I spent my last night in Barcelona here because my previous hotel (see review of 10Cubik) had no Friday vacancies. Since this new one qualifies as a full star upgrade, naturally my expectations were higher. To a point, I came away rather satisfied. Over all, images on its website of the room as well as the lobby and sky bar with amazing lap pool bordering the building’s edge look the same in person. The Ohla Eixample has nailed the Restoration Hardware aesthetic that seems the norm in these nicer Spanish hotels. Service also proves noteworthy, with incredibly friendly and professional staff. As an American getting up early and still needing a real breakfast, the selection and quality of the buffet further earned its praise from other Trip Advisor commentors.
In a few areas, however, this hotel fails to meet its own impeccable standards. Conditioned by consistent great quality, I could not unsee a couple of chips along the edge of my porcelain bathroom sink, along with a human hair near the drain, upon first entering the room. While the pool deck and bar seem flawless, the small gym with antiquated equipment, cups impossibly stuck together at the water dispenser, and no remote to change the TV channel, significantly downgraded my experience. The room itself for the gym has so much potential, with natural skylight and wood floors in decent condition. It almost feels like someone just decided to forgo any improvements. (Honestly, the gym at a Holiday Inn I visited back in the states a few weeks ago had much more going for it).
Admittedly, these criticisms seem petty. I would never even have them at lesser hotels, where my real concerns remain simple cleanliness and a good night’s sleep. But failing to attend to the little details expected of an upscale establishment like this made the Ohla Eixample’s 5 stars a little dim.