AC Diplomatic

Just got back from a trip to Spain that included 5 nights in Barcelona. The AC Diplomatic is clean, quiet, and has a friendly staff. In addition to the free mini-bar in each room (drinks only), the hotel offers a small outdoor pool adjacent to a small gym with saunas. The hotel is located just a few blocks north of the city center- the Placa Catalunya, in the upscale shopping area called the Eixample District. Walk just a few blocks south and you'll be on Les Rambles. It's also very close to some well-known Gaudi-designed buildings. Barcelona has an easy to use subway system and the closest stations are only a block or two from the hotel. Be wary of pickpockets, though. They seem travel in packs on the subways. Best to wear a money belt or, at the least, keep your wallet in your front pocket. Best meals- Quatre Gats, Las Caracoles (both in the Gothic Quarter). La Fonda (also in the Gothic Quarter) is a decent, cheap lunch spot. Worst meals- Citrus Restaurant (1 block west of hotel on Passeig de Gracia), and La Fonda (in the marina area by the Olympic Village). Have a great trip!

Modern hotel, good location. Had superior room, nice basic decor, clean, good furniture and marble bathroom. Free mini-bar, but only has 2 beers in it plus some soft drinks. The maids are invisible and do a cracking job. Bar area downstairs is modern with a relaxed feel. There is a small pool on the roof and some sunbeds/parasols. You could get a nice tan. There is a gym as well, which is small but has a TV and fridge with water bottles. Check in/out absolutely flawless. ONLY grumble: 2 single beds pushed together tend to separate during the night.

I chose this hotel on the basis of the reviews on this site and I was not disappointed. Neither was my wife, for whom this trip was an anniversary surprise. The room was a superior suite and worth the (little) extra. Spacious with one of the widest and most comfortable beds I've slept in. Good housekeeping meant we returned to an immaculate room every day. The hotel itself is a pleasingly modern design. It's location is excellent. At one street along from the Passeig de Gracia, it is nicely placed yet quiet. And the A/C is as good as promised, just the thing for us Northerners! Two things of note: 1. The quietest lifts I've ever experienced. Quite often they would catch you by surprise 2. I never did find out what the 'Candied cheeks in their own juices' was in the restaurant. Maybe next time. All in all an excellent hotel, and one we will use next time. Not cheap, but you can defiantly see what you are paying for.

My wife and I stayed at the AC Diplomatic Hotel in Barcelona on vacation. WHAT A FABULOUS PLACE. It is the opposite of everything one expects in Europe: overpriced, "charming", uncomfortable etc. etc. It is a fantastic haven in the center of Barcelona. A true hidden gem. A bargain at twice the price. The air conditioning is excellent. The bedding is good (bed could have been a bit better but was a lot better than the Europe norm).

We stayed at the AC Diplomatic at the end of July2004 and found it to be a very good hotel in a great location. The room was very sleek in design and attractive. The hotel is about a block and a half from the Passieg de Gracia which is a great shopping, eating, walking street. There are stops for the Bus Turistica right on this street and it in turn is a few minutes walk from Place Catalunya. We found the personnel at the front desk to be helpful and friendly. When and if we return to Barcelona we will probably stay there again.

This was the 3rd hotel we have stayed in this year after reading reviews on this site and we weren't disappointed. The best thing about this hotel is the location, on a very quiet street (I hate noisy hotel rooms!) Passeg de Gracia with lots of Gaudi only 5 mins away with Placa de Catalunya and La Ramblas about a 10-15 walk. Breakfast wasn't included in our deal but we had no trouble finding little cafes nearby with amazing pastries. The rooms were adequately sized with beautiful bathrooms, both were spotless. Plenty of storage and the free mini bar was great after a long day sight-seeing. Only slight negative was the restaurant the hotel recommended for my birthday, it was nice but it wasn't amazing for the money although they did have some original Picassos in the downstairs area, which was also very quiet. After another couple left we were there alone for the rest of the evening, and this was at 9.30pm on a Saturday night. Otherwise I would thoroughly recommend this hotel, just don't ask for restaurant recommendations!

I was in Barcelona in July. I am a travel agent and I usually stay at the Arts. Th Diplomatic has excellent service. I reserved it through Ac hotel web site for 125e. The mini bar is free. The location can not be better, walking distance to the tour bus and all the best shopping area in Barcelona

We stayed at the AC Diplomatic in August 2003 and were delightfully surprised with the hotel. Location was terrific, staff spoke English and were friendly, internet on-site for a fee, and room was modern, clean, and just lovely. Bathroom was gorgeous. Convenient walk to upscale shops and fancy hotels, 1.5 blocks to outdoor cafes and restaurants, tour bus, etc. We'd recommend this hotel to anyone!

We found this hotel to be no more than an average travel lodge style hotel, with boutique style fictures and fittings. The service was completely underwelming and not friendly. In fact we felt like we were an incumberance. No help when we arrived, no bellboys etc, tv didnt work in room. We found room to be comfortable but certainly not anything more compared to modern day standards and especiallty considering the price at 118 uk pounds. Still we were only here because the grand marina was full that night. We then checked inthere the next day for and extra 30 uk pounds a night and enjoyed and absolute world of difference, i never thought 30 pounds could make such a difference. so to recap i am sure that there are better value hotels in the city with friendlier service than this one for less money.

After Reading All The wonderful reviews on TRIPADVISOR for the AC , I selected this Hotel. The hotel "IS" very well located. The hotel "IS" beautiful clean & modern, the room was just right, clean and very well kept. SO WHY THE LOW RATING? The: "BED" was awful, small and rocky, we couldn't have a good night sleep. The: "BREAKFAST" was buffet only (15.EURO or $19.00 EACH) The STAFF:trying to get information on the city, sites, etc.was like pulling teeth while they were nice, they were very limited, cold & and just didn't want to be bothered. Therfore If I CAN'T GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP, A GOOD BREAKFAST, AND FEEL WELCOME, I'M NOT A HAPPY GUEST.