I booked the hotel blind, through Last Minute´s ´Secret Hotel´ scheme for 130 pounds per night. I was initially worried, because of the reviews on here- but it turns out that people had been very unfair in their criticism.
The location is in a nice area, within walking distance of some decent bars and restaurants. Not central, but for this hotel in Las Ramblas, you would double the price per night.
It is located not that far from the central tourist areas- you can catch the bus, literally around the corner- which takes about 10 minutes to get to the centre. A taxi costs about 10 Euros. A taxi to the airport is about 25- 30 Euros. If the main reason for your trip is the FOOTBALL, then the location is perfect- 10 min walk to the NOU CAMP.
The hotel lobby is modern, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We bought their "LEVEL" service which if you apply as a member- gets a 25% discount. This entitles you to Breakfast, access to a an all day buffet area with wine, juices, cakes, cold cuts, prawns, and cheese- really great idea- means you don´t have to get up for breakfast, or go out if you only want something light to eat. This buffet is replenished all day. The SPA is compact, but well equipped. Nice steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi thermal circuit- all working perfectly, unlike one reviewer remarked.
The rooms are great. Modern, quality fittings, with a flat screen LCD screen. The BATHROOM is one of the best I´ve stayed in- quality ROCA fittings. Had a deep jacuzzi bath on the first night- superb. Has a really nice touch, of speakers from the main TV that can be switched on in the bathroom. SHOWER was powerful- but remember to slam the door sharply, as it was very easy to let water leak through. Beds were really comfortable. WI-fi excellent high speed in the room. Someone mentioned on here, that you had to keep getting a code- nonsense. As long as you log off, it is good for twelve hours of usage time- then you get a new code. Not a drama, just phone 4 and ask reception for a new code!!!
Breakfast was impressive. Quality cold cuts, cheeses, pates, cakes, fruit, or you could have a cooked breakfast. Very, very nice.
The staff were helpful and friendly throughout. I really don´t know why people have given it such bad reviews. People need to be fairer on Trip Advisor, otherwise the system fails.
My only slight criticisms, would be a lack of room service, and a lack of English speaking satellite TV channels. Very, very minor.
Fantastic weekend, in a fantastic city. Would definitely recommend the hotel; and I don´t give praise lightly.
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