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Summary of reviewsHotel Barcelona Universal receives high praise for its exceptional location and connectivity, conveniently situated near the Paral-lel metro station. This prime spot allows seamless access to key attractions such as La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic and the waterfront, making it an ideal choice for tourists and business travelers alike. The vibrant surrounding area, filled with restaurants, bars and theaters, enhances the overall visitor experience, though the hotel manages to maintain a relatively quiet environment.
The hotel excels in cleanliness and modern facilities with well-maintained rooms and amenities, including a rooftop terrace with stunning city views and a relaxing atmosphere. The rooms are frequently praised for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness, although some guests pointed out the need for renovations and better soundproofing. The professional and friendly staff also contribute significantly to positive experiences, consistently offering attentive and warm service.
Breakfast at the hotel stands out for its delicious, fresh offerings, extensive variety and quality, despite some guests finding it repetitive over extended stays. Dinner, however, receives mixed reviews with some guests enjoying their meals and the restaurant staff's exceptional service, while others found the menu limited and in need of improvement.
The Wi-Fi service generally meets guest expectations, providing good speed and coverage, although some experienced inconsistencies. The gym and rooftop pool, while appreciated for their convenience and views, received mixed feedback due to their small size and limited equipment availability. The pool is particularly enjoyed during warmer months, despite being unheated and sometimes closed for maintenance.
Parking at Hotel Barcelona Universal is described as limited and costly with the narrow underground garage proving challenging for larger vehicles. Alternative, more affordable parking options nearby are suggested for guests. The nearby golf courses did not meet guest expectations, often cited as poorly maintained and managed.
The hotel's proximity to a lively nightlife scene is both a highlight and a source of potential noise disruption, particularly for rooms facing the street. Despite this, the rooftop bar offers a pleasant spot for late-night relaxation with city views.
In summary, Hotel Barcelona Universal is highly recommended for its strategic location, cleanliness, comfortable rooms and outstanding staff service. While some aspects like dinner options, gym facilities and parking have room for improvement, the overall guest experience remains very positive, making it a top choice for visitors to Barcelona. Show more
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Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel Barcelona Universal is Biosphere certified and committed to minimizing its ecological impact. They promote energy efficiency, have a waste management program, use magnetic cards for lighting, and are updating heating and air conditioning for better efficiency.
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Located near Paral.lel Avenue, this hotel offers a rooftop pool with city views. It provides modern accommodations and a convenient location for exploring Barcelona.
Rooftop Pool Panoramic View Pool Outdoor Pool
4-Star Hotel
Located on Avenida Paral·lel, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations and a rooftop terrace with city views. It is close to many attractions and public transport.
Hotel with Panoramic View Pool
The Hotel Barcelona Universal features a rooftop pool with panoramic city views. Its convenient location near Avenida Paral·lel makes it easy to explore Barcelona's attractions.
Hotel with Rooftop Pool
Features a rooftop pool with panoramic city views. The hotel offers a comfortable and relaxing environment with easy access to Barcelona's attractions. Guests can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the rooftop terrace.
Luxury Hotel
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
Room Types
Standard Double or Twin RoomThis spacious, air-conditioned room includes free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen satellite TV and a mini bar. The private bathroom with bath tub includes free toiletries.
This room has views over an inner patio.
Triple RoomThis spacious, air-conditioned room features 3 single beds, or 1 double and 1 single bed. It includes free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen satellite TV and a mini bar. The private bathroom with bath tub includes free toiletries.
Superior Double or Twin RoomThis spacious and sunny room offers views over Avenida del Paralelo Boulevard. It comes with a king bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom complete with a bath and hairdryer. There is a minibar, a flat-screen TV and free WiFi available.
Privilege Double or Twin RoomLocated on the hotel’s highest floors, this spacious and sunny room offers panoramic views over Barcelona city. It comes with 1 extra-large double bed or 2 single beds and a bathroom complete with a bath and hairdryer. There is a minibar, a flat-screen TV and free WiFi available throughout.
