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Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Barcelona , Mallorca, 216 (Show on Map)

8.3

Very Good

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1 room2 guests 1 room, 2 guests

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Summary of reviewsHotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is highly praised for its exceptional location in the heart of Barcelona, offering guests convenient access to the city's top attractions, restaurants and shopping destinations. Notable landmarks such as Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and La Rambla are within walking distance with nearby public transport making further exploration easy.

The hotel's breakfast has received much positive feedback for its diverse and delicious offerings, including fresh products and personalized dishes. Although some guests felt that the variety could be improved and the breakfast room could be larger, the overall quality and service have been well received.

While the hotel lacks a full-scale restaurant, guests appreciate the cozy dining area and bar and numerous excellent dining options nearby. The on-site staff is often highlighted for their friendliness and professionalism, contributing to an accommodating and welcoming atmosphere.

The cleanliness of the hotel stands out remarkably with consistent high praise for the spotless condition of rooms and common areas, maintained by a diligent housekeeping team.

Rooms, though varied in size, are generally praised for their modern design, cleanliness and comfort. Some guests note that smaller rooms lack natural light and some amenities, but overall functionality is well-regarded. Soundproofing and minor issues with room features are occasional concerns.

The staff at Hotel Balmes receives significant accolades for their exceptional service, professionalism and attentiveness, making guests feel at home and enhancing their stay through excellent hospitality.

Regarding WiFi, while some guests find it satisfactory, the general consensus indicates a need for improvement in coverage and speed. The gym also receives mixed reviews with criticisms focused on its small size and limited equipment.

The pool, located in a serene garden setting, is appreciated for its charm despite being small and shaded for much of the day. It is well-maintained and adds to the relaxed atmosphere of the hotel.

Parking at the hotel is considered convenient yet challenging due to narrow spaces and high fees. Improved communication regarding parking availability and costs is suggested.

Families find Hotel Balmes welcoming with spacious family rooms and suitable amenities contributing to a comfortable stay. The hotel's dog-friendly policy and accessibility to public transport make it a popular choice for family visits to Barcelona.

In summary, Hotel Balmes excels in its prime location, exceptional cleanliness and stellar staff service, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both individual travelers and families.
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Categories

Luxury Hotel

Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability

Hotel for Honeymoon

Family Friendly Hotel

Romantic Hotel

Hotel near Nightlife Spots

Hotel with Swimming Pool

Outdoor Pool

Business Hotel

Hotel with Parking

Accessible Hotel

Hotel with Gym

4-Star Hotel

Hotel with Outdoor Pool

Room Types

Single Room This air-conditioned room features satellite TV and a private bathroom.

Family Room Set over two levels, this air-conditioned room features satellite TV and a private bathroom. There is a lounge area with a sofa-bed and some rooms have a private terrace. This room is set over two levels with stairs.

Superior Double or Twin Room Cozy double rooms of about 20 m2; some overlooking Mallorca street and other interior and quiet, ideal for an experience of comfort and relaxation.

Executive Double or Twin Room This stylish room offers a seating area and a full bathroom.

Executive Single Room This functional, modern single room is decorated with African art. It features a soundproofing, air conditioning and minibar.

Deluxe Double or Twin Room with private terrace This room comes with a private terrace, views over the hotel’s interior garden and swimming pool. This room comes with a private terrace with an outdoor bath.

Suite This suite features a living area, 2 flat-screen TVs and a private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers.

Apartment This air-conditioned apartment features a seating area with sofa and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The private bathroom has bath or shower, bathrobe and free toiletries.

About Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts

License: HB-003888

Guest Reviews

8.3

Very Good

Location

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, boasts an outstanding location in the heart of Barcelona. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's strategic positioning, which offers unparalleled access to the city's top attractions, restaurants and shopping destinations. Many notable landmarks, including Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and the bustling La Rambla, are within walking distance, making it an ideal base for exploring the city on foot.

Visitors appreciate the convenience of nearby public transport, such as metro stations and bus stops, facilitating easy exploration of more distant attractions, like Sagrada Família and Park Güell. The surrounding Eixample neighborhood is described as elegant, quiet and vibrant with an abundance of excellent dining options and charming bars.

