Hotel 1898
La Rambla, 109, Barcelona, Spain, 08002
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#25 of 40
expert-rated hotels in Barcelona- Recommended for:
- Couples, Culture vultures, Nightlife, Romance
Expert review of Hotel 1898
Neo-colonial splendour on La Rambla.
As a hotel reviewer I see more designer minimalism than I find adjectives for, so top marks go to the perky colonial decor, boldly painted walls and, above all, the 1898's candy stripes in white with red, green or black. Despite its central location on La Rambla (a tomato’s toss from the wonderful Boqueria market), you could easily while away a day on the slick rooftop terrace with heated pool.
Location:
It's right on La Rambla, which can mean one of two things. In winter, or first thing in the morning, it means a peaceful and elegant boulevard, a stroll along which lifts the spirits and makes you think 'Ain't life grand?'. In tourist season, mid-afternoon or late at night, however, it is a hell of other people: living statues, stag parties, prostitutes and pickpockets. Maybe that's just me. Most people seem delighted to stay here.
Bedrooms:
The ‘Classic’ rooms look out into the central lightshaft (not unattractive, painted a jolly pillarbox red), but unless you’re worried about noise, it’s worth spending a bit more for a ‘Superior’ room overlooking the street. Deluxe rooms have a private terrace, and if you're feeling really flush (and I do mean really), the Colonial Suite has its own pool. All are kitted out with Etro toiletries, free WiFi, pillow menus, the means to make tea and coffee, and the aforementioned candy stripes.
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Public areas:
The lobby is quite splendid, in a neo-colonial kind of way. Leather chesterfields, wicker chairs, that striped wallpaper again, wood-panelled walls and occasional live jazz. A library/business centre is equally spiffy.
Eating and drinking:
The bar on the roof is a truly luxurious place to hang out, with acres of sofas (stripy, naturally) on which to sip a Manhattan under the stars. Breakfast is a good spread that includes cava and smoked salmon.
Leisure facilities:
Top notch. The rooftop pool is a delight, there's an indoor pool and spa in a bare-bricked basement and an exhausting-looking gym.
Service:
The staff are approachable and know their onions.
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Who stays there:
A well-heeled and international crowd, who mingle with savvy locals in the lobby and bar area.
Price advice:
There's a room for most (ample) budgets here. Breakfast is usually discounted if booked as part of the deal, but is otherwise 21.40 euros.
Pros:
Fabulous pool
Unique and bold style
Cons:
Classic rooms quite small
More information on Hotel 1898:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- La Rambla, 109, Barcelona, Spain, 08002
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool
- Neighbourhood:
- Barri Gòtic
Community comments (1)
I agree with Sally's mixed feelings about being in the heart of Las Rambla,although it is a haven of peace once you get inside. But otherwise I think it's a fantastic and original hotel, and perhaps worth an even higher rating.
A big plus is the adjacent La Boqueria food market. Don't buy a hotel breakfast, but go there instead to breakfast alongside the porters on freshly squeezed orange juice and tortilla(perhaps without the brandy/coffee combination though).