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Hotel Barcelona Universal boasts a truly enviable location, drawing high praise from guests who appreciate its exceptional convenience and connectivity. Situated right by the Paral-lel metro station, this hotel offers seamless access to the city’s main attractions. Visitors highlighted its proximity to iconic spots like La Rambla, the Gothic Quarter, the waterfront and Montjuic, all within walking distance or a short metro ride. The ease of access to public transportation, including the subway and buses right at the doorstep, makes exploring Barcelona hassle-free.
Guests also noted the vibrant surrounding area, which is brimming with restaurants, bars and theaters. For those in town for business, the hotel’s close proximity to congress locations and prime transport links offers added convenience. Despite its central location, visitors found the area sufficiently quiet, enabling a restful stay.
The hotel is not only about location; it also scores well on cleanliness and modern facilities. Guests enjoyed the well-maintained rooms, the friendly staff and amenities like the rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city. The strategic location, combined with excellent services and facilities, makes Hotel Barcelona Universal a top choice for tourists eager to immerse themselves in the heart of Barcelona while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a centrally located hotel.
Breakfast
Guests have consistently praised the breakfast at Hotel Barcelona Universal, noting its delicious and fresh offerings. The breakfast buffet stands out for its extensive variety and quality, catering to a range of preferences with both hot and cold selections, pastries, fresh juices and even champagne. The breakfast area is clean and stylish, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. Some guests highlighted the freshness and appeal of the food, describing breakfasts as copious, hearty and full of options including vegetables, hot dishes and freshly cut fruit.
However, a few reviewers mentioned that while the breakfast is very good, it can become repetitive for extended stays. Some felt that the variety didn't fully meet their expectations, noting limited options that repeated daily. Despite these minor critiques, the overall sentiment is highly positive with many guests deeming the breakfast perfect, wonderful and exceptional. The friendly and attentive staff also contributed to the favorable impressions.
In summary, the breakfast at Hotel Barcelona Universal is largely seen as a highlight of the stay, offering a generous, varied and delicious start to the day in a pleasant setting.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Hotel Barcelona Universal has received mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many found the breakfast and dinner to be delicious with tasty meals and satisfying portions. Guests appreciated the good choices, fresh ingredients and well-organized half-board meal plans. The restaurant staff also received high praise, often being described as exceptional. Some diners enjoyed their meals greatly and noted the presence of a nice rooftop bar for a pleasant evening drink.
However, there were notable criticisms regarding the variety and quality of the dinner options. A significant number of guests found the dinner menu to be limited, repetitive and in need of improvement. Some described the dinner offerings as below the standard expected of a 4-star hotel with instances of tough meat and dried-out fish being mentioned. The buffet-style dinner disappointed several guests, who felt the options were fewer compared to breakfast and sometimes of lower quality. Additionally, the restaurant’s early closing time of 10pm was inconvenient for some visitors.
Overall, while there are commendable aspects of the dinner at Hotel Barcelona Universal, there seems to be a consensus that more variety and improved quality would significantly enhance the dining experience. Several nearby dining options provide good alternatives for guests seeking a more satisfying meal.
Rooms
At Hotel Barcelona Universal, guests frequently commend the clean, spacious and comfortable rooms. Many visitors appreciate the large room sizes and modern amenities, finding their stays relaxing and enjoyable. The beds often garnet praise for their remarkable comfort and room cleanliness is consistently highlighted with regular housekeeping ensuring fresh linens and tidy spaces.
Numerous rooms offer pleasant views of the city, accentuated by descriptive notes on the brightness and modernity of the facilities. The spacious bathrooms also contribute to the overall positive experience with many guests commenting on their excellent condition and functionality.
Despite the praise, some aspects fall short, primarily due to a need for room renovations and better soundproofing. Several guests mention the rooms looking slightly dated and some report issues with noise, particularly those facing busy streets. Concerns were also raised about certain rooms lacking windows or having insufficient natural light, which can make the space feel a bit claustrophobic.