The central location not only situates guests close to famous cultural and historic sites but also places them amidst Barcelona's lively atmosphere, characterized by delightful cafes and high-end shopping avenues like Passeig de Gracia.

Overall, the hotel's prime location is a recurring theme in guest reviews, often cited as a key highlight that enhances the overall experience and convenience for travelers visiting Barcelona.

Breakfast

Nestled in a prime location, Hotel Balmes offers a breakfast experience that has received varied feedback from its guests. On the positive side, many reviews have lauded the breakfast for its diverse options, delicious taste and high quality. Guests frequently mention enjoying a hearty, varied spread with both hot and cold dishes, which is always presented well. Fresh products and personalized touches like à la carte eggs or dishes prepared to one's taste add to the appeal. The enthusiastic and accommodating breakfast staff have also received high praise, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Moreover, many guests find the breakfast spectacular with some highlighting specific delights like delicious pancakes and traditional Catalan offerings such as jamón ibérico and pan y tomate. The presence of gluten-free options is noted, although plant-based choices are limited.

However, some reviews point out that while the quality is good, the variety could be improved. Several guests felt that the breakfast selection was somewhat limited for a four-star hotel with some finding it expensive compared to local cafes. There are also mentions of the breakfast room being too small and occasionally experiencing service delays.

Despite these critiques, the breakfast at Hotel Balmes generally provides a pleasant start to the day, characterized by good quality and a range of enjoyable dishes, making it a worthwhile consideration for visitors.

Dinner

Hotel Balmes, part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is beautifully located in the heart of Barcelona, surrounded by many good restaurants just around the corner. Guests have praised the hotel's prime location for its proximity to excellent dining options, describing it as great and near all kinds of restaurants. The service provided is noted as extremely good and the hotel's decor is lovely, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Although the hotel does not have a full-scale restaurant, which some consider abnormal for a four-star establishment, there is a cozy dining area and a great bar available on-site. However, guests have mentioned that the bar and restaurant tend to close earlier than announced and the bar was barely open for a drink upon arrival.

For those seeking dining options nearby, a highly recommended restaurant, O'livia, is noted as one of the best gastronomic offers in the city. Additionally, the cafe next to the hotel serves food and ensures guests have adequate dinner options close by. Despite the absence of an evening meal service within the hotel, its central location and the array of surrounding dining establishments make it a convenient choice for anyone visiting Barcelona.

Rooms

Guests of Hotel Balmes in Barcelona have varied opinions about the rooms, though there are several consistent highlights. Many visitors appreciated the spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms, especially in the larger family apartments and executive suites. The decor is often praised for its modern touches and interesting design, including unique artifacts and detailed decorations. Some rooms offer pleasant views of the garden or pool and amenities like mini-fridges and well-equipped bathrooms add to the comfort.

However, a common critique is the smaller size of many rooms, particularly the single and double rooms, which some felt were tight and lacked sufficient natural light. Despite this, the beds are generally noted as comfortable and the overall functionality of the rooms is well-regarded. Cleanliness receives high marks across the board with many guests noting how the rooms were tidied and cleaned on a daily basis.

Soundproofing appears to be a concern for some with several guests noting noise from neighboring rooms or the street. The lack of certain amenities, such as coffee makers and kettles, also drew some mild criticism. Nonetheless, the staff's attentiveness and the hotel's central location contribute positively to the overall experience, making it a popular choice for both short stays and family visits in Barcelona.

Beds

Reviews of Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, present a varied picture when it comes to the quality of the beds. On the positive side, guests frequently praise the comfort of the beds and pillows, describing them as very comfortable, super comfortable and in some cases, luxurious with excellent quality bedding. The mattresses and pillows receive high marks, often being referred to as perfect with some guests highlighting the bedding as divine and likening the pillows to little clouds.

However, some guests report issues with the beds, noting instances of beds being too noisy or creaking with every movement. Several reviews mention that beds, particularly in family rooms, can be small or narrow, creating discomfort for certain guests. Other reviews pointed out that while the mattresses themselves are comfortable, the bed frames are not always stable. Additionally, a few guests found the beds to be worn out or too soft.

