Having booked the vain hotel based on a good trip advisor review, I feel compelled to redress the balance a little.

We chose Vain because by rating it was a fabulous location, beautiful decor, great breakfast, great service and free internet. All of which turned out to be true, however VAIN is an appropriate name, because this hotel looks great on the surface, but is missing some basics.

We were allocated a ground floor room which you could see into from reception via the window. It appeared blacked but you could see right in from the courtyard outside, we checked. This meant that you permanently had to have the shutters down so it was like sleeping in a cell. We asked to change room but they couldn't oblige.
Additionally the hotel is very new, and all doors are spring loaded, meaning that all you can hear all night is doors slamming and echoing. The shower room is tiny, and again, although looks good, water leaks out all over the floor. In our especially bad room we could also hear the 24 hour buzzer every time people were coming and going from the hotel.

I feel bad complaining because the staff were fab, and the lounge area, location decor etc were great, but we had paid extra to stay in a place a little bit special, and didn't expect to forgo the minimum of a window and a good nights sleep. BE WARNED!

First the pluses. The location was good. A 10 min walk to the action. The sitting room and outdoor area are both lovely as is the dining room downstairs.
Now the negatives. Our room had a funny smell probably from the cleaning materials they use. The bedroom, a standard superior was very small. The bathroom was tiny. We were staying 6 nights. You need a little room when staying that long. We stayed in room 206. Nice breakfast!

I booked a suite at the Vain for four nights, based on the reviews here on TripAdvisor. The location is good, the property is ok, but the service is terrible! Of all the employees we met (some 10, at least), only one could smile and be nice, all the others acted as if we were doing them a favor to stay at the hotel... Needed hangers, and ordered straight away, but it took them two days to get them to my room. No buffet breakfast, only two options that you could order but not pick the exact things you want (and neither option included ham/cheese). Although the room was clean when we arrived, they did not clean it every day while we were there... All these things could be acceptable in a two-star hotel, but not in a place that charge the price they charge!!! For the same money I am sure you can get much better stuff.

We just got back from a lovely stay at the Vain Boutique Hotel. I would recommend this hotel to someone who is interested in staying at a Boutique hotel in the middle of the artisty part of BA. The hotel is tiny but they use the space very well. You can tell the owners put a lot of attention into the details. They have their logo on the napkins and the room numbers and notepads. It's super chic. The free breakfast every morning was absolutely delicious and the service was wonderful. I speak very little spanish but found the staff very patience and good natured. I also would recommend trying the tapas and wine in the afternoon. They will serve it to you in the Lounge Area upstairs. Also very delicious. My only concern or warning to fellow travelers would be the noise. I was awoken every morning before 7:30 am due to noise in the hall way. Our room was right next to the elevator and restroom. The walls are so thin that every creak is heard. It was pretty unpleasant by the end especially since we were paying for the highest level room. If you are a heavy sleeper then this might not be a problem for you. Or I would ask to have a different room. Also, don't expect a lot of space in the actually room. As modern and chic as the room was decorated it was cramped for two people by the end of the week. If you are only staying a few nights I don't think you will find this to be an issue. On the whole I would highly recommend this hotel to others just be aware of the issue I mentioned.