The One Barcelona GL

Not “the one” in Barcelona.
Maybe the name should be: "The Judgmental Barcelona".

After enduring a challenging journey to Barcelona, I was eager to arrive at a 5-star Grand Luxury hotel. However, my initial experiences were less than satisfactory.

Upon arrival, I attempted to hand my backpack to the gentleman opening the door of our less-than-impressive taxi, but he declined, (not with words but with his judgmental action and look) , creating an awkward and embarrassing moment for me.

At Reception, the attendant failed to inform us about the privileges included with my reservation, leaving out details about the spa, outdoor pool, and rooftop bar. By contrast, a previous hotel had even proactively emailed me before my arrival to invite me to their spa—an initiative lacking here. The check-in experience felt disjointed and uninformative.
She was always judging us, looking us up and down.

Once inside the hotel, I noticed that many guests appeared superficial, which seemed to influence the treatment I received. They say not to judge a book by its cover—perhaps the same should apply here.

The concierge at the entrance consistently displayed exceptional friendliness and elegance, setting a standard that should extend throughout the hotel.

While we appreciated our room, the soundproofing was adequate but not flawless, with our window not functioning perfectly.

There was an uncomfortable encounter in the lobby where I felt the employee did not believe we were staying at the hotel—an oversight that left a negative impression. The things he said and did were extremely strong...This was disappointing and not well-received.

We embrace a low-key lifestyle, yet certain staff members seemed to disapprove, which left us feeling judged and unwelcome. Our experience was bittersweet.

We chose to dine away from the hotel, finding solace elsewhere in Barcelona.

Breakfast, served à la carte, was 'small'. I wish to congratulate the kitchen because everything was absolutely delicious.

The hotel's proximity to prestigious brand stores highlighted the stark contrast in treatment between these establishments and our own experiences within the hotel—a discrepancy that was unsettling for us.

Overall, while the location and breakfast were commendable, the service and atmosphere fell short of expectations for a 5-star Grand Luxury establishment. The way we were perceived and the unsettling incidents we encountered left us hesitant to return unless significant improvements are made to demonstrate otherwise.

I chose this hotel based on its reviews. I can't believe what happened to us! Mere apologies or excuses will not suffice.