Nevertheless, the overwhelmingly positive aspects, such as the professional and friendly staff and the consistently high standards of cleanliness, make this hotel a solid choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience in Barcelona.
Beds
Hotel Barcelona Universal receives high praise for its beds with numerous guests commenting on their comfort. Many reviews highlight the beds as "very comfortable," "super comfy," and "spacious," which seems to be a consistent theme across the board. Multiple mentions indicate the availability of large beds, including king-size and queen-size options, which guests found very cozy and of great quality.
However, some guests noted that the "double" beds are often composed of two single beds pushed together, which can sometimes separate with movement, causing discomfort. Despite these occasional issues, the overall sentiment suggests that most visitors enjoyed restful nights on the hotel's beds with several guests describing them as exceptionally comfortable and consistently good throughout the night. Quality bedding and daily linen changes also add to the appeal, enhancing the comfort levels during the stay.
Though there are a few mentions of beds being saggy, hard or not quite meeting expectations, the majority of feedback points towards a positive experience with some guests even stating that the beds and pillows were among the best they've encountered in hotels.
Cleanliness
Hotel Barcelona Universal consistently receives high marks for cleanliness in guest reviews. The hotel is described as very clean, well-maintained and spotless. Rooms are noted for being cleaned daily and kept in pristine condition. Housekeeping staff is both attentive and professional, ensuring that every room is super comfortable and well-kept. Facilities are frequently mentioned as immaculate, tidy and up-to-date. Guests appreciate the combination of cleanliness and excellent location, making it a convenient choice for exploring Barcelona. With a neat bathroom, clean sheets and pleasant amenities, the hotel promises a comfortable and hygienic stay. Despite minor remarks about window cleanliness, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the hotel's impeccable cleaning standards.
Staff
The staff at Hotel Barcelona Universal consistently receive high praise from guests for their friendly, helpful and professional demeanor. The reception team, in particular, stands out for their efficiency and attentiveness with many guests noting their warm welcome and willingness to provide assistance, whether by offering directions, recommending activities or facilitating quick check-ins and check-outs.
Several staff members, including those at the front desk and specific individuals like Toni and Vicente, are frequently highlighted for their exceptional service. Guests appreciate the personal touches and accommodating nature of the staff, describing them as kind, courteous and always ready to help.
Despite a few mentions of unfriendliness or inattentiveness, the majority of reviews emphasize the staff's positive attitude, their excellent hospitality and their capability to handle multilingual communications, making the stay pleasant and memorable for travelers from various backgrounds.
Overall, the consistent theme across the reviews is the staff's commitment to providing exceptional service, making them a significant asset to Hotel Barcelona Universal.
Wi-Fi
Hotel Barcelona Universal offers a generally positive experience with its Wi-Fi service, based on various guest reviews. Visitors have praised the Wi-Fi for being good, high-speed and fast, making activities such as streaming movies seamless. The availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, along with a public workstation in the lobby, adds to the convenience for business and leisure travelers alike.
However, a portion of guests reported issues with the Wi-Fi, including inconsistent connections, weak signals and slow speeds. Some reviews highlighted specific problems, such as network connectivity not functioning on certain floors or Wi-Fi dropping from mobile devices. Despite these occasional issues, many guests found the Wi-Fi met their expectations and worked well throughout their stay. Overall, while the Wi-Fi at Hotel Barcelona Universal has areas needing improvement, it generally provides a satisfactory experience for most guests.
Gym
Hotel Barcelona Universal is conveniently located near a metro station, making it effortless to explore the vibrant city and nearby attractions like La Rambla. Guests appreciate the accessibility to local restaurants and the ease of finding a taxi.
The gym facilities, however, receive mixed reviews. While it's a modern gym with some new interior and equipment, many guests find it extremely small and limited in scope. Issues such as broken or unkempt equipment and an unpleasant smell have been noted. The gym, although convenient, may not meet the expectations of those seeking a more extensive workout experience. Some guests were disappointed by the lack of machines and the minimalistic nature of the gym.
