AC Diplomatic, Barcelona > Reviews > A stylish hotel for business and pleasure

Author's product rating:   

Value for Money	Good
Quality of Rooms	Excellent
Standard of Service	Excellent
Quality of Food & Drink	Excellent
Cleanliness	Excellent

Advantages:	Quiet location close to the attractions
Disadvantages:	Reception sometimes swamped by large business groups

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I stayed in thsi hotel for business twice in 2005, but it is equally suitable for business or pleasure. In fact, its location makes walking to most of the key tourist venues easy, whereas a taxi is required to the main business areas of the city.
The hotel reception gives a good impression, with an alegant glass frontage onto one of Barcelona's intersections - although this one is much quieter than most. I found the reception staff to be very helpful, and all spoke good English. My tariff was around EUR 120 per night, but of course any potential visitors should check for current prices as these can vary greatly according to the time of year. Often, offers are available for weekend stays.
My room on both occasions was smart, comfortable and minimalist, in the very popular modern Barcelona style. There was a free minibar with juices and beers and a fully marble tiled bathroom with gleaming chrome fittings. Rooms were very quiet and i certainly got a good night's sleep. Th econtinental breakfast in the restaurant was fine, but visitors should note that the restaurant opens at 9pm in the evening. This was clearly displayed, but I noted that one group of elderly US visitors waited on chairs outside the locked restaurant door for 2 hours from 7pm to 9pm, trying the door every few minutes just in case!
The bar area is smart, and again minimalist. I did not use the leisure facilities. My only problem was sometimes if large groups of business people were assembling to walk to their conference in the morning, or out for a meal on the evening, they tended to block up the reception area.
From the location it is easy to walk to the best shopping and restaurant areas in Paseo de Gracia and Placa de Catalunya, and onward down Las Ramblas. It is also easy, and recommended, to walk to the amazing la Sagradia de Familia - the Guadi Cathedral which is still not completed.
Overall, a highly recommended hotal.