Location 5* shopping, metro, tour buses, supermarket very close. Warning: 7 stairs to access lift to reception…I also had stairs to my room with 2 bags 35 kg full of gifts. Worth it. Friendly, helpful staff, heritage building full of chandeliers, wallpaper and antiques, a novelty in today’s cookie cutter hotel chains. Modern bright bathroom cabin with glass ceiling view of room’s high ceilings, excellent fittings, super clean. Minimal room amentities and toiletries, all purpose soap on tap. French windows overlooking rambla that did not bother my sleep.
all day buffet full of basic chilled covered dishes you can reheat, drinks, beer, wine and warm items for breakfast. Eat in the lounge bar or take to your room and return your dishes. Great value and convenient if you are travelling long haul or your time clock has you craving food at 2am… just help yourself. Buffet area is locked overnight but the receptionist was happy to open it for me to access early coffee.
Mattress firm but comfortable , good linen and yes, rose pink towels, brass bed and frilly lamp shades. I don’t see it suiting younger folk. Seems to attract the cruise crowd. Good security. If you want a modern, hands off approach hotel this is not it. If you want charm, something stuck in a time warp with convenience of drink and food buffet this is it. Note: there are 2 Hotels 1. Hotel Continental, 2.Hotel Continental Palacette and this is the one I am reviewing. Make sure your taxi/ driver do not take you to the wrong hotel! While the room has a fridge there is no in room tea coffee but the buffet drinks area compensates for that.
The only negatives: hangers old plastic and dusty, weird heating unit covered in plastic should have a more professional cover, tiny specs of mould in basin corner, room fridge and microwave probably due for replacement. Occasional deep cleaning of corners and ledges advisable, the stairs,( particularly if you have heavy luggage or mobility issues). Please remove the awful dried flower vase in room.