We enjoyed our stay at Andante very much. The view from the pool was AMAZING! It was clean. Staff was friendly and helpful. Breakfast had a nice variety of hot veggies, meat, eggs, and more. There were also fruits, yogurt, cereals, and pastries. Love the hot drink machine, too. The location is very walkable to Las Ramblas and the beach, etc. Several places to eat with a pharmacy and several little markets within a few steps. There was a taxi stop right in front and taxis are cheap! In our group of 8, four of us weren't able to walk as much as we wanted so the availability of taxis was very helpful! Here's why I knocked off a star. First, the elevator required the key card, which was inconvenient. The pool is a lap pool, which was fine for us but the bar and access to the pool and fabulous view was closed at 9:00. We would just be getting in from dinner and wanted to spend time in the evening with that view but nope- it was closed. There is some kind of hospital just a few steps away with lots of people milling about but we were never approached or had any problems with patients. There's a police station just around the corner. Don't miss a meal at Tapas Guell!

I really enjoyed our stay at Andante. The staff were very friendly and so glad they spoke English as my Spanish was limited. The rooms were a great size and very clean (and quiet - I didn't hear other guests at all). Loved the rooftop pool (the view!) and the pool bar was a great way for us to start off our holiday. The pool area wasn't ever that busy as could easily get so. The breakfast (included in our room rate) was a highlight with lots of hot and cold options. I am missing the mini chocolate croissants already!
The key card being made from wood, not plastic, was a nice touch, as was the other notes the hotel made to sustainability and supporting local business.
Felt secure with key card entry to the hotel, as well as a key needed for the lifts.
Only 5 mins from Las Ramblas and an easy 30 min walk to the beach at Barceloneta.
I would recommend this place to friends and I would stay again!

Our two days at Andante were a highlight of our vacation. We chose it as much for its fantastic location - immediate access to the port, the Gothic quarter, the Drassanes train station, and La Rambla - as anything, but it looked clean and bright on the Internet as well. Looks were not deceiving: the hotel was indeed nicely set up, clean, and comfortable throughout. The staff was wonderful: helpful and thoughtful without intruding. My Spanish is not lovely, but the staff spoke excellent English and there was no language barrier.

The views were unexpectedly impressive. From our room and from the rooftop pool you could see the Cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, and much of the layout of the oldest parts of Barcelona. You could also see the neighborhood, of course: eclectic and diverse, as it should have been so close to the port and the original Medieval wall.

The hotel is very modern and ecologically conscious - little touches like room keys that avoid the use of plastic (it's a surprise!) as well as larger ones like power-saving rooms and thoughtful treatments that save water and ease cleaning. But none of this came at the expense of comfort or convenience; the savings came from things we didn't want anyway (like over-air-conditioned rooms or a lack of natural light).

Breakfast was included in our room rate. The breakfast buffet offered everything from simple Continental options to a full sumptuous spread, with fresh juices and proper European coffee close at hand. In good weather, you eat breakfast in the courtyard with the lemon trees and honeysuckle. In rain, the indoor breakfast area is large and bright, and you can watch the rain without having to participate in it.

If you've never been to Barcelona but you find yourself needing a base from which to explore the Gaudi exhibits, the Cathedral, and the port, Andante is perfect.