el Jardí — Hotel in Barcelona

Writing this review still in my room so the memories are fresh and I don’t miss important details. And because this little hotel deserves all the praise, loved staying here ❤️ |I needed a reasonably priced, centrally located in Gothic quarter hotel for 6 nights. After some research, I found this little gem. |It is sitting in a most cute little square with old church right next to it and lots of places to eat. There is always something going on - painters displaying their art, or acrobats doing their stunts, music, singing. You won’t be bored. And don’t worry about the noise, everything stops after certain time at night and during the day hotel’s balconies and windows are pretty much noise canceling and tinted !|Yes, you have to climb some stairs to the front desk only because there is a centuries old wall that is protected, would need to be destroyed to build a lift ( I will attach a photo that explains the situation). |A nice young lady Paola greeted and explained prices and rooms ( I had to stay three nights in one room than switch to another, not a problem). |Keep in mind they offer 10% off discount for paying cash. I wish I knew before, I’d have enough cash to take advantage and save some $$$|Tiny lift will take you to any floor from front desk area.|First room was on 8th floor ( room 84) and I fell in love with spacious patio with AMAZING views of the roof tops and church. I had picnics on that patio couple of times sipping wine and listening to birds on the tree which branches were close to my patio. There were green parrots 🦜 ! They are noisy bodies. There was a seagull on a church’s rooftop that was guarding her nest and sometimes circling it and making funny, kitten like noises. The vibe was amazing. The room was clean, the sheets are white, crisp and mattress comfortable. |The rest three nights were on 3rd floor, no patio but two tiny balconies, much closer to the ground so noise level is higher but you feel like a part of square’s hustle and bustle. The only downside of the room - no table to sit down and have a bite. There is a couch, the room is bigger but needs a little coffee table. The shower cabin is also very tiny I can’t imagine a big guy fitting in there comfortably I could barely lean forward and wash my lower legs or feet.|This hotel provides free breakfast ! It is such a nice gesture since all other ( more expansive hotels) charge you. It’s nothing elaborate - yogurt, cereal, jams, butter and they bring you absolutely delicious warm croissant and a generous piece of freshest baguette enough starch to fill you up with energy for long walks around the city. So much appreciated.🙏🏻|Love the staff at front desk. Special shout out to Paola and Candela. You ladies made my stay so much more comfortable and accommodated with my needs.|If I am back to Barcelona, I’ll stay at this hotel. |Thank You...

The location was excellent, although a bit difficult to find the first time as the taxi let me of at the Ramblas with vague directions. When I eventually found it after over 24 hours of airports and airplanes I encountered the expected but still frustrating steps leading up to reception - well first you have to navigate a door that openes out, nearly resulting in my suitcase and I taking a disastrous spill. The unfriendly woman at the desk refused to acknowledge me until after walking past me to shut the door, informing me that they had air conditioning and must keep the door closed. It's one of those places where you return the key every time you leave, and my friend was out so I gave the room number and tried to explain that my friend had already checked in. Her answer - that room number was checked in. After finally getting the key it was up several more steps to the claustrophobic elevator. Happily that was the last I saw of her, and all of the men who worked there were much nicer, including providing help with my suitcase when I checked out.

The room itself was small but functional, as were the bathroom and shower. The bed was hard, but an improvement over the bench at Heathrow where is spent the previous night. At one point Saturday night there was a bang on the wall. I couldn't tell if it was our neighbors "complaining" or an accident, but sound definitely travels through the hotel. The air conditioning definitely works - so well that I woke up sweating BC my friend had been freezing so instead of adjusting the thermostat she just shut it.

We enjoyed the complimentary coffee (yes, it's instant out of a machine, but still better than most American coffee) on the little balcony off the breakfast room, overlooking the Plaça del Pi both mornings, but skipped the breakfast as we found yummy pastries and sandwiches nearby.

Overall it was an enjoyable stay, although I don't know if it's worth...

Had a four night stay in October. We were on the 8th (top) floor in a room with a terrace which was lovely in the morning sunshine. Sadly, there are no tea/coffee making facilities in the room - I’d have given it 5 stars if there were. On arrival, reception informed us that there was a hairdryer available there and you have to ask for a tv remote if you want one. There’s a 20€ deposit for the room safe. We had a room overlooking the square which has tapas bars, nail/massage shop, atm and the beautiful old church building to look over. The double glazing and shutters are great for locking the sounds of the gothic quarter out if you want an early night, otherwise it all winds down around 11pm. The square and surrounding streets are cleaned every night. Bed is comfy and very clean, as is the bathroom-it has all you need and good water pressure in the shower. This is a 2* hotel, and the breakfast is definitely 2*. Very carb-heavy and hubby said the coffee was dire! But there are lots of bars and restaurants that offer breakfast in the mornings so not really a problem. We asked on arrival if we could get a tea/coffee any time and were told it would cost 1€..we didn’t bother seeing as the coffee was bad! All staff were helpful and friendly - thank you. Overall, yes, there are nicer hotels to stay in, but Barcelona has so much on offer, as long as it’s clean and comfortable, you’re good. The location is brilliant, a short walk from La Rambla through the alley-like streets, where you have metro access, walk to the harbour and buses and more restaurants than you need. Would we stay here again? I don’t think so..I think we’d go for somewhere nearby with drink facilities in-room and a healthier breakfast on offer but that’s just...