SLS Barcelona

Ok first the good parts - the rooms are lovely. We had an apartment and it was spacious and really nice. The pool is also nice but extremely busy and lots of subbed hogging even though they say this isn’t allowed. Now for the downside - it’s way, way, way out of town. Way past Port Olympic so basically in a very industrial area. It’s down, down town in Port Forvm. Nowhere to walk to, not near any good beaches and you have to metro everywhere. The second downside are the staff who are pretty rude. They basically just ignore you when you’re waiting at the bar or reception. Very dismissive. Thirdly, it’s a party hotel. The lobby is full of young people sleeping after big nights out while waiting for their flight. We’ve all been there, but up to ten people crashed out and charging phones makes the lobby look like a bus shelter. Not very five star. It is also super noisy. There are many nightclubs nearly and the bass pumps all night. It’s just not family friendly and I’m not sure you can get away from it. The breakfast is varied but standard buffet fare that you’d get on a package holiday. Nothing to make it stand out as 5 star. The attention to detail is also not very five star. Our room was an apartment and we wanted to be able to eat lunch there instead of eating out but there were no plates, cutlery or anything to wash up with. It’s really a party hotel for young people who don’t mind noise and are used to rude staff in expensive venues. Not great for families at all. We almost booked the Hoxton at Poblenou or the Eurostars grand marina. Both of which we have stayed at before and are better all around.

Check-In waiting is too long, seems like they are understaffed. Paid for the room as you do when checking in. Next day lost room key on the way to pick up food from a delivery and when asking reception staff for another key they refused and advised I had not paid. Advised them I paid otherwise how did i check in, advised them to check their cameras. Initially a lady called Ilham refused, then Anna who is the front of house supervisor made me wait. I told them to give me a Key while they resolved their issues but made me feel like all this was my fault when in fact it was theirs and I got penalised for it. The worst thing was they were rude and when I asked for their names, Anna said in her owns words (I am the front of house supervisor anyway so do what you want), as i took their names to leave a review. Their incompetence ensured my food got cold, I missed 1 half of the Wolrd Cup Final and no apology to go with it, I just got fobbed off. My 48 hours in Barcelona ruined because of the bad attitude of the hotel staff. My first and last stay here or at any SLS branded hotel.

My stay at SLS Barcelona looked five-star in the photos and felt two-star in practice. Laundry: I handed in a small laundry order expecting a fast turnaround comparable to the express service they advertise. It came back over 24 hours later, and incomplete. Three pairs of my underwear were missing entirely, and I spent days chasing them. Room extension chaos: I extended my stay by one night and informed the hotel by email. The next morning housekeeping still knocked twice and I was rushed down to the front desk. There, I found a huge queue with only two receptionists working, two check-in desks empty, and around six staff members standing nearby watching instead of helping. Spa: The spa featured in the hotel’s marketing turned out to cost extra, which nobody mentioned upfront. I was told it closes at 7 pm. When I arrived at 6 pm the next day, ready to pay 40 euros for the 90-minute package just to enjoy one hour, I was told last entry was at 5 pm and turned away. I missed the spa entirely. Room service: The phone in my room didn’t work, so I couldn’t order room service at all. When I tried to order Uber Eats instead, reception refused to accept the delivery. Gorgeous property, but the operations are a mess at every level. For these prices, this is not acceptable.

Stunning hotel and great service. Team is very friendly and attentive. From the pre arrival experience until checkout everyone did an amazing job and we felt very special

There are many excellent hotels in Barcelona, but SLS Barcelona has something that keeps bringing me back. From the moment I arrive, everything feels effortless. Having convenient on-site parking is a real advantage, and the welcome is always outstanding. The reception team is warm, efficient and genuinely kind. Being recognised as a returning guest and even greeted in French made me feel immediately at home. This time, I had the wonderful surprise of being upgraded to one of my favourite rooms from my previous winter stays. Walking into the room and finding a personalised welcome card with my name alongside a beautiful fruit platter was such a thoughtful gesture. It’s these little details that transform an excellent hotel into a truly memorable one. The rooms are, in my opinion, among the most comfortable in Barcelona. The beds are exceptional, and the interior design is elegant, calming and beautifully balanced. Every detail has clearly been carefully considered to create a peaceful and luxurious atmosphere. Room service was flawless throughout my stay. A special mention goes to the vegan burger, which was absolutely delicious and honestly one of the best I’ve ever had in a hotel. It’s wonderful to see a luxury property offering such a high-quality plant-based option with the same care and attention as the rest of the menu. This was also my first summer stay after visiting several times during the winter. The main infinity pool overlooking the marina is beautiful, with the perfect water temperature and a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. The rooftop pool offers a completely different experience, with its stylish setting, cocktails and DJ creating the perfect place to relax with a drink while enjoying the view. What truly makes SLS Barcelona special, however, is its people. Every member of the team consistently makes me feel genuinely welcome. After several stays, this hotel has become a place where I simply feel at home. I know the atmosphere, I know my way around, and I honestly struggle to imagine staying anywhere else when I visit Barcelona. Some travellers mention that the hotel is slightly outside the city centre. Personally, I see this as one of its greatest strengths. Being by the sea means fresher air, cooler temperatures during the summer and a much more relaxing environment, while remaining only a short ride from the heart of Barcelona. Thank you once again to the entire team for another unforgettable stay. More than a beautiful hotel, you have created a place where guests feel recognised, valued and genuinely welcome. That is rare, and it is the reason I keep coming back. See you again very soon!