AC Hotel Irla

First of all, this hotel is not correctly located on the map. Close, but no cigar.
The room has one of those coffee capsule machines. I loved that. My favourite part of this hotel was when the cleaning lady (noticing that I left the decaff on the side) gave me an extra normal coffee in stead. Such a little thing, but the token of it was beautiful.
Good hotel for business, maybe not so much when traveling with a partner, but probably alright.

My second time in Barcelona and 2^nd time staying at an AC Hotel (part of the Marriott chain). It’s centrally located on a major boulevard with plenty of shops and restaurants. The Hotel itself is integrated into a mid to upscale shopping mall win a lot of great shops.
It’s about a 10 minute walk to the Maria Christina metro station on the green line. Getting around in Barcelona is easy using public transit — I bought a 4 day pass for 26 euros for bus/​metro/​tram and used it for just about all my travels.
I was here for a confederate at the Fira Grand Via conference center — I usually took the metro back and forth — about a 30 minute journey … Or 13 euro cab fare.
I am a Marriott Platinum level and was upgrade to a beautiful suite on the 5^th floor (room 501 — see picture). Only problem was the wifi signal was week and spotty in that room.
I was told that AC Hotels doesn’t provide for free breakfast for platinum members — the breakfast buffet was fantastic but pricey at 22 euros.
Great hotel and would definitely recommend for visiting or for attending a conference.

The AC Hotel Irla is a fine, 5-​story boutique hotel in the Marriott chain. Irla is located far outside the madness of the major tourist sections of Barcelona, yet easily accessible to all of the amenities of the upscale Eixample district, and the iconic La Rambla. Walking into Irla, the sleek lobby exudes a chic atmosphere. Front staff is friendly and professional. Karina, the main gal to go to at the front desk (esp. if your Spanish is limited), was extremely helpful and accommodating upon our early arrival. Unfortunately, entering the elevators, I was a bit surprised at its shabbiness (torn spots on the walls, lots of scuff marks). Hallways were on the dark side, but clean; some quality control of the curling seams of the wallpaper belied the hotel’s sleekness. Our first room (403) — halfway through our stay, the AC in our room went out, so we were switched to another — had an initially fine look (modern, clean-​lined and bright). However, upon closer examination, things were a bit sadder and unpolished (numerous nicks on some of the furnishings; unattractive panel in the bathroom, on the ceiling — small but noticeable stuff gave it a tired feel. Nice sized king bed, with lots of bedding; bath towels were large and thick. Bathroom, sadly, had no ventilation/​fan/​window. Modesty does not factor into this hotel’s bathroom style! «Drainless» shower pan was very cool; however, the glass door didn’t do a good job of containing the water from splashing out. Other bathroom amenities were very sleek and modern. Television was a small Sharp computer monitor with very limited channels (23 channels; 3 English). Our second room, on the top floor (508), was exactly the same in modern style, but with a larger bathroom (with functional window! Still no air ventilation), but smaller closet. Bathroom was in-​line with the «glass box» design on the hotel’s website. Huge, party-​sized shower! Water pressure was excellent (in both rooms). The hotel also features a restaurant (one level above the lobby), as well as a small gym with sauna (one level below the lobby). The lobby also features a small kiosk selling waters, beers, snacks, and other personal accoutrements. Also excellent, too, is the soundproofing, which was fantastic, as Barcelona streets are packed with cars. Housekeeping did a great job of having the room spic-​n-​span upon our late-​afternoon returns each day. Staff was never less than friendly and accommodating, esp. when the AC went out in our first room, and when needing to utilize their office printer to print out itineraries, boarding passes, etc. In short, criticisms aside — after all, I am an American! — I really enjoyed my stay at AC Hotel Irla. The location was primo; the staff, excellent. And that shower water pressure made me forget my nitpickiness!!! :D