Now, I don't normally "gush" about anything but...

My girlfriend and I stayed at this hotel from 23rd 26th June 2008 on a city break - it was SUPERB.

Why?

1. It is brand spanking new - reception told us it officially opened 3 months previously - everything looked and felt fresh clean and, frankly, 5-star. Beautiful clean interiors and big, new, well designed modern rooms... I’d head there sooner rather than later because this "newness" won’t last forever

2. The pool area - again for the price we paid (at end of review), the roof top pool area was 5 star - amazing 280 degree views of Barcelona and the beach

3. 4/500 metres from the beach - just a stroll to a stunning part of the beach and the lovely beach front promenade you can follow into town

4. Free mini-bar - again, not sure this will last forever but free cokes, unlimited water and a beer or two - nice touch

5. Well priced restaurant - having eaten out a few times at frankly expensive and disappointing venues - we wished we'd done one night eating at the hotel - EUR 17 for a three course meal

Ok downsides - thinking hard....

Some people may have issues with the hotel's location - the area itself is a real community and nice (turn right out of the hotel, not left) but is a few stops out of town and the walk back from town can be a bit of a trek, taking about 35 mins - but for a fit couple, no major problem and there is always the underground 3 mins walk away and on a great line (the main one - 3 stops and 5 mins to the action) very easy.

All in all when paying.. and here comes the price....(we booked via a famous last minute website)... just £50 (UK pounds) per person per night, was frankly unbelievable - the hotel looks and feels like a £200 plus per night... we spent three days thinking "what a [-] bargain!!!" - which was nice.

Oh and ask for room 814 - great views over Barcelona and no-one between you and the pool.

10 out of 10 for value – we’ll be heading back

All good, modern hotel, good facilities, free wi fi and mini bar were a nice touch. Staff very helpful and the hotel spotless at all times.

In terms of location, really depends what you are looking for. Not on the doorstep of the touristy bits, but close to the beach and 4 or 5 stops on the metro takes you towards the ramblas etc. The area surrounding the hotel is undergoing a lot of redevelopment and benefits from a number of restaurants/tapas bars that serve the local community rather than just tourists.

Would definately recomend as taking everything into account it represents good value for money.

I've got to say we absolutely loved this hotel and the district of Barcelona in which it's situated. It's close to the beach and the wide, pedestrianised walkway which leads to Port Olimpic and the attractions of Port Vell. It's also close to Tapas Bars and various other small eateries where you can get breakfast or an evening meal for a really resonable price. The hotel itself is very modern and clean with great rooms and lovely bathrooms. The double bed was large and very comfortable whilst the tv and mini bar were useful extras. The gym is small but has a good running machine, cross trainer and cycle machine. There is also a multi-gym machine and plenty of free weights. The swimming pool is small (on the roof) but there is a great view of the sea from the terrace where the pool is.

We found it better value to walk around the corner for breakfast where you could get a large coffee and pastry for €2 each. The hotel breakfast was €14 each!

The streets around the hotel are large and clean with pedestrian walkways right down the middle. We always felt safe.

We walked everywhere and could get to the port in less than 30 minutes. The bottom of the Ramblas is a similar distance and we even walked to the Sagrada Familia (45 mins away) and the Parc Guell (1 hr 15 mins away) in the same day!!!

We had a great experience at this hotel and we are thinking of going back next year to do it all again!!!

Helpful hints;
The hotel is new and not all taxi drivers know it's there and hence may take you to another of the Comfortel hotels. Take a Google map and print it out to show to the taxi driver.
Go to Kroyan for breakfast. Turn right out of the hotel, then take the first left and it's 100m on your left! You can sit inside or outside.
Take a guidebook with basic Catalan in, some of the menus are in Catalan only!
If Tapas Bars look full, don't worry. They often have more seating inside behind the main bar area. This is often less 'posh' than the main bar but the food is just as good. We found one of these and had a great time.
The food at Port Olimpic is good but expensive. Try Port Vell (see photo) for food at the same price but better quality.
Food on the Ramblas is normally pretty poor but try the Del Centre D'Art at the foot of the Ramblas. There is a terrace outside the Gallery which looks over the Ramblas. Great food and great views. (santamonica@restaurantesgamt.com). It's easy to find!
Also try Rita Blue just off the Ramblas. It's in a Gothic Square and the food is great. (info@ritablue.com)

Opened in March 2008. Located in the re-gentrifying neighborhood of Poble Nou, just north of central Barcelona. 4 blocks to Metro, 6 blocks to beach, 1 block to Ramblas Poble Nou, with many reasonably priced restaurants, cafes, bakeries. Family of 5 was able to have two, brand new, spacious, quiet rooms, for less than one of anything similar in central Barcelona. Roof-top pool, free computers with internet in lobby.