit etc. Paral.lel Metro station right outside door which can take you direct to Sagrada Familia in under half an hour. La Rambla is a ten minute walk, as is the Marina.