We found ourselves at the AC Barcelona due to a conference and were very pleased to find it clean and modern, with a helpful pleasant staff and a very nice breakfast. Although it is far - about 15 minutes on the metro - from the center of Barcelona, the metro stop is just a block away and the hop-on-hop-off bus stops nearby as well. The beach nearby isn't worth the effort, but views from the upper floors are lovely. We could see Sagrada Familia from the window in our room. A shopping center across the street is handy for a quick coffee or a cheaper bite to eat than the hotel offers. If you don't mind taking the metro, it's a very nice option in Barcelona.

Currently at the AC Barcelona during a conference. Knew it was was 15min via Metro from the Old Town, but prefer to be away from the crowds. Rooms, as others have posted, are modern, "hardwood" fake floor (but very clean), green marble bathroom floor with glass shower/tub and glass counter with clear glass sink. Great light blocking curtains which are needed when in an east/ocean facing room.

The fitness center on 13 is great: 3 treadmills, 4 bikes, good selection of free weights and some combo weight machines. Also dry and "Turkish" saunas as well as 3 jacuzzis. Pool patio has spectaculur views but anyone with vertigo needs to stay away from the hip high glass wall that goes straight down to the ground - no ledge.

Walked the 3 kilometers back from Barceloneta along the beach to the hotel. Across from the hotel is a large mall (Diagonal Mar), including an AlCampo supermarket. Cute little cafe for reasonable coffee in the mall too.

Back to the AC Barcelona rooms: good lighting, bedside reading lights, firm comfy beds (2 pushed together for a "king"), good air conditioning as it was still quiet warm, and nice free mini-bar of a few soft drinks, water and 2 beers.

The AC is a modern and clean hotel which was fine for the rate we got. We wanted a hotel close to the beach because we heard that Barcelona was an "oven" and nothing was open in August (both wrong) and that if that was the case, we could at least lay on the beach. Our room was very clean and cosy with the free mini bar and great view of the city. The views we saw of the sea, were not that great, since there is a construction site out back, so I would ask for high floor city view, which we loved. The TV was acting crazy, but there is only one English channel I think(CNN). Our bathroom was fine, but a little dark, with a missing light. Alot of plate glass, so watch out with slipping or it could be a mess. No clock in the bedroom which drove us crazy as well. Each day our mini bar was restocked and the room cleaned nicely. I wish they had an English language newspaper in the lobby though, since it looks like there is EVERY other language represented.
The metro is just around the corner and is a short easy ride to the city center, so DO NOT let this scare you. Super easy and close. My girlfriend went to the mall one night and said it was ok..has a McDonalds and Starbucks in case you get sick of Spanish food. The beach is a short walk as well. We hung out there one day and had a great time, with the bar a little further down and a fun crowd. Overall we liked the hotel and weird location just fine. Barcelona is a great city!

No complaint is to be made about the AC Barcelona. Hotel is very clean, design is contemporary (the typical Ikéa / Habitat type of furniture) and comfortable at the same time, staff is helpful, rooms are great, beds are cosy, bathroom is perfect (we had a bathtub in a separate room and 2 huge showers), sea or city views are amazing, pool area is small but nice (maybe can be too crowded in Summer, I DK since I was there in February), location is perfect but I would not recommend the area for first time visitors in BCN (would rather advise tourists in town for sight seing, eating out and partying to stay in a more central area to better enjoy the city and its soul). Room service is extremely expensive (paid 8 euros for one coffee delivered in the room). All in one, very good hotel and wise choice for those familiar with the city already and looking for a quiet stay a bit away from the buzz.