Despite these complaints, the presence of a gym and pool on the top floor adds a touch of convenience and potential relaxation for those not seeking intensive fitness routines. However, the overall sentiment indicates that improvements and more equipment would enhance the guest experience significantly.
Pool
Hotel Barcelona Universal boasts a rooftop pool that garners mixed reviews. Many guests appreciated the relaxing atmosphere and the beautiful city views from the terrace. The pool area is described as clean, quiet and a delightful spot to unwind after exploring the city. The rooftop pool, often highlighted as a standout feature, is noted for its scenic views and the added bonus of a pool bar.
However, several guests mentioned the pool's small size with some saying that the online photos are misleading in this regard. The pool is unheated, making it too cold for use during the cooler months. Additionally, there have been instances where the pool was closed due to maintenance or drought, leading to some disappointment.
Despite these issues, the rooftop pool area is generally regarded as a pleasant feature, especially during the summer months when the warmer weather makes the unheated pool more inviting. The scenery and the ability to relax in a quiet, clean environment seem to be the main selling points for guests.
Parking
Hotel Barcelona Universal appears to offer limited parking options with the on-site parking lot described as small and often full. For those planning to drive, it's important to note that the underground parking garage is rather narrow and may be challenging for larger vehicles to navigate. Although some guests appreciated the convenience of having a garage and being able to park their car safely underneath the hotel, many found the parking spaces insufficient and the parking system inconvenient.
Guests also mentioned the high cost of parking with on-site parking priced at 25 euros per day and nearby public parking spaces costing approximately 27 euros. Several reviewers highlighted that the paid parking service was overly expensive and not included in the room rate. Despite these challenges, there are alternative parking solutions nearby that could be more affordable, some costing about half the price of the hotel's parking.
Overall, while there is parking available and some guests had positive experiences parking their vehicles indoors, the limited space and high costs make it a consideration for future visitors. Those with particularly large vehicles or looking for more economical options might want to explore nearby parking facilities before arriving.
Golf
Travelers staying at Hotel Barcelona Universal have expressed dissatisfaction with the nearby golf courses. The feedback consistently highlights issues such as poor maintenance and subpar management. Guests reported that the golfing experiences were disappointing with events being poorly organized. The condition of the golf courses did not meet their expectations, making their trips less enjoyable. Overall, comments reflected a general sense of discontent with the golfing amenities available in the vicinity of the hotel.
Nightlife
Located near a vibrant nightlife scene, Hotel Barcelona Universal is the ideal spot for those looking to explore various nightclubs, bars and street festivities. The hotel sits conveniently close to several nightlife spots, offering guests easy access to the energetic atmosphere of Barcelona's evenings. Despite the lively surroundings, the hotel itself offers a safe environment for guests even during the nighttime.
However, the noise level is something to consider. Rooms facing the street can experience significant noise throughout the night, which might be disruptive for those sensitive to sound. Street parties and festivities contribute to a bustling ambiance that doesn't quiet down quickly, making some lower-floor rooms particularly noisy.
Aside from the lively street activities, guests can also enjoy a rooftop bar that provides a great spot for a late-night drink with views of the city. For mobility, the hotel is well-situated just steps away from a subway station, making it convenient to explore the rest of Barcelona.
In summary, Hotel Barcelona Universal is perfect for those who want to be close to the city's nightlife, though potential guests should be prepared for the accompanying noise.
4 Star
The Hotel Barcelona Universal receives mixed reviews concerning its four-star rating and amenities. Guests frequently praise the establishment for being clean, modern and well-maintained; some even commend its central location and friendly, helpful reception staff. The hotel's cleanliness and reasonable pricing often draw positive remarks with some guests describing it as a nice, good or very good four-star hotel.
However, a number of guests express disappointment with the facilities, considering them not up to four-star standards. Specific criticisms include outdated infrastructure, insufficient maintenance and limited services, which some guests feel are more comparable to a mid-range inn. Breakfast offerings and room services receive mixed responses with some guests finding the breakfast exceptional, while others expect more variety and attention to detail.