Cleanliness is highlighted as a strong point with many comments emphasizing that the bedsheets and overall bedding are clean and well-maintained. Despite some negative feedback regarding bed size and stability, the general sentiment leans towards the beds being quite comfortable, making them a noteworthy feature in the overall lodging experience at Hotel Balmes.

Cleanliness

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, has garnered an impressive reputation for its exceptional cleanliness standards, frequently described as "super clean" and "spotlessly clean" by guests. Visitors consistently highlight the meticulous attention to detail throughout the hotel, from the immaculate rooms to the impeccable bathrooms and well-maintained facilities. The housekeeping staff receives widespread praise for their thoroughness and professionalism, ensuring that rooms are cleaned daily and kept in pristine condition.

Guests appreciate the clean and comfortable environment, which extends to the common areas and overall structure of the hotel. The rooms are not only clean but also described as comfortable, warm and cozy, often featuring modern and well-equipped amenities. Many reviews point to the spotless nature of both the accommodations and the public areas with some even noting the luxurious feel maintained by regular cleaning and attention to small details.

While most comments are overwhelmingly positive, a few guests mentioned issues such as dust in hard-to-reach places or minor problems with amenities like air conditioning. However, these instances are rare and do not overshadow the general consensus of exceptional cleanliness and a welcoming atmosphere.

In summary, Hotel Balmes stands out for its remarkable cleanliness, providing a comfortable and hygienic stay for its guests, thanks to an attentive and diligent housekeeping team.

Staff

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is highly regarded for its exceptional staff. Guests have consistently praised the hotel for its friendly, welcoming and helpful staff. Receptionists, housekeepers, bell boys and breakfast staff all contribute to a warm and accommodating atmosphere. The staff's professionalism and attentiveness are frequently highlighted with many guests noting how the team goes above and beyond to make their stay comfortable.

The reception staff, in particular, receive commendation for their attentiveness and efficiency, operating 24/7 to meet guests' needs. Even housekeeping staff are appreciated for their efficiency and pleasant demeanor, ensuring clean and orderly rooms. The staff’s ability to speak English fluently has also been a significant advantage for many guests.

Furthermore, the staff's kindness and friendliness create a welcoming environment that makes guests feel at home. Whether it's providing tips and recommendations or quickly responding to any issues, the team's service-oriented approach leaves a positive impression. Overall, the hotel’s staff is a significant asset, frequently described as amazing, exceptional and superb, contributing to an outstanding hospitality experience.

Wi-Fi

While staying at Hotel Balmes, guests had mixed experiences with the WiFi service. Some found the WiFi to be good and even excellent on occasions, appreciating the free access provided. However, the majority of reviews indicated that the WiFi quality could significantly improve. Issues reported include poor coverage, unstable connections and slow speeds, particularly in the guest rooms. Some guests faced difficulties connecting and found the service to be inconsistent, sometimes needing to resort to using an internet café. The business center also lacked professional-grade WiFi, which might be a concern for business travelers requiring reliable internet access. Overall, while there are sporadic positive remarks, the consensus suggests that Hotel Balmes needs to enhance its WiFi service to meet guest expectations better.

Gym

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, features a gym that has received mixed feedback from guests. Many visitors have noted that the gym is small and lacks sufficient equipment with incomplete sets of free weights and just a few machines like an exercise bike and an elliptical. Some guests found the gym too tiny to accommodate yoga practice and inconvenient due to the absence of air conditioning. Despite these drawbacks, the hotel does offer a gym along with a pool area and sauna, which some guests appreciated. However, the overall sentiment suggests that the fitness center could benefit from more weight equipment and better amenities to meet the expectations set by its advertising.

Pool

The pool at Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, receives mixed reviews from guests, but it is generally appreciated for its peaceful and charming ambiance. Located in a private, quiet garden setting, the pool area serves as a nice little oasis amidst the bustling city. Guests frequently highlight the attractiveness of the garden and surrounding vegetation, which add to the relaxing atmosphere.

The pool itself is consistently described as small with many reviewers noting its limited capacity, suggesting it can only accommodate a few people comfortably. Some guests mention that the pool is in the shade for much of the day, keeping the water cooler than expected. While the pool is not heated and can be quite cold, it is considered clean and well-maintained by many visitors.

