Detailed review by LJGIsrael
I just got back from a 3 night stay at the Hotel Torre Catalunya in Barcelona. It is an excellent hotel and I really want to thank them for the treatment we got. I initially found the hotel using tripadvisor. A few months ago I spent a week at the hotel with my wife. When we got there, they offered us an upgrade to an executive room, on the 21st for a relatively low additional price so we took it. The view was beautiful, the room was large, the bed was wonderful and the bathroom was really nice with a large tub and a great shower. It was really a pleasure and worth every penny we added.
We had arrived very early in the morning so we left our baggage with a porter in the lobby along with a jacket that I had been wearing. While we were out for the day they put our things in the room we originally reserved. It was when we returned in the evening that we decided to move to a nicer room on the higher floor, so they brought us our baggage from the first room to the room we actually occupied. I did not notice that when they brought the bags they neglected to bring the jacket. The next day when I needed the jacket I realized what had happened. I started asking about the jacket and the staff there started a search but they could not find it anywhere. I asked every day and got updates about the search but no jacket. When we left the hotel (on the weekend) no one at reception could do anything for us as far as compensation for the jacket but they promised us that they would not forget about it and they would be in contact with me via email.
Well, I am glad to say that they really did act responsibly. They initiated e-mail contact with me and after a little bit of negotiation they offered me a weekend stay (2 nights and 3 days) in a suite, with breakfast, for free, in way of compensation. Of course I would have to cover my own transportation costs so I decided that if I were already going back I would add another night at my own expense. They gave me a very good price on the suite for that third night. Not only that but we took our eldest daughter with us since we knew there would be plenty of space in the suite. She too got the free breakfast. I really want to congratulate the hotel for what they did. Not only did they live up to their responsibility but they did it willingly and with a smile. They went out of their way to make sure that we were comfortable. They gave us a corner suite on a high floor so the bedroom had windows in two directions. Two entire walls are glass so the panorama is breath taking.
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about the hotel. The staff is friendly and helpful. Everyone I dealt with from reception, to porters, bar and restaurant staff all spoke English well. Good communication and treatment go a long way to making a stay pleasant. The hotel is clean, modern and conveniently situated opposite a central rail hub (SANTS ESTACIO) with several out of town train lines as well as 2 metro lines within Barcelona. The train from the airport (EL PRAT) has a stop here so it is an easy and fairly quick shuttle between the airport and the station. From the station there is no need for a taxi just cross the square to the hotel.
I have seen 2 rooms and both were large, well appointed, very clean, with very good beds and large bathrooms. The water was hot and the towels clean. What more could you ask for? Well, a view?! The hotel is 23 floors high (one of the highest buildings in Barcelona) the views were great. We had rooms on the 21st and 16th floors. Both had panoramic views.
There is a restaurant on the top floor. We only had breakfast there and it was great. A wide selection of food to choose from: eggs, bacon, ham, salmon, fresh fruit and juices, cereals, Danish, and breads. Really, you can feast for breakfast with a panoramic view of the city. It was a really nice way to start the day.
The access to anywhere in the city is fairly fast and convenient using the metro across the square from the hotel. The metro has the final run shortly after midnight so if you want to party into the night you will have to find another way to get back to the hotels. Of course taxis are available. We did not need them.
Overall I highly recommend the hotel. They deserve the recommendation first of all for the service they provide. Secondly, how often do you deal with people that after a mistake is made they are fair and forthcoming. Inviting us back for a weekend in a suite with the wonderful breakfast was appreciated by me. Moreover they deserve credit for what they did and that is why I have taken the time to write this. I am sure you will enjoy your stay in Barcelona if you stay at the Hotel Torre Catalunya.
Gran Torre Catalunya9
