Loved my stay here! Easy ride from airport and great location about 2 blocks off the Paseo de Gracia. More tranquil than the main drag, but super easy to stroll to the Paseo for shopping, great food and the iconic Gaudi sites. It was also easy to walk down towards Las Ramblas, Gothic quarter and other areas of interest. As a solo traveler, I felt totally safe strolling all times of day and night besides using a crossbody purse as advised. Check in was predictably crowded at the time I arrived, so I used the app to message the desk to notify me and took a light nap in the first floor library until I learned my room was ready. There is also an absolutely lovely all day back terrace restaurant - Batuar- where you can while away the hours while waiting for your room. The front desk staff was a little intense. I don't know how else to put it. Polite, but clipped, fast and concerned with getting that pre-authorization run. I did enjoy the welcome Cava, and a bottle of Bio wine and chocolate sent to the room - but would have appreciated a bit more of a personal interaction upon check in and practically speaking, a quick orientation to the hotel and amenities. Overall, all of the support beyond the front desk from concierge services whose desk I found by the entrance to Batuar to valet (they did some seamless switches when I extended my stay and switched rooms) were on point. The twice daily cleaning is also no joke. They were awesome - I used the "yes sign" or let the concierge or front desk know when I was going out, and the room was invariably turned over on return. They deserve generous appreciations. Rooms - in my opinion the Cotton King overlooking the backside terrace is my favorite. I loved the small balcony with a couple.of chairs, view of terrace and people's apartments and balconies in the distance, space for a sofa inside and the bathroom was very comfy/ample. I also stayed in a Madras King overlooking the street which was great. It has the nicest bathroom - literally a step in rain shower and separate stand-alone tub, with the double sink outside the bathroom - which I liked. The street view is fine - a building with an under construction facade across the way was not eye candy, but you did get to see Barcelona waking up in the AM. I also stayed briefly in a Madras street facing queen room, which was not as much to speak of. They will tell you the rooms are the same size, but for the bed. Not true. The King Rooms are far more luxurious feeling. Slight street noise during the day on street facing side, nothing to speak of at night. And great light blocking shades. The hotel has some amenities like they will "loan" you an umbrella (you'll be charged if you don't return it). Free coffee and spring water in room. There is also a great bakery a block down towards Paseo if you want a quick, tasty sandwich, pastry or juice and not to spend an arm or a leg. Speaking of food, back to the "hotel restaurant" Batuar: they flow from breakfast to lunch service at 1pm to dinner with great coffees, excellent cocktails and wines in between. I heard some people balking at the price of complete breakfast which was steep for Barcelona - about $40. For this 'deal' they prepare food to order such as omelettes, waffles or Benedict, as well as offer a lovely buffet, bottomless cava/mimosas and coffees and juices. I ordered it a couple of times and enjoyed it fully. There is also an a la carte option, but the buffet to me was worth it for those late start days when you want to lounge and have multiple beverages which is where cost can run up if paying individually. Otherwise, plenty of people went a la carte. The breakfast and lunch are well hosted, and Mr. Nabil was charming and kind! For lunch and dinner, go with the oysters, fish like the wild sea bass, or the baby roasted suckling pig - delicious!!! There is a very local cod dish ("cod cooked at low temperature") and local salad that also includes fish (El xato) - very local and proud dishes. They are worth trying, and while they would be acquired tastes for me, I appreciate having had the chance to sample such customary dishes. Finally, the common space decor at Cotton House from the amazing stairwell to restaurant to library was breathtaking and indulgent - a beautiful nod to the past. Overall, I'd stay here again in a heartbeat. read more