IC Barcelona

Here for 5 nights as a Diamond Ambassador on a cash rate of 350-375/ night pre-cruise. Seemed a little price-y. I was able to use a Suite Upgrade certificate and got a real 1 bedroom suite but no balcony. So, then, the price was not bad.

Usual easy 30euro taxi from the airport. Quick check in at main reception. They offered check in at the lounge, but I passed on that. No mention of further upgrade or 20usd ambassador f&b. Got a drink coupon for 2. Interestingly, the bar never seemed to have a bar tender. So, Saturday at 4pm, when we wanted to try the bar, it was not staffed.

The room was nice. The bed was very comfortable. The windows kept the noise out. The furniture is all “modern” and uncomfortable, with no arms, even on the sofa. Bath is huge and great.

The lounge is interesting. The best of times and the worst of times. Spirits and wine and beer are available from breakfast to 11pm! Best hours we have ever seen. Breakfast in the lounge is good, not great. Most food is put out at 3pm and a few hot items are added at 5pm. They say these are “tapas”. The spread is limited. Cheese and candy and cookies. At 5pm, they bring out ham crouquettes (sp?) and vegan springrolls. Not great. It is possible that this is the weakest IC lounge of the 10-12 that we have visited in Europe in terms of food.

The food places around the hotel are quite local and real. A block south and one east is a great local place “el raco de montjuic”.

So, I am not sure we will be back. The IC in Madrid just seems to work better for Spain. I still don’t have a good answer for Barcelona. The Hiltons don’t seem to work, either.

edit: upon reflection, I might be a little harsh on the lounge. To be fair, there were other items such as finger sandwiches. They were not to our liking, but others’ tastes will be different.