Despite its size, many find the pool area lovely, cozy and sufficient for a quick and refreshing swim. The presence of a pool bar and complimentary water adds to the convenience, although a few guests noticed the lack of atmosphere around the bar and scarcity of sun loungers.

Overall, the hotel pool is not the primary attraction for a lengthy lounging experience but is regarded as a nice feature that complements the excellent location, clean facilities and helpful staff of Hotel Balmes. For those looking to take a brief dip in a serene outdoor setting, the pool is an appreciated amenity.

Parking

Hotel Balmes, affiliated with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers parking facilities that receive mixed feedback from its guests. On a positive note, the hotel ensures that parking is available, providing a sense of safety for guests' vehicles, though it often requires an additional fee. The presence of a parking garage across the street and other private parking areas nearby adds to the convenience.

However, some visitors mention that the parking spaces are narrow and the garage is challenging to navigate with difficulties entering and exiting. The hotel's parking can occasionally be full and this lack of availability, alongside the high parking fees, detracts from the overall experience. Guests also mention unclear instructions and information regarding parking, highlighting a need for better communication about parking space limitations and associated costs. Despite these challenges, the parking is generally perceived as secure, making it a worthwhile consideration for those traveling by car.

Family

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers a welcoming environment for families visiting Barcelona. The spacious and well-laid-out family rooms are a standout feature, providing ample space and comfort for families of all sizes, whether traveling with teenagers or young children. Many families appreciated the large family suites and family apartments, noting their suitability for up to four people and the pleasant atmosphere throughout the hotel.

The hotel's location is praised for being ideal and accessible to public transport, making it convenient for exploring the city. Family-friendly amenities such as an indoor pool, which kids particularly enjoyed, add to the appeal. The accommodation also caters to additional needs with dog-friendly policies and accommodating extra requests, further enhancing the family-oriented experience.

While the overall experience is positive, the reviews also hinted at some drawbacks. Noise from children and the lack of privacy between terraces in some family rooms were mentioned. Additionally, vibrations from the subway affected some family rooms and there were comments about needing better in-room tea and coffee facilities. Despite these minor issues, Hotel Balmes remains a strong choice for a family stay, combining comfort, convenience and a kid-friendly environment.

Nightlife

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is perfectly positioned for those seeking vibrant nightlife and culinary experiences. Nestled in a pleasant neighborhood, the hotel is within walking distance to numerous bars and high-quality restaurants, making it a prime spot for evening entertainment. Notable nearby areas include Enric Granados street, famed for its diverse dining and drinking options and the bustling areas near La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter and the iconic Gaudí buildings.

Guests appreciate the hotel's fantastic location, which offers easy access to a plethora of nightlife attractions. Whether one desires a quiet café or a lively bar, the vicinity provides a broad spectrum of choices. The central and safe location ensures that all these amenities are conveniently reachable.

While the hotel itself boasts spacious rooms and services, some guests have noted issues such as the lack of windows in certain rooms and occasional noise disturbances from the street or adjacent rooms. Additionally, the hotel's bar has received mixed reviews regarding its weekend availability and pricing.

Overall, guests have found the hotel's central location and proximity to a vibrant nightlife scene to be significant highlights, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the local culture and enjoy various leisure activities.

4 Star

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, has received mixed reviews regarding its four-star rating, facilities and services. Guests often mention that the hotel offers good value for money with nice, clean rooms and a staff providing excellent service at a reasonable price. However, several guests argue that the overall quality does not align with the expectations of a four-star hotel.

Main concerns include small swimming pool size, lack of free bottled water and basic room amenities, which some consider not up to par for a four-star establishment. Additionally, a few rooms lack windows and some customers have experienced confusion with reservations due to unqualified reception staff.

The price-quality ratio is a point of contention for guests with some feeling that the rates, particularly for no-breakfast stays, are high for the provided standards. Background subway noise and the absence of significant views also detract from the overall experience for some visitors.

In summary, Hotel Balmes garners praise for its clean rooms and attentive service but faces criticism regarding its four-star classification and the adequacy of its amenities and services for that rating.

