Hotels

Just back from 2 nights in the beautiful city of Barcelona ( 2 days is way too short) and stayed at the Silken Ramblas. The location of the hotel is just perfect. It's less than a minute walk from... more

Just back from 2 nights in the beautiful city of Barcelona ( 2 days is way too short) and stayed at the Silken Ramblas. The location of the hotel is just perfect. It's less than a minute walk from all the action and could not have been better placed. We arrived at about 11:30 in the morning but were told that we couldn't check in until 2pm. They held our bags for us behind the reception so that we could head out and explore the city which was good. The hotel reception looks bright and modern and the bar area looks great but when we came back and checked into our room on the third floor we were disappointed with it. The room was big and fairly modern but the walls had peeling paint and were scuffed from previous guests and the carpet was old and stained. The bathroom was great - very up to date and clean and really made up for the rest of the room. We had no view whatsoever - looked out on to other rooms about 10 feet away from us and that was the view. The rooms are very dark and the colours used didn't help matters. On the plus side the bed was big, the sheets were spotless, there were loads of fresh towels, it had tea/coffee facilities (but no milk), big LCD TV (only English speaking channels were CNN & CNBC though) and the bathroom as stated was great. We only used the room as a place to sleep and spent very little time there as there was so much to do in Barcelona. The location of the hotel is the main attraction and provided you go knowing that this is an average 3 star hotel then you will not be disappointed. On the second night of our stay we bought some champagne and took the glasses from our room and sat up on the roof terrace looking over Barcelona and had the entire place to ourselves whilst we got merrily tipsy. It was fantastic to watch the sun go down over Barcelona and quite romantic. I was tempted to go for a swim but a finger in the pool was enough to tell me that it wouldn't be a good idea - it was freezing - but it was 9pm. Very romantic up there though. I'd very happily stay at this hotel again. I'd be even happier to do so if they gave the rooms a lick of paint and changed the carpets. They do say it's all about location, location, location and it's true. Close

Myself , husband and another couple (our friends) are just back from a stay at the Silken Ramblas hotel in Barcelona. I would highly recommend this hotel if you are going to Barcelona. It issituated... more

Myself , husband and another couple (our friends) are just back from a stay at the Silken Ramblas hotel in Barcelona. I would highly recommend this hotel if you are going to Barcelona. It issituated just off Las Ramblas and we found our Silken room spacious and clean and really dark at night which was great for getting to sleep. The one complaint I would have about this hotel is that the walls between each room is paper thin eventhough the hotel have sound proofed rooms advertised on their brochure and website. We were fortunate to have our friends staying at one side of us and people on the other side of us who were not too noisy. You could hear people talking, boiling the kettle, using the hairdryer, flushing the toilet etc. Our room had a large door opening out on to a side street with a tiny little balcony you could step out on. It had a kettle, mini bar, TV, radio and there was no problem eating in the room. The best thing about the hotel was the rooftop terrace and pool which was great in the evening after a busy day sight seeing. Just around the corner about two minutes walk was the Bocquara market which had every kind of food. We didnt have breakfast included as we found it very expensive at €18 per person per day. If anyone is going to Barcelona and looking for the name of a good restaurant be sure and find LA Fonda. It was excellent food and great value. We had two bottles of wine, four main courses and four desserts for around €67 and it was lovely food. But go early as the queues are very long each night to get a table. Be sure to go and see the waterfall display with music at the Plaza Despana about 5 stops on the metro from Plaza de Catlayna. It was excellent but hundreds of people there so very busy and its free. Be very careful on the metro as my friend narrowly escaped being robbed. All in all we had a very enjoyable stay at the Silken hotel and we loved the city. Close

We just got back from a whip around Europe with our three kids (17,13, 7). This was my favourite hotel of the ten we stayed in. Great location. Not just a minute from La Ramblas but even closer to... more

We just got back from a whip around Europe with our three kids (17,13, 7). This was my favourite hotel of the ten we stayed in. Great location. Not just a minute from La Ramblas but even closer to great restaurants like Bar Lobo and a grocery store. Staff were friendly and very helpful. Rooms used space optimally, were clean, modern and comfortable. Rooftop pool was a great little oasis with plenty of recliners. Secure parking underground, good, reasonable room service. Booked through Priceline and no attitude from staff about it. Some hotels make a point of mentioning it and telling you what you aren't eligible to get and then show you to the worst room they have. Loved this place and would go out of my way to stay there again. Close

when we arrived we had already paid for an up grade and were given a room on the second floor. it was dirty ! to say the least, it was late and we were tired so it was the following morning before we... more

when we arrived we had already paid for an up grade and were given a room on the second floor. it was dirty ! to say the least, it was late and we were tired so it was the following morning before we said anything; once we did we were immediately moved to a suite on the 5th floor with private balcony - smashing room. location is perfect, around the corner from the ramblas - mind your wallet, seriously the amount of people getting robbed was almost funny, like a competition or something. shocking fitness centre, a bike and a bench with a few small weights ! Close

After reading the review from the week before my stay, I was very concerned. If it weren't for the photos, I'd think we had stayed at different hotels. The staff was pleasant and helpful. The room... more

After reading the review from the week before my stay, I was very concerned. If it weren't for the photos, I'd think we had stayed at different hotels. The staff was pleasant and helpful. The room was clean. I never felt unsafe. I did notice noise one morning around 8am, otherwise, it was quiet. The towels were big & thick. The location is excellent. The hotel could use a little maintenance. Some of the woodwork was chipped and the walls were scuffed. However, I thought it was a good deal for the price. Close