Hotel 1898

"Hotel 1898 manages to stay calm and comfortable despite the steady ruckus outside on Las Ramblas, the city's touristy center. Business and pleasure travelers come to this four-star favorite for dependable rooms, excellent tapas, gin and tonics, and a heated rooftop pool with 360-degree views, stretching from the old port all the way to the top of Montjuïc. The Deluxe rooms are fairly standard. But they're spacious and, most importantly, some have a private terrace. The view of the rooftops and streets toward the back of the hotel is peaceful, unlike the buzz of tourists and street vendors on the other side. The room is respectable, but besides the terrace, nothing much to write home about—a good, solid hotel room. The 1898 combines exceptional public spaces with solid rooms, all slap-bang in the middle of Las Ramblas." - Gemma Askham, Isabelle Kliger

"Located on one of the city’s most historic streets, this 19th-century building was once the headquarters of a tobacco company. The hotel maintains its colonial-era architectural influences. The grand lobby allows you to leave the crowds of La Rambla behind. The hotel features three bars and restaurants, a rooftop terrace with a pool, and a full-service spa in the former coal bunker. Rooms are traditionally appointed in colonial-inspired decor, and the marble bathrooms stand out." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Set in the building that once housed the headquarters of Philippines Tobacco, this an urban hotel, but one with a decidedly resort-like atmosphere." - Mark Fedeli

"How did it strike you on arrival?The quiet, elegant lobby stands in stark contrast to the activity on Las Ramblas just outside. The 1898 has that old-school luxury hotel feel. What’s the crowd like?Lots of well-to-do, middle-aged business people and couples. Tell us about your room.The Deluxe rooms are fairly standard. But they're spacious and, most importantly, some have a private terrace. The view of the rooftops and streets toward the back of the hotel is peaceful, unlike the buzz of tourists and street vendors on the other side. The room is respectable, but besides the terrace, nothing much to write home about—a good, solid hotel room. How's the bed?Standard bed. Comfy and cool pillows. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Elegant marble bathroom and high-end Italian toiletries from Etro. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is free and works well throughout the hotel. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The standout feature of Hotel 1898 is the impressive La Isabela roof terrace, with its large heated pool and 360-degree views of the city that stretch all the way from Port Vell to the two hilltops of Montjuïc and Tibidabo. Any issues with your stay?Once the epicenter of Barcelona’s tourist chaos, staying on Las Ramblas can feel fairly hectic—no matter how good the hotel is. What's the bottom line?The 1898 combines exceptional public spaces with solid rooms, all slap-bang in the middle of Las Ramblas." - Isabelle Kliger