INNSiDE by Melia Barcelona Apolo Hotel

We've stayed in plenty of places around Europe, and this was the best for us. The rooms were large, very clean, airy, and had big windows. We could walk to everything or take quick can rides, and it felt like Barcelona revolved around the perfect location. Front desk and cleaning staff were friendly and responsive, treating us like family. Sandra at reception went above and beyond for us, and the knowledgeable, very friendly gentlemen at the entrance gave us directions and encouragement. We were impressed and plan to return. I recommend it!

For Valentine’s Day, which was important to us, I had booked a double bed in advance. At check-in we were given two separate beds, with no notice or explanation. Reception said a double bed wasn't available and nothing could be done. If the hotel knew it couldn't provide the room type I'd paid for, I should have been told beforehand. People choose that date for a particular experience, and the poor communication and organisation affected our stay.

We chose the hotel for its metro-side location and our Meliá membership, and the facilities met our expectations. From booking through checkout, service was outstanding. The team also surprised my fiancé for his birthday with lovely compliments from the hotel, a thoughtful touch. The beds were extremely comfortable, pillows just the right firmness, the mini fridge was topped up daily, and breakfast offered a wide variety of high-quality food. Staff were consistently kind, patient, and accommodating. I also valued the meeting rooms and private work cubicles, and would stay again for a Barcelona business trip if the noise issue were addressed. The doors slam unless held shut, waking us several times over our four days. Around 3am one night, intoxicated guests kept going in and out of rooms and making a lot of noise. I had to confront them and call reception, and for a moment it felt more like student halls than a hotel. At breakfast, seeing hair on a few plates by the shared cutlery area put me off some items.

We had a great experience at INNSiDE and would recommend it, and come back. Staff and service were fantastic, and housekeeping did a wonderful job. The room was too warm for us; when we asked for the A/C, maintenance said it couldn't be turned on. We had to sleep with the window open and listen to people walking by all night, which was disappointing. A small housekeeping note: we were happy to reuse towels, but they replaced them at every service even when we hung them up.