Review of Hotel Peninsular 1*

I have just returned from Barcelona with my best friend, and a 4 night stay at Hotel Peninsular. We were pleased with everything from the get go; The hotel is, first and foremost, in a great location just off La Rambla and almost everything you could want to do in Barcelona is within walking distance. Literally less than 5 minutes from Liceu Metro (which is on the same line as Barcelona Sants — the main station for trains out to the airport and the coast) We were greeted warmly on check in (I was exercising my broken Spanish, and got stuck and was pleasantly told by the young lady that it is always "better to try" when speaking a foreign language — thank you for boosting my confidence :D) All of the staff we came across at Peninsular were pleasant and friendly. We checked in very quickly and found our room, on the first floor at the back of the hotel. The foyer area is absolutely stunning, and I could quite happily sit out here for many hours were there not the whole of Barcelona to enjoy! The room is basic, but comfortable — the shower is more than powerful enough, and the beds comfortable. A little dim inside the room, but then staying so close to La Rambla in Central Barcelona I was not expecting a bright, sun drenched room. It was a little noisy outside at night as there was some form of residential area nearby which had a barking dog, but not really anything to do with the hotel. Our room was cleaned daily, and when the shaving socket fused we informed reception who had it repaired by our return later that evening — brilliant service! I don't think the Wi-Fi works in the rooms here, which is no big issue as 1) we can use our UK data plan in Europe for essentials and 2) if you need Wi-Fi you are forced to sit out in the beautiful foyer, which is no big deal! It really is beautiful out there. The breakfast was your standard fare, continental breakfast; a selection of cheese, meat and bread which is fine by me. The only thing I would possibly suggest that may improve this hotel is the installation of refrigerators — it would have been nice to have been able to keep our cool drinks (and our aftersun! ) chilled for the evening time! But absolutely zero complaints about this place, and will likely return when I come back to Barcelona!