I had a relatively comfortable stay at this hotel. Given it's 1-star rating, I wasn't expecting much in the way of facilities, I was counting more on the extremely central location. I wasn't disappointed, it's easy to get places from Hotel Barbara. La Ramblas is walking distance. There are 3 metro stops in close vicinity.
This hotel is in the thick of the redlight district. They were prostitutes (and their atttendants) loitering just 10m from the hotel door. And the week I was there, there was road/sewer works happening in front of the hotel.
I never felt threatened or scared in anyway despite it being the redlight district, though.
Barbara Hotel Barcelona: Small hotel in red light zone...
Satisfaction:
By Bendokan on November 24, 2003
First night was in room 208, the smallest room I have ever seen, but the next nights were in a larger room. The rooms were very, very clean and had all you need when you're on a short stay somewhere... They had a decent breakfast where you had a choice between croissants, other pastries were available too... nothing fancy but everything you need to start the day.
It's location... the hotel is situated in one of the side streets of the Ramblas. So, it's a convenient hotel for the traveller that wants to visit the city. One inconvenience would be the prostitution in front of the door... but they didn't seem to be interested in the tourists who stayed in the hotel. There are many policecars driving by.
I was somewhat alarmed to be placed in room 101, this was tiny but spotless and comfortable. The ensuite bath/shower was separated only by a clear perspex half - wall so I was glad not to be sharing the room.
The hotel itself was friendly and conveniently located just off the Ramblas and within walking distance of the old town, harbour and two metro stations.
I knew it was in the middle of the red light district but wasn't expecting it to be as blatant as it was (24 hours a day) - they didn't seem particularly bothered by hotel guests - I did get hassled once - but the police keep a high profile and the hotel doors are always locked.
My room overlooked the main street so it was quite noisy at night - fortunately I was so exhausted after a hard days sightseeing that I collapsed into my pit each night undisturbed.
We stayed here for a long weekend and had read numerous reviews, some good some bad so we did'nt really know what to expect. Yes its old, yes it is slap bang in the middle of the red light disctrict with loads of ladies doing business but who cares?? We had a ball. The hotel staff are clean, the rooms are spotless, beds, and linnen changed very regular. It is oh so close to the la Rambals. We couldnt fault the place. Yes it can get a bit noisy but with the places to eat, see and drink in Barcelona you crash out as soon as your head hits the pillow. We dont know if you can still eat or drink there but we wernt really bothered. Dont go expecting the Ritz but for location and value we will certainly be going there again.
The hotel was very clean. We have small room with bathroom and toilet. The bathroom was without the door ( you can see on the picture in ). The room was quiet from outside but the walls are very thin and if somebody says something in the room loud so you can hear them. In the room was only 1 chair, closet, a double bed and the shell on the wall. Safe in the room cost 3 or 4 euro per day. Staff was ok. You can approach to hotel from two streets. From La Rambla ( metro Liceu ) not so pleasant way, or from Av Drassanes ( metro Drassanes ). We prefer fro the Drassanes because it was nicer. In the hotel you can buy cold drinks from the machine. You can buy breakfast ( it cost 5 euro per person ). The minimarket was 20 meter from the hotel so we buy there food and juice or water and eat in the room. It was open until midnight.