Lonely Planet Review
This hotel is famous for its two marvellous dining rooms designed by the modernista architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. One has big sea-life murals by Ramon Casas; the other has floral tiling and a wood-beamed roof. The rooms are far less exciting but not bad for the price.
If you're planning to spend all day in your room you could end up getting depressed - they're fine and certainly clean, but they could do with an overhaul. Otherwise, to be this close to La Rambla is a major plus and the architectural features of the lobby and dining room make for a dining experience you won't forget. The whole place with its wood panelling and toweringly high ceilings exudes the flavour of a past era. There are few places left in Barcelona where the original fittings have been left in situ and not been covered up in this city's rush to embrace the modern.
Review by author
Anthony Ham