Every time I stay in a hotel I look for the following 5 key themes in the room:
- Great bed as described – double or king as booked, reasonably firm with soft sheets and a good selection of pillows
- Bathroom – well maintained and as clean as a pin
- Effective and controllable heating and lighting
- Accessible plug points by beds
- Breakfast – better then I would have at home
Hotel Barcelona Centre had 4 out of 5. Of course there were a few blips along the way but we would recommend this hotel for its excellent team and good sized rooms. We chose the hotel for its location which is close to shopping, Casa Mila / Le Pedera and the fabulous Cerveseria Catalana which is another review. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control I have just one photographs of this hotel so you will have to rely on my words alone.
Checking in – We arrived and first impression of the hotel was good based on the facade and entering the reception area. The reception team were very friendly and professional and service was efficient and our check-in was very quick.
Bedroom; was located on the 5th floor at the front of the hotel – which did prove quite noisy late into the small hours which could be corrected with some triple glazing. However the noise pollution was not that intrusive that we felt the need to be moved. Our room was very spacious, modern and very clean.
Bathroom was the same and if you needed extra comfort supplies there was list of available options. The bed were two twins pushed together which was very disappointing as when we booked a double; however the bed was very comfortable. Air con was effective and quiet and easily controlled.
We were on the 5th floor at the front of the hotel – which did prove quite noisy late into the small hours, which I am sure could be corrected with some triple glazing. However, the noise pollution was not that intrusive that we felt the need to be moved.
Concierge team were great with a special mention to Luth, who was incredible. I had accident on our first day (watch out on those pedestrian crossings the taxis don’t always stop) and he found me a crutch, helped me across the road to the local bistro, stopping traffic…above and beyond any service I have received before from a hotel or anyone in the service industry. He is a credit to the hotel.
Restaurant did not entice us in as the menu did not focus on local produce or Catalan cuisine. We did order room service (due to me being immobile) which was quick and good but for a Beef burger and a Jamon toasted sandwich (my bread was over toasted almost burnt) with 2 waters at 48 Euros and the quality this was far too expensive in my opinion.
Breakfast; charged at €18 per person, which is served in the basement (shame they cannot utilise the 7th floor terrace but sadly it is clearly not logistical possible). The choices were varied and all the offerings looked and tasted good. Its the first time I have had ham and cheese for breakfast and I really enjoyed it. The only exception were the pastries they were not up to the Catalan standard; the were quite dry and the Churros were the worst I have ever had, really heavy in texture and quite stale – which was a shame as all other dishes were good. The coffee (machine dispensed) was incredibly strong, the most potent I have ever had.
Considering we were there in the height of summer it was surprising there was no bar service open during the day on the terrace (which was not a bad place to be confined to following the accident). The hotel was quiet in this area – yet we know it was full from reception . When we wanted a drink we would have to travel to the ground floor or you could call reception for service. I would think that Hotel Barcelona Centre is mainly used by business guests.
I recommend the hotel and would staff her again based on all of the above. When we arrived the walk from Provença metro station took us minutes to this great hotel.
We would stay here again and would recommend you do – this is based on the service we received and the standard of the hotel, we paid €72 per night for 5 nights.
Eat Bake Blog GB 