Hotel 1898

We visited for 3 nights for our 10th anniversary (and early 40th birthday). I searched for hours for a hotel - H1898 had everything I wanted but I was concerned the rooms / hotel looked dark and outdated (they aren't; the pictures don't do the rooms or hotel justice) - something made me keep coming back to H1898 and I'm so pleased I booked it! The hotel has a lovely retro / classic / sophisticated vibe and look which carries across the whole hotel and it's beautiful. Not dark or outdated at all. The lobby and lift has it's own signature scent which is welcoming - they should package and sell it in a candle or diffuser! Huge lobby area with comfy sofas and bar. Always a welcome from the doorman. We emailed prior about an upgrade; and upgraded from a superior room to a deluxe - response from the hotel was fast and payment via a secure link. We then emailed about upgrading to a suite but it was a little too much - much to our suprise and delight, when we arrived we were upgraded. Lydia remembered emailing my husband; she was genuinely happy to help us with the upgrade and with anything else we needed. Thank you so much Lydia! We also received welcome cava and chocolate cake for anniversary - these small touches take the hotel to the next level. Our bags were stored and (sorry didn't catch his name - slightly older gentlemen with glasses) was so helpful in storing bags - both until our room was ready on check-in and on our final day after check-out. The beds are really comfy and nothing is too much trouble, rooms are cleaned well. The suite is absolutely amazing, beautiful and luxurious - absolutely amazing to have your own private area and pool. Bright, clean, airy and comfy. Words cannot describe it. Breakfast is good; a wide selection and choice - bacon, sausages, cereals, fresh cold meats and cheeses, pastries, cakes.. and cooked to order eggs or omelettes. Fresh juices, teas, coffee and cava. All tasty and it's great breakfast hours are until 11am! La Isabella is lovely in the day with a rooftop pool and sun loungers - either by the pool or sofas in the bar area which you could also lay out. Plenty of spaces. In the evening, a great singer or background music, and service to your table - great drinks and great service. Lovely views over Barcelona but it can get a bit windy / chilly so maybe take a small cardigan if you feel the cold. The spa is also an added bonus, the water circuit is great with jets, hydro bubbles and a sauna and steam room. The pool here is heated so warmer than the one on the 7th floor. 30 minutes a day included - you need to book but it's worth it! There is a small gym and showers you can use before check-in or after check-out to freshen up. A helpful benefit. We didn't have any treatments, although the prices looked reasonable. Location is just on La Rambla with entrance just to the side. Great location and walkable to a lot of the main places, or taxis outside plus metro less than a 5 minute walk. Perfect for us. We both felt it's the best city hotel we have stayed in (even without the upgrade). If there was anything to improve it's that the cards to operate the lifts can be a bit temperamental at times, maybe someone at the lobby bar in the day to serve drinks and have the room service menu in the rooms / on the TV (we couldn't find it). But these did not impact our stay at all.