ABaC Barcelona

We had not read and absorbed the instructions for finding the entrance to the hotel’s garage. We had problems but we preserved and finally got to the garage (with the receptionist, Maria’s help). When she left for the day, our check in was handled by another receptionist. It was the most elaborate and unpleasant check in of our traveling history. The new receptionist and one of the young men from the kitchen helped us with our luggage but explained nothing about how the lights or the air conditioning worked. We figured out the lights but never got the air conditioning to work so that it was comfortable for us. It was either too cold or too hot. It did not maintain a temperature at a set point that we wanted. Another problem was with the draperies. They did not close so the light sneaking in was annoying. The space of the suite was very good and comfortable, with its salon and separate bedroom. The suite had a terrace that was over a noisy road but we did not hear it with the double-paned glass. The bathroom was large enough but only had one sink that really did not work for two people to use at the same time. It also had faucets that were difficult to use. The suite had been personalized and had a desk that Dimitri used no table was brought for Audre’s laptop. Audre found a table on our terrace that she used. We were brought a 3-Michelin star fruit salad that we ate with the crudités and hommos that Audre had prepared for a picnic (that we did not have on the road—no nice area). We showered before our dinner at the 3-star restaurant. The showerhead was calcified and needed cleaning. Breakfast on the terrace was pleasant. We both ordered the eggs Benedict that was prepared in a creative (and non-traditional way). We had lunch in a café near the hotel and then had a successful subway ride to the Barcelona Armani Emporium where Dimitri found an at home outfit that he bought. (Buying the subway ticket required help from a station worker.) Then we took a bus back to the hotel for sightseeing (we used the multi-ride bus pass that we bought with the help of the station worker). Our second night’s dinner was Thai at Thai Bistro in our neighborhood. It was edible.

I stayed at this hotel several times because my first visit left a great impression—it felt like a peaceful private villa. Unfortunately, every return visit has been more disappointing. The biggest issue is the service. The reception staff are indifferent, unhelpful, and make you feel neither appreciated nor valued, even as a returning guest. I repeatedly asked why the cold plunge wasn’t working, but the only answer I received was, “Maybe tomorrow.” That’s simply not acceptable. The rooms are outdated, and the old doors are extremely noisy. Despite decent window insulation, you constantly hear doors scraping and slamming, making it difficult to sleep. The location is also quite inconvenient. The breakfast is poor and does not meet the standards of a 5 star hotel in this price range. The only real highlight is the restaurant. The food is excellent, and both the chef and the waiters are professional and welcoming. Sadly, good food cannot make up for poor service and an overall lack of care for guests. I would not recommend staying here.

We have stayed at this hotel every year for the past three years because we come here for a tennis tournament. I accidentally booked one night for the wrong date. I fully acknowledge that the mistake was mine, and I wasn’t asking for a refund. When we arrived, I explained the situation and asked whether the unused night could simply be applied to our upcoming stay, as we were booking two additional rooms for three nights each. Despite asking the management several times, they showed absolutely no flexibility or willingness to help. What disappointed us most was not the money, but the complete lack of appreciation for loyal returning guests. To be honest, the hotel is not in the most convenient location, and the rooms are now quite outdated and in need of renovation. The only reason we kept coming back was because of the excellent cold and hot recovery pools after our tennis matches. Unfortunately, after the way we were treated, we will never stay here again, and I cannot recommend this hotel to others.

I’ve stayed at this hotel twice in 13 years. I have to start by Saying the rooms look the same, which is not a good thing they need updating. The hotel is now showing signs of wear especially in the rooms. The housekeeping, is wonderful!!!! They do an amazing job, keeping it sparkling and they really customize my stay with my requests! . They have a blow dryer from the 1950s that you actually have to hold down to use which is shocking for a five star hotel. now onto the good things the staff is wonderful. They are so kind. I only had one issue with one girl. I don’t know her name she was Young worked in the morning for breakfast. She needs much more training for this five star Industry. She gives me a cappuccino with no sugar or a spoon you don’t put salt and pepper on the table I have to ask . 20 minutes just for water. I dined in the restaurant most things are very good a few so so . He’s a wonderful chef. But I think it’s time to get some new ideas. The spa is nice loved the pool! Great for laps in the am ! The steam room was a little weak definitely not as hot as most. But the front desk staff is really fabulous. The ladies are amazing. I think in order for me to come back there will have to update the rooms. The air conditioning panel fell off a few times during my stay! lol ! The hotel is small enough where it should be easy to maintain.

The hotel may look great on the surface, but the service was absolutely terrible. From start to finish, the staff seemed indifferent and unhelpful — everything about the experience felt like they simply didn’t care if guests ever returned. I definitely won’t.