1898 Hotel

Avoid this hotel

My husband and I were very disappointed with our stay at the Hotel 1898 starting with our arrival. We chose this hotel for its location, primarily, and the hotel is located on La Rambla. When our cabdriver pulled up to the door, on La Rambla, and we tried to enter the hotel, the staff very rudely waved their arms and scowled at us. We didn't know what was going on. When we did enter the hotel, we were not greeted with words or smiles. As it happens, there is a main entrance to the hotel on a side street which we and the taxi driver were unaware of, since the hotel's address is on La Rambla. This sort of reception at the desk was commonplace, we found out. Often, when passing through the lobby, there would be four or five staff members standing around and not one would greet you or look you in the eye, let alone smile at you. When inquiring about tours or transportation you are on your own. No one offers to make a call for you or a reservation or even draws you a simple map. No brochures are given to you. When you approach the desk, no one looks up or acknowledges your presence until they are done what they are doing; even when there is more than one clerk present, they all ignore you. I have never encountered such rudeness in any hotel. Our room, a "superior" had no view and no balcony. The bathroom is lovely but there are serious safety issues with the slick marble surfaces when wet. Also the pool area is very slippery. Be careful that the staff doesn't take your towel or slippers when you are still in the sauna (!) because it is a long walk to the reception area to get another one. Above all, don't make any phone calls, we were charged 103.45 Euros for 5 phone calls, none lasting more than 6 minutes. Some very ill will was created here that could have been alleviated by a smile at the desk or some assistance with a ferry reservation.