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Reviews of Starwood hotels - Spain

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  • Reviews of Starwood hotels - Spain

    INDEX

    Le Meridien Barcelona - post #2
    All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

  • #2
    Le Meridien Barcelona
    La Rambla 111

    This hotel is pretty well-located on La Rambla, a vibrant avenue of shops and restaurants with the beach at one end and lots more shopping at the other. It is within walking distance to some pretty good restaurants, clubs, and one of the major stops for the hop-on/off bus. Taxis are also quite affordable in Barcelona, relative to other European cities - and it only cost me EUR25 for a taxi between the airport and the hotel.

    The hotel was in the midst of a refurbishment to turn itself into one of those sexy Art+Tech properties. The lobby was closed for renovation works when I was there, and they had a temporary lobby set up in the restaurant area. I was looking forward to my stay in a trendy hotel room, going by the pics on websites. Unfortunately I failed to get one of those renovated rooms and instead got one with traditional decor - lots of dark wood. As a Platinum I was upgraded to a Prestige Suite on the 6th floor. Unfortunately the hotel was full that day and hence I couldn't switch myself to a renovated room - I seriously would've accepted a downgrade otherwise as the new rooms look so groovy!










    The Le Meridien bear (apologising for the renovation works) - whom I meant to adopt but completely forgot about in the midst of packing... oops

    I found the furniture most uncomfortable. It was difficult to find a comfy position on the sofa. The bed was also too hard to have a comfy sleep on and I had many a restless night. It didn't help that I'd injured my back earlier in the trip trying to lift my heavy suitcase. I tried asking the front desk whether it's possible to make the bed softer (eg by placing additional coverings on it or anything) but I had quizzical looks - they claimed that it was only possible to make the bed harder, not softer. Eh? Any harder and I might as well be sleeping on the floor!







    The bathroom was spacious, with separate bath and showers. The bathroom amenities were the standard Le Meridien ones, which are my favourite (especially the Lime and Basil shower gel thingy!) out of the standard Starwood hotel amenities apart from the W Bliss Lemon and Sage range. Additionally there were some nice Hermes soaps and cologne. Unfortunately it was more style than substance - I had an extremely weak shower which changes temperature drastically without warning.

    Service here was generally decent. The concierge was nowhere to be found for the duration of my stay which meant the front desk also doubled up as a concierge. The front desk staff were all very knowledgeable, and mostly friendly even though a particular staff member was just a little bit curt.

    Free internet access was provided at the 24/7 business center - something all hotels should do!

    The uncomfortable furniture and poor showers were really the main sticking point for me. I think I would've enjoyed my stay more were it not for those negatives. If I do come back to this hotel I think I'd have to phone ahead to make sure I get a renovated room - they seem to have more sumptous beds and great showers according to other reviews I've read.
    Last edited by KeithMEL; 11 February 2008, 02:30 AM.
    All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

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    • #3
      Thanks for this - I am in the midst of planning my Spain trip (BCN, SVQ, MAD) so this would be very useful! One thing tho - how much is the room going for?

      I've looked into my fav NH Hotel, averaging about 100EURs per night, but some are quite far out from city centre...

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      • #4
        Originally posted by quik! View Post
        One thing tho - how much is the room going for?
        I got a Starpicks rate at EUR179/night. The regular 'Best Available Rate' was EUR245. Starpicks rates are published a week or 2 prior, and are non-refundable upon confirmation.
        Last edited by KeithMEL; 11 February 2008, 03:14 PM. Reason: clarity
        All opinions shared are my own, and are not necessarily those of my employer or any other organisation of which I'm affiliated to.

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by quik! View Post
          Thanks for this - I am in the midst of planning my Spain trip (BCN, SVQ, MAD) so this would be very useful! One thing tho - how much is the room going for?

          I've looked into my fav NH Hotel, averaging about 100EURs per night, but some are quite far out from city centre...
          Which NH hotel do you tend to favor? We've had some nice stays at the Calderon, which is just a couple blocks of Las Ramblas and easily walkable to many things including some amazing restaurants. I've also stayed at the Silken Diagonal, which was very similar to W Hotels in decor and was very nice, although I was glad I'd been given a "heads up" about a couple features beforehand.

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