NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón Hotel

After cancelling another hotel and having to find one last minute, we felt blessed when seeing the photos of NH collection as it was available and looked lovely. As it was our first visit to Barcelona we were worried about being too far away from all the excitement of the city but this hotel is in a perfect location. La Rambla, passeig de gracia and plaza catalunya are a 5 minute walk away, Sagrada Familia a 25 minute walk away and the marina a 20 minute walk away. The hotel looks lovely on approach and it is very clean. The staff are very polite and they were able to provide everything we needed from an adapter plug to plasters. The room was really lovely too, be it a little on the small side. Our room was next to the lift area of our floor so I was worried about the noise of the lift but the room was very quiet and had a partition door to separate the foyer of the room and the bedroom. I didn't hear the lift at all. The bed was ultra comfy and it was nice to have a selection of pillows. However, the bed is made funny in a way that when you pull the cover out from where it has been tucked, the duvet almost comes out which was slightly annoying but nothing too disastrous. The rain shower was gorgeous and the selection of toiletries was extensive. The room was cleaned to a very high standard every day and we were left free treats such as small chocolates and bottles of water which was a nice touch. Although we didn't get chance to use it, the pool and rooftop bar is stunning. The views over Barcelona from this hotel are amazing. If we were to return in the summer, I would definitely use the pool. The reason we have given the hotel 4 instead of 5 is down to the lack of luxury touch in some areas. For example, the initial bottle of water in the room was at a cost of 6 if drank, I think the first one could have been free.

If you're looking for a 5 star hotel at an affordable price then look no further. Hesperia Tower was a little further out of the city center than I would've liked, but staff at the hotel were more than happy to help with directions and public transport. Upon arrival I was provided with a map and a timetable for the hotel shuttle, the woman on reception kindly circled the main attractions and detailed how I could get to them via the metro. Luckily the nearest metro station was just a short walk from the hotel and it runs late into the night and early hours of the morning. Thankfully the hotel also offers a variety of shuttle services which run throughout the day into early evening, taking hotel guests to any of these 3 locations, Placa de Catalunya, Gava Beach or the airport. The hotel was nothing short of spectacular, incredibly modern design, with detail going into every inch of the building. My room was like a suite with the most breathtaking views. Each day the refreshments would be restocked, bedding would be changed and fresh towels would be left. Even though I was unsure how to work the shower, when I rung through to reception they sent a member of staff up immediately to help me. The interactions I did have with staff was pleasant, they were helpful and chatty, which is exactly what I like. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a classy hotel, without being overpriced.