Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos Barcelona

It’s a nice enough looking hotel - very modern and clean. Doesn’t feel greatly personal or welcoming. Rooms are spacious and as per the rest well done out throughout. Top deck bar was not open which is a shame as that for me is one of the reasons you book a hotel like this. Breakfast very poor in selection and choices - scrambled eggs like a porridge. For the price I wouldn’t recommend and feel you could find somewhere more engaging.

CHECK IN - Arrived at the hotel at 9pm exhausted and hot. It was very quiet but we were not offered a welcome drink or water. Check in took ages then almost had a heart attack as the person at check in was about to charge us an extra £800. Luckily I had the printout of the cost - I booked direct with the hotel. He didn’t have a clue what he was doing. Then charged £800 on my debit card as a deposit. I was not advised anywhere in the booking process this would happen. He said booking.com should have told me. I reminded him again I booked direct on the hotel website!! Less spending money for us as £800 was taken (and not returned until 8 days after the trip). TERRIBLE check in experience. ROOMS - these were truly 5 star. Beds were comfortable and wash room lovely with everything you need eg hairdryer, toothbrush set, nice toiletries. We booked two rooms and were next to each other with a huge window and beautiful view. SERVICE - Tried calling reception multiple times even at quiet times with no answer. I was trying to get an iron and asked for one three times. After 48 hours I finally got one but it was so old I couldn’t see the markings on the dial! When I plugged it in it sparked out! Another two calls for another iron which finally worked. Rooms were cleaned really well daily. STAFF - were really friendly and a lovely lady called Camile showed us around the hotel when we mentioned we were a little lost as to where everything was. She also said she would feedback our bad check in experience although we didn’t hear back. BREAKFAST - was great and one of the best I’ve had with quality food. A wide variety with a huge choice although does get repetitive after day 3 FACILITIES - Pool was nice but a little muddy. The pool advertised is the one you have to pay €75 for. When Camile showed us around we were told that the sauna was open and steam room not ready yet. When I went to use the sauna I was advised that it was €25 and only free for Red Level! So seems like staff give conflicting information. Gym was small but suitable. Lobby was really grand and nice. They could do with a few water dispensers or tea/coffee facilities there as it is a nice place to relax outwith the room TRANSPORT - great Metro links. We got the metro from airport straight to Zona University which is about 5 mins to the hotel. We got the t-usual card and made good use of the buses and metro to get to our destinations. A bit far from the city centre and some metros do get a bit overcrowded and hot at peak times. We also used the free shuttle van (capacity of 7 people) once that took us to Pl Catalunya - this is only one way. Unfortunately this was my worst check in experience ever and resulted in me giving 3 stars (as well as some lacking customer service) instead of 5.

What an amazing place for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. I loved every aspect of my stay! The staff was exceptional, the breakfast was delicious, and the rooms were comfortable and beautifully maintained. I’ll definitely be returning!