HOTEL ASTORIA, Barcelona

The hotel sits in a quiet yet central area of the Eixample, a 5-minute walk from Diagonal Metro station and Passeig de Gràcia. Many major sights - including La Rambla, Sagrada Família, and Casa Milà - are within a 20 to 30-minute walk. The surrounding streets are filled with restaurants, cafés, and shops, and the neighbourhood feels safe even at night. For airport access, take the Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya then metro L3 to Diagonal, or a taxi costing about €35. The Formula 1 circuit is a 40-minute drive away.

Rooms are air-conditioned and feature satellite TV, minibar, safe, wooden floors, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are private and include a hairdryer, with either a bath (some with shower over) or a walk-in shower. Some rooms have a small terrace or city-view windows, but many standard rooms face an internal courtyard or a light well with little natural light and views of a wall. Superior rooms are recommended for outside-facing windows and more space. The property has no balconies and no connecting rooms. Family rooms are available (up to 4 people) but extra folding beds are not offered - for 3 adults a triple room must be booked. Rooms can be on the smaller side, and noise from adjacent bathrooms and hallways is common due to the building's marble and historic construction; earplugs are advisable for light sleepers. A kettle and iron can be borrowed from reception.

The on-site restaurant, Restaurante Astor, offers traditional Catalan cuisine. A set lunch menu is available and is noted for good value and quality. Breakfast is a continental buffet with breads, pastries, juices, and hot drinks, and hot items can be ordered on request. Breakfast costs €19 per person. The bar provides drinks and snacks, and room service is available. For evening meals, the hotel does not offer dinner service, but numerous restaurants and tapas bars are within a 3-10 minute walk.

The seasonal outdoor rooftop pool is open from 9:00 to 21:00 during warmer months. It is a small plunge pool with a sun terrace and loungers offering panoramic views of Barcelona. The water is not heated. The gym, free for guests, contains a treadmill, a static bike, a step machine, and light dumbbells (up to 10 kg). There is no spa or wellness centre.

The 24-hour front desk can assist with currency exchange, tour booking, and concierge services. Free luggage storage is available for early arrivals or late departures. Cots are provided at no charge. Daily housekeeping is included; laundry and dry cleaning are available for an extra fee. The business centre is free to use, and meeting/banquet facilities can be arranged at an additional cost. Two lifts serve all floors. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are not available. Payment can be made with American Express, Visa, Diners Club, JCB, and MasterCard.