Silken Ramblas

Great Location

Silken Ramblas (previously the Ambassador) is a business-style hotel, well located close to La Rambla and just a couple of blocks away from Plaza Catalunya. The service from the front-desk staff was efficient, albeit a bit dry at times, but the staff at breakfast were great, and the housekeepers were very friendly. The rooms are nicely furnished and comfortable (ours was a good size), but those near to the elevators are too close to the doors and the hotel didn’t deactivate any elevators at night, (although they said they do) so noise would probably be a problem. And as in so many hotels, the walls are paper thin, so we could hear some of our neighbours’ conversations (and their ablutions!). The wi-fi connection to the rooms failed while we were there (Oct 09), and 3 days later (when we left), still hadn’t been fixed. Connection was available in the lobby, so at times there were quite a few people scattered around with their lap-tops. Not the end of the world, but inconvenient, particularly for business travellers. Overall an OK place to stay, particularly for it’s location, but wouldn’t want to pay the full rate.

Try not to go during a Spanish public holiday. We couldn’t believe how many people were there over the weekend, and it was uncomfortable at times (and locals were complaining that it was low season!). Keep your street-smarts about you and keep your bags/purses small, closed, and close to your body, and don’t leave your bags on the floor/chair under your table while eating. Although we had read plenty of horror stories about La Ramble before we went, we saw nothing untoward and nothing bad happened to us, but like any big city, there are always pickpockets waiting to take advantage of people who’ve let their guards down.

Convenience in Barcelona

Silken Ramblas is 20th century modern - bright, chrome downstairs - but is just a block from the Rambla where it is such fun to walk and sit and observe the diverse crowd walking along. Lobbyu is ordinaryu but comfortable. Room was actually a suite with entry hall, living room with sofa, coffee table and mini-bar, then hallway with two sinks and door to bathroom with large tub, then large bedroom with king bed, end tables, dresser/desk and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking quiet small street. Lots of closet and drawer space. Good breakfast plan: you can just pay 5 euros for juice, toast and coffee, 10 euros to add eggs, or 15 euros for buffet. Good service, got us taxi to airport at 6:30 a.m.

Hop-on-hop off buses with open top are essential to get full perspective of city. They depart from Plaza de la Catalunya, at the end of the Ramblas. Blue route goes to one part, red route to another - and you can do it all in one day or do them on two consecutive days. Cost is 21 euros for 1 day, 27 euros for 2 day ticket. Earphones describe the sights in 10 languages.

Not a four-star hotel

Although it had all the amenities you expect from a four-star hotel, it just didn’t feel like one.

Amazing Location, Good Price, Clean Hotel

It is located just half block from Las Ramblas, you can walk to Maremagnum, the mall, the port or take the Metro to where ever you want. It is really nice from the outside and the rooms also are really nice. If you want comfort, location, clean and safe place... this is it.

Good Value.

Close to Las Ramblas and the Market. Neighborhood deteriorated close to hotel, but hotel was ok. Even taxi drivers warned about pick pockets on Las Ramblas but we had no problems. Good value for the price. Be sure to book on Expedia - all the hotels told us their prices were the best available.

Very impressive, beats the reviews for sure

The hotel more than met my expectations. Extremely courtous staff. I extended a day through Expedia one day at a time for three days and never a problem. Clean rooms and fantastic beds. You will not be disappointed. I think they have free wireless, but don’t use their computer for Internet...very expensive.

Traveler's tip on shopping

One block from Ramblas shopping. The Ramblas is a must walk. It’s loaded with locals and tourists. Metro and "hop on hop off" tours two blocks away. Old City three blocks. Perfect location.

Recommend

The hotel is great for a short stay. It is very convenient to Ramblas Avenue and public transportation. I did not eat there. They have an "association" with an outstand health club. The staff was nice and knowledgeable.

Traveler's tip on dining

I am probably not going to spell this right, but there is a restaurant that is an institution just off Ramblas called Los Caracollas. Sit in the kitchen - it is fun.

Great location, moderate price

One block off the Ramblas, one block from the MACBA contemporary art museum--the Silken’s location can’t be beat. The rooms are small but clean, and overall it’s relatively quiet despite the popularity of the area among late-night wanderers. For travelers on a budget, who don’t plan to spend considerable time in their hotel room, the Silken is a good Barcelona option. Only complaint: the advertised hotel wifi service is barely functional.

Nice place

Silken Ramblas is just off of Ramblas about 300 feet or so. The staff is friendly, most speak English, and the rooms were clean. Bathrooms are larger than most and so are the rooms, but neither are huge by any means. Location, of course, is great because you are close but no too close. Not much more to say. The price was decent and I would recommend this hotel and would stay there again.

Modern and Convenient

This hotel is located right next to the famous La Ramblas street. With modern decor and cleanliness of the room, I would definitely come back if I happened to visit Barcelona again. Comfortable beds and nice size bathroom. Staff were nice and helpful. One small hiccup is the view from the room-there is none. Considering it’s located between buildings in the middle of downtown, I did not expect much. However, the view of the city from the top floor was amazing though. Definitely recommend.

Please don’t stay here!!!!

This hotel was one of the worse that I have ever stayed in. The floors were filthy and for the price we were paying I expected a decent hotel. The rooms were small and dark and filthy!!! The location is very central off of Las Ramblas but I recommend highly to pay the extra $75 per night and stay next door at the Hotel 1898 or Le Meridian down the street. The hotel had "Lists of recommendations" for dining, flamenco shows etc...don’t follow any of their suggestions they get paybacks for sending you and the places they recommend are tourist traps and really not any good. It was highly commerciaized and not clean! Next time I go I would pick something a little bit further away than on Las Ramblas because their are more authentic neighborhoods and the subway system is so convenient that nothing is far.

Traveler's tip on dining

Try this fabulous seafood place called Can Mejo facing the sea in Barcelonetta. The best Paella you will have in barcelona.

Fantastic

Absolutely beautiful hotel and room (especially considering the price and perfect location close to the action but on a quiet side street). The service was also fantastic. We loved it.

Great stay at the Silken Ramblas

Great location off of the famous Las Ramblas and very close to Barcelona’s fantastic metro system. The hotel staff was well-dressed, courteous, and helpful. The lobby was impressive considering the price of the room. The room was a little small but not unusual for a European city. The bed and bedding (pillows, sheets, comforter) were very comfortable and comparable to what you’d expect in a more expensive hotel. The room had a flat screen TV. The bathroom was equally nice with beautiful tiling, nice towels, and a basket of toiletries.

Traveler's tip on saving a few bucks

You can buy a "Barcelona Card" for 2,3,4, or 5 days. You get free transportation on the metro, local trains, buses, and trams. You also get discounts to several attractions but some are as low as 10%. If you are considering the card mainly for the transportation usage and maybe a couple of museums, don’t bother buying this expensive card. This city is very walkable and accessible with the public transportation. You can buy several multi-trip metro passes at a fraction of the card’s cost.