Overall, while many guests find the hotel to provide good value and a satisfactory experience for a four-star rating, others believe it falls short in various aspects and requires enhancements to truly meet four-star expectations.
Business
Hotel Barcelona Universal is ideally situated for business travelers, being located in a prime business area close to the district's key offices. The hotel offers a range of facilities tailored to meet the needs of business guests, including an efficient and well-equipped business center in the reception area. The daily cleaning services ensure that everything remains clean, tidy and comfortable.
Access is remarkably convenient with the Metro right next door, eliminating the need for taxis and easing transit to and from the airport. The connected Wi-Fi train and the availability of business resources such as computers contribute to meeting business needs effectively.
For those hosting or attending conferences, the hotel provides ample meeting spaces and conference rooms, making it a good option for business events in Barcelona. The professional staff, known for their friendly and attentive service, further enhance the stay experience. The management, however, might need to refine some of the administrative aspects, such as invoice handling.
Overall, Hotel Barcelona Universal stands out as a solid accommodation choice for business trips, offering excellent services and facilities for businesspeople.
Accessible
Hotel Barcelona Universal stands out for its exceptional accessibility, making it an ideal choice for travelers with disabilities. The hotel is praised for being easily accessible and having excellent accessibility features. Guests appreciate the accessibility of the facilities, notably the sizeable accessible rooms and bathrooms, which cater well to their needs.
The hotel’s prime location offers easy access to key attractions and public transportation. Positioned close to the city center, it’s conveniently near a metro station with exits just at the hotel's door. This proximity is beneficial for cruise passengers and those keen on exploring the city via subway. There are also well-located bus stops and a parking lot available.
The lift in the hotel and the accessible terrace on the 9th floor are highlighted as useful features. The attentive staff goes the extra mile to assist guests requiring special assistance, ensuring a pleasant stay.
Overall, Hotel Barcelona Universal is celebrated for its convenient location, excellent transportation links and impressive accessibility, making it a favorable destination for travelers with disabilities.
Rooftop Pool
Hotel Barcelona Universal's rooftop pool and terrace frequently receive high praise from visitors. The rooftop area is often described as nice, relaxing and wonderful, making it a favored spot for guests seeking a tranquil environment. One of the major highlights, according to numerous reviews, is the fantastic view of the city from the rooftop terrace. Guests appreciate being able to enjoy a cool drink while taking in the panoramic cityscape, which they find very beautiful and a definite enhancement to their stay.
The rooftop bar, although noted by a few to close early, complements the experience with its offerings. Visitors also applaud the rooftop pool, considering it a luxurious, albeit modestly sized, feature of the hotel. Despite its smaller dimensions, the pool is seen as a great spot for a refreshing break, enhancing the overall appeal of the rooftop terrace.
There are mentions of minor drawbacks like the bar not always being open and inconsistency in pool heating, but these do not overshadow the positive aspects. Overall, the rooftop terrace at Hotel Barcelona Universal with its well-maintained pool and splendid views, provides a delightful and memorable experience for guests.
Outdoor Pool
Hotel Barcelona Universal boasts a charming rooftop terrace that features a well-maintained and cozy outdoor pool. This scenic area is frequently praised for its cleanliness and offers guests a pleasant space to unwind, whether enjoying a coffee in the sun or taking a refreshing dip after lunch. The pool, though on the smaller side, is complemented by a bar at the doorstep, adding convenience and enhancing the overall experience. Despite some comments about the pool never being heated and the rooftop bar closing early, the availability of this sun terrace remains a cherished highlight for visitors. Many guests identify the rooftop pool as a prized feature, contributing to the hotel's appeal along with its clean, large and centrally located rooms.
Yes, Hotel Barcelona Universal has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Rooftop Pool, Panoramic View Pool, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hotel Barcelona Universal.
No, Hotel Barcelona Universal doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel Barcelona Universal.