Business

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, receives commendations for its suitability for business travelers. Guests repeatedly highlight the excellent customer service and professional, helpful staff, which contribute to a positive experience during business trips. The hotel's executive single rooms and convenient workspace make it an ideal choice for those traveling on business.

The hotel is known for its great value for money and decent pricing, offering good business facilities and a range of services tailored for business needs. While the small workspace in some areas is noted, the conveniences provided generally outweigh this minor inconvenience.

The hotel's location is frequently praised as excellent and convenient for business travelers, facilitating ease of access to key areas. Additionally, the amenities, including a pool and gym, contribute to an overall pleasant stay.

However, some guests did mention an issue with the lack of power outlets in the lounge/cafe area with only the front area near the pool offering access, which could be uncomfortable for extended work periods.

Overall, Hotel Balmes is viewed as a business-friendly hotel, ideal for short stays and is regarded as a beautiful and well-maintained establishment perfect for those on business trips.

Accessible

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, has received mixed feedback regarding its accessibility for guests with disabilities. Positively, it offers accessible rooms and easy access to metro lines, making it convenient for travelers. The ground floor access and rooms overlooking the pool provide easy access without the need for stairs. The hotel is centrally located, close to restaurants and shops and it's consistently praised for its cleanliness with rooms that are very clean, air-conditioned and well-lit.

However, there are several accessibility challenges noted. The hotel lacks wheelchair ramps and grab bars in the bathrooms, making it difficult for guests who use wheelchairs to move around comfortably. The elevators are somewhat tight, limiting accessibility for walkers or wheelchairs and disabled parking space availability can be an issue.

While the establishment is cost-effective and features an attentive receptionist, the accessibility shortcomings, such as no tea and coffee making facilities and accessibility issues in the bathrooms, can be inconvenient for some guests. Despite these challenges, the well-thought-out interior, comfortable beds and varied breakfast options contribute to an overall pleasant stay.

Outdoor Pool

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers an outdoor pool that garners mixed reviews from its guests. Many visitors appreciate the pool's serene and cozy ambiance, noting that it provides a lovely respite after a day under the sun. The pleasant garden setting with trees surrounding the pool, adds to the peaceful atmosphere, making it an inviting place to relax.

However, numerous guests highlight the pool's small size, mentioning that it may appear larger on the hotel's website. Despite its limited dimensions, some find it useful and great for a refreshing dip in the center of the city. Others enjoy the private terrace pools available with some rooms, which enhance the overall experience.

Positive mentions include the terrific poolside bar and food and the general niceness of the pool area itself. There's appreciation for the delightful and nicely maintained garden, which contributes to the pool's charm.

In sum, while the pool at Hotel Balmes gets praised for its lovely setting and usefulness, expectations should be managed regarding its size.

Honeymoon

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, stands out as an ideal destination for honeymooners. This lovely hotel boasts a prime location near a quaint park, adding a serene backdrop to the stay. Guests appreciate the modern touches of the newly decorated rooms, enhancing their overall experience. The luxurious ambiance is further elevated by private terraces and the pleasure of sitting by the pool, creating perfect moments of relaxation. Additionally, amenities such as the sauna contribute to the hotel's appeal as a romantic retreat.

Romantic

Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, consistently provides a charming and romantic ambiance, making it an ideal choice for couples. The hotel boasts a lovely art collection and offers cozy, well-equipped rooms with a courtyard view that enhance its intimate atmosphere. Guests often appreciate the commercial gesture of a bottle of champagne upon arrival, adding a special touch to their romantic getaway.

The inner African museum and artist rooms deliver unique visual appeal, while the beautifully designed rooms and great bathrooms, complete with bathrobes, contribute to a luxurious experience. The hotel's small but romantic pool, together with the sauna, creates the perfect intimate setting for relaxation.

Despite its modest size, the hotel has a cozy and quiet environment that is highly conducive to a romantic stay. Conveniently located, it provides easy access to cozy restaurants every 100 meters and a great bar, ensuring guests have everything they need close by. Overall, the romantic feel and thoughtful amenities make Hotel Balmes an excellent choice for couples looking to escape and enjoy quality time together in a serene setting.

Yes, Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

No, Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

Yes, Hotel Balmes, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts has a gym.

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