Had a 6-night award stay starting Apr 9th. Based on
ms. jmd001's TE status, the two of us were upgraded (without an SNA and without asking) to a "family suite" on the 6th floor with a great view of La Rambla. We were
very pleased with the room. Appears "subject to availability" very much worked in our favor on this stay.
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In addition to reporting on our upgrade experience, I have to elaborate on some of the highlights of our overall stay at the hotel ... and first Barcelona visit:
-- Every staff member we encountered was
extremely helpful and personable, both prior to arrival and at the hotel.
-- On our night of arrival, we were too tired to go out. Just had drinks and a pizza in the hotel bar, using the certs given at check-in for a free glass of
Cava each. The pizza was excellent.
-- One concierge made a dinner reservation for us at one of his favorite places (
Bar Muy Buenas), and then
personally walked us to the location (~5 minutes). Two of his other recommendations (
Bar Lobo and
Gats; both just meters from the hotel's front door) were so good that we went back to each a second time. The sangria at Gats was the best we can ever remember having. (Their "secret" recipe included SKYY vodka!) A bit of a walk to get there, but
Caņete was his best recommendation (reservations are a must, unless you arrive before about 6 or 7 PM).
-- The hotel's breakfast buffet definitely had enough to please anyone, from
ms jmd001 (a non-eater of mammal meat) to the carnivore me.
-- Again based on status, we were invited to a complementary
paella cooking demonstration at the hotel. Later in the day, the staff delivered to our room an ~11" paella pan and an oven mitt, as a thank you for attending.
-- Prior to arrival one of their "experience specialists" contacted us. Based on our desire to visit Montserrat, she recommended the "
Castle Experience". The guide for our 16-person group was Alex, one of the best guides and tours we have taken on any continent, any time.
-- Thanks again to
itsaboutthejourney for noting the Carrefour market around the corner. We made good use of it.
Overall, one of the best and most memorable hotel stays we have ever had. Hard to think of a better location.
Negatives? Almost too few to mention, but...
-- No ice machines for guests.
(Which was the case at all 3 Iberian hotels where we stayed on this trip). However, upon request, ice was promptly delivered to our room at all 3.)
-- Mediocre to poor lighting ...particularly for
ms. jmd001 putting on her makeup in the bathroom.