NH la Maquinista - Barcelona, Spain     

Hi Folks, Stayed in this place last year. Flew with Ryanair into Girona, from there you can get a taxi to train station in Girona, and the area where hotel is, is on the line to Barcelona so couldn't be easier. From train station to hotel, its about a 10 minute walk. The City Centre is about 15-20 mins by train, so this place is perfect. On top of that, theres a great Shopping Centre at side of hotel, and there are restaurants, loads of stores etc. Would defo recommend it, and its reasonably priced. Bar the shopping centre, theres nothing much here, hop on the train and you're in town. Cheers

We have just returned from a 4 night trip to Barcelona residing at the NH La Maquinista. The hotel is okay, but it is not suitable for tourists. Please see main points: Location It is supposedly meant to be in the business district, but there are no businesses in view, apart from a car show room and run down flats. It is a 15 minute walk or so to the nearest metro, and 9 metro stops to the main tourist areas - Catalonia Square, La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter. The Hotel Staff I found the staff extremely aloof, rude and unhelpful; particulary on Reception. I spoke a few words in Spanish to them - mainly good morning and good evening, and never received a response let alone a smile. The Rooms The Room we were in was extremely small, but very clean. Our room contained no drawers, so there was no where to store our clothing. we asked for an alternative room with drawers, but said that all the rooms were the same - no storage space. There was a small cupboard where we could store some clothes, but it was sufficient enough for 1 person. The Breakfast The food available for breakfast was of poor quality and unhealthy. There was a choice of cererals - with only full fat milk, pastries, cheesecake, chocolate cake - FOR BREAKFAST. If you aren't fussy and unhealthy this is the place for you. La Maquinista Mall Next to the Hotel there is a mall with an abundance of shops, which was a godsend for us in the evenings. There are places to eat, but no great choice. Gino's (An Italian Restaurant) was very nice, and I would recommend there.