HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS BARCELONA CITY 22@ BY IHG, Barcelona

The hotel sits in the 22@ business zone, a former industrial area now residential and calm. Llacuna metro station (L4) is a 4-minute walk and reaches the city centre in under 10 minutes - Urquinaona station is the key interchange for Las Ramblas. Sagrada Família is a 30-minute walk. Rambla del Poblenou, lined with restaurants, bars and shops, is a 5-minute walk away. A large supermarket is next to the hotel, and the Hop-On Hop-Off bus stop (line 21 Barcelona Turística) is nearby. Mar Bella Beach is a 15-minute walk. Barcelona El Prat Airport is a 25-minute drive (approx. €36 by taxi), or reachable by Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya then L4 metro. Cruise terminals are 8 km away.

Rooms feature a contemporary design with parquet floors, a wardrobe, heating, air conditioning, and satellite TV. Each room has a private bathroom with bath and shower, hairdryer, and a safe deposit box. Family rooms (queen bed + sofa bed) are compact - practical for sleeping but limited in open floor space and storage. Sofa bed mattresses can feel thin and springy. Some rooms have internal views or face neighbouring buildings; sea or balcony views are not available. Connecting doors exist between some rooms, which can transmit noise. Harder mattresses and occasional air-conditioning inconsistencies (e.g. reduced cooling in summer) have been noted. The hotel provides an iron and ironing board on request from reception.

The Express Start breakfast is a self-serve buffet including cereals, cheeses, meats, toast, pastries, fruit, yoghurt, and a coffee machine. The breakfast room can become very busy between 08:00 and 10:00, sometimes forming queues for both seating and buffet access. Going early (before 08:00) or later (after 10:00) provides a calmer experience. There is no restaurant or dinner service on site; a small bar and vending machines are available for snacks and drinks. Rambla del Poblenou offers numerous dining options within a 5-minute walk for lunch and dinner.

The hotel does not have a pool or spa. For fitness, Anytime Fitness 24 is located in the same building (daily passes may be available). The neighbourhood provides outdoor leisure options: Mar Bella and other beaches are within a 15-20 minute walk, and quiet plazas and parks (e.g. near Barceloneta) are suitable for families. The hotel's location in Poblenou means easy access to the waterfront and a relaxed evening atmosphere.

The front desk operates 24 hours, allowing late arrivals without issue. Free luggage storage is available before check-in and after checkout - useful for early arrivals or late flights. Daily housekeeping is included. The business centre offers free use, while fax/photocopying and meeting/banquet facilities are available for an additional charge. Wi-Fi is free in all areas. Vending machines provide drinks and snacks. The hotel has a lift, accessible rooms (adapted showers) and is fully non-smoking. Private parking costs €25 per day (no reservation possible) with a tight access curve - alternative street parking may not be easy. Car hire can be arranged via reception. The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle.