Novotel Barcelona St Joan Despi Hotel

My husband, 10 year old son and I spent 4 nights at this hotel over the New Year holiday.
The hotel is considerably cheaper than equivalent standard hotels nearer Barcelona city centre - however in my view, it is just too far out. Barcelona has excellent and reasonably priced public transport even when allowing for the current poor exchange rates. However you need to allow an hour when travelling into Barcelona by public transport - Metro line 3 to Palau Real or Maria Christina then tram T3 to Sant Marti de'Erm or alternatively suburban train to Cornelia then tram T3 to the Sant Marti de'Erm. The one attraction within relatively easy reach is the Camp Nou Stadium, a short walk from Palau Real metro station.
The surroundings are not particularly attractive - in a commercial area, close to a motorway interchange, (the location is probably very good for guests arriving by car), and a long way from the sea. Apart from a mini market at the adjacent petrol station, there appeared to be no shops or restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Luckily the hotel does have a restaurant, which is affordable although there was a compulsory cover charge and my son did not think the children's menu was particularly good. My husband would have also liked bigger helpings.
The hotel itself was what you would expect from Novotel - comfortable and clean bedroom with a reasonable size bathroom and relatively quiet despite the proximity of the motorway. The reception staff were helpful although there could be queues. My son had two quibbles - there was no pillow provided on the sofa bed and the games console for children in the foyer was an 'outdated' game cube. The hotel also had an outdoor pool but in January this was not in use!
The official rating is 4 star, this is over-generous. The hotel is definitely 3 star.
Barcelona is a great city but to stay in the centre comes at a price. I have previously stayed out of centre at Sitges, a seaside resort with a frequent train service into Barcelona. This is a much more attractive option than St Joan Despi.