Boria Bcn - Barcelona, Spain     

Although I recognise the hotel from other very accurate reviews, I feel compelled to add my own. Firstly finding the place proved difficult as there is no sign outside it that shows that it is a hotel. Our taxi from the airport refused to take us down what amounts to a dark alley and so we walked with our rolling luggage and child in a pushchair into what can only be described as 'harms way'. We walked straight past the hotel (as there was nothing obvious to show what it was) and on into the dark depths. We saw a street cleaner and asked directions from her (she sent us completely the wrong way as it turned out - probably deliberately). I eventually asked a cafe owner where we were (I had a map but there were no street signs). The cafe owner said that I was in the wrong part of town and to get out fast, he pointed at several feral looking men and said they were thieves! We took his advice and went for the nearest main street, we were followed by a couple of sinister looking chaps in dark glasses and designer clothes. By now I was boiling hot and very concerned. One of the men made a move to get my wifes handbag but she had the presence of mind not to be distracted. We finally found the place and the security entry is a sure sign that the hotel owners are aware what a dangerous place this is. Although it is in the Born area and close to everything, it is seedy in it's immediate location. The reception lady was very polite and professional and friendly and seemed genuinely shocked when I described our experience of finding them. She told us that she leaves work at 11pm and has never had any bother. The hotel is tiny and has no amenities - no restaurant or bar, it was a squash to get into the lift with just one suitcase. There is no way a disabled person could manage at this place. For a hotel that only opened in 2005, it seems extraordinary for that to be the case. The room (a junior suite) was located on the first floor. Spacious and achingly trendy it was as the saying goes, "all fur coat and no knickers". There was a complimentary welcome half bottle of cava in an ice bucket with a few chocolates on the coffee table. The electrics were quite dodgy and the TV was wired into the bedside lamps, so no lamp on meant no TV! The tiny bathroom had no bath! I had to walk sideways into the shower it was so small and I'm not that big..really. The lightswitch for the bathroom (which was up a couple of steps) was behind a heavy glass door. Totally bad design. The cupboards were tatty and on their last legs. This place needs a total rethink and after just three years it already needs a refurbishment. There was no tea or coffee but a reasonably well stocked mini-bar / fridge. A couple of the windows (covered by heavy wooden shutters) were nailed shut and you needed to have several lights on otherwise the room would be in permanent semi darkness. Great if you want to sleep but very gloomy otherwise. Our room was over a side alleyway and the noise was terrible. Every word spoken would echo up and could be heard by us, mopeds and motorbikes constantly buzzing up and down, delivery lorries clattering about and our sleep was completely ruined every night. I love Barcelona and wanted to be close to the main areas but made a big mistake with the hotel Boria. It is very expensive and simply not worth the money. It is in completely the wrong street . I would not stay there again and would urge anyone else not to make my mistake as you will regret it. If you're daft enough not to heed this warning - do not whatever you do take children anywhere near this place, it is not safe but as an adult you can choose, kids can't.