We just returned from five days in Barcelona staying at Hotel 1898. I really wanted to like this hotel and the facilities are beautiful but the staff lets the place down. Upon arrival, we were struggling to get out of a cab with all of our luggage, our eighteen month old son and his pushchair--being dropped off into the madness of the Ramblas--and the doorman at Hotel 1898 simply stood and watched us. Did not lift a finger to help until we pulled all of our stuff together and struggled over to the door. That should have been a sign.

Check in was okay and the room was lovely, if a bit small for a so-called superior, especially when you add the baby cot. My husband went down to reception to ask for matches and they did not have any. That's okay but when he asked where he could get some or purchase a lighter, they simply shrugged and turned away. When I needed a cab, which I did every day since I was on business, I went out to the doorman who told me I had to go ask at the desk--despite the fact that there were four cabs lined up in front of the hotel with no passengers! And when I did ask at the desk, I would have to wait ten minutes or more while these empty cabs idled outside. What's THAT about?

We had a function to go to on Saturday night and asked for an iron to iron my husband's shirt. We were told none was available for guests but that we could use their laundry service to get it pressed, which would cost us money, of course. Very very naughty from a supposed five star hotetl

The prices are high, yes, particularly on the rooftop bar where a drink sets you back 12 euros or more. And none of the receipts--for room service, drinks, anything--let you add a tip. So, if no one is working for tips, it's no wonder the services is so shoddy! We kept loose euros on us to tip the deserving ones such as the rooftop bar servers. The rooftop is lovely but maybe instead of staying here, you should just visit it.

There were many more small slights--room service order errors (because the person taking the order could not understand English), LOUD rooms--bring your earplugs, LOUD housekeeping staff--all if it adding up to make this more of a three star hotel than a five star hotel. It is beautiful but the service really lets it down. And since we were paying 225-275 euros a night, it should have been better.

Will find somewhere else to stay next time I'm in Barcelona.

Stayed at the 1898 for a week for our wedding anniversary and loved it. We had a 'superior' room in the red and white colour scheme (331) which was immaculately clean and had plenty of room. Nice touches included the robes and slippers and the fact they always replaced the soap - maybe petty but I've stayed in some '5 star' places that expect you to use one tiny piece of soap for your whole stay. Plus toothbrush and shaving kits as standard in bathrooms - no having to ask reception if you'd forgotten something.

The location is ideal for exploring Barcelona - I don't know how someone can describe the location as 'awful' - umm if you don't want to stay on La Rambla - then don't, but it's on a major tourist central road - I'm not sure what they expected . The room was lovely and quiet considering where it was located. We didn't eat in the hotel as it did seem a little expensive for what was on offer and there are plenty of cafes nearby - there's a Starbucks next door for those craving a caffeine fix and a number of small supermercados nearby for picking up water/drinks for cheaper than the mini bar.

I will definitely stay at the 1898 for our next Barcelona trip - in fact I can't wait.

This was the second time I stayed at this hotel. The hotel is exquisite. The rooms have all the little toys such as the lighting system for reading, relaxing etc. The Hotel is immaculate and the staff is friendly and very responsive. The location is wonderful. You are right on Ramblas between Plaza Cataluna and the Harbor in the middle of everything. One thing I would recommend though which has nothing to do with the hotel. If you are a single person on a business trip in Barcelona, be careful of the pick pockets at night on the very busy Ramblas. There are many groups of African women who are very aggressive in their attempts to pick your pockets. They kind of swarm you, while one grabs your arm to try to distract you while their partners go for your back pockets or any bag you may be carrying. I live in Amsterdam which has its share of Pick Pockets, but they are nothing like the crews in Barcelona.

We booked this hotel as a mini honeymoon. I e-mailed the hotel and told them it was our honeymoon and they gave us twin beds! They eventually gave us a double on the third night of our stay.
The hotel in itself was beautiful, the spa and rooftop pool were both excellent as was the buffet style breakfast in the morning, definitely worth the money. The location was also first class.
The rooms were a little small but overall a great hotel but the price would ony be justified if you amde full use of spa facilities.