The AC Hotel Irla is a fine, 5-story boutique hotel in the Marriott chain. Irla is located far outside the madness of the major tourist sections of Barcelona, yet easily accessible to all of the amenities of the upscale Eixample district, and the iconic La Rambla. Walking into Irla, the sleek lobby exudes a chic atmosphere. Front staff is friendly and professional. Karina, the main gal to go to at the front desk (esp. if your Spanish is limited), was extremely helpful and accommodating upon our early arrival. Unfortunately, entering the elevators, I was a bit surprised at its shabbiness (torn spots on the walls, lots of scuff marks). Hallways were on the dark side, but clean; some quality control of the curling seams of the wallpaper belied the hotel's sleekness. Our first room (403) -- halfway through our stay, the AC in our room went out, so we were switched to another -- had an initially fine look (modern, clean-lined and bright). However, upon closer examination, things were a bit sadder and unpolished (numerous nicks on some of the furnishings; unattractive panel in the bathroom, on the ceiling -- small but noticeable stuff gave it a tired feel. Nice sized king bed, with lots of bedding; bath towels were large and thick. Bathroom, sadly, had no ventilation/fan/window. Modesty does not factor into this hotel's bathroom style! "Drainless" shower pan was very cool; however, the glass door didn't do a good job of containing the water from splashing out. Other bathroom amenities were very sleek and modern. Television was a small Sharp computer monitor with very limited channels (23 channels; 3 English). Our second room, on the top floor (508), was exactly the same in modern style, but with a larger bathroom (with functional window! Still no air ventilation), but smaller closet. Bathroom was in-line with the "glass box" design on the hotel's website. Huge, party-sized shower! Water pressure was excellent (in both rooms). The hotel also features a restaurant (one level above the lobby), as well as a small gym with sauna (one level below the lobby). The lobby also features a small kiosk selling waters, beers, snacks, and other personal accoutrements. Also excellent, too, is the soundproofing, which was fantastic, as Barcelona streets are packed with cars. Housekeeping did a great job of having the room spic-n-span upon our late-afternoon returns each day. Staff was never less than friendly and accommodating, esp. when the AC went out in our first room, and when needing to utilize their office printer to print out itineraries, boarding passes, etc. In short, criticisms aside -- after all, I am an American! -- I really enjoyed my stay at AC Hotel Irla. The location was primo; the staff, excellent. And that shower water pressure made me forget my nitpickiness...! :D read more