Brummell

Brummell, a Michelin Key Selected property in Barcelona, stands out as a charming and intimate boutique hotel that consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, thoughtful design, and prime location. Housed in a beautifully renovated 1870s building, it offers a tranquil oasis while remaining well-connected to the vibrant city life.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guests frequently describe Brummell with sentiments like "wonderful," "exceptional," "splendid," and a "great choice" for a stay in Barcelona. It boasts impressive ratings, with a "Wonderful" score of 9.2 based on 887 reviews on one booking platform and a 19.5 out of 20 on the Michelin Guide's post-stay rating scale. The general consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting a perfect balance between relaxation and accessibility.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Brummell:

• Service & Staff: The "impeccable" and "super friendly" staff often receive the highest commendations.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is a "design lover's haven," with beautifully decorated interiors, a refreshing down-to-earth sensibility, and an intimate, welcoming vibe.
• Amenities: A rooftop pool, sauna, and a garden provide spaces for relaxation. The hotel also offers complimentary yoga and fitness classes, and hosts a running club. An "Honesty Bar" with snacks and drinks is a popular feature.
• Location: Its quiet yet central location, away from the main tourist hustle but with easy metro access, is highly appreciated.

3. Room Quality

Brummell's 20 rooms are consistently reviewed as comfortable, large, and full of natural light. Each room is thoughtfully designed with bespoke furniture and works by young European designers, creating a chic yet unpretentious atmosphere. Key features include:

• Very comfortable beds.
• Flat-screen TVs, safes, and desks.
• Yoga mats in each room.
• Luxurious bathrooms with heated floors, rain showers, and quality bath products.
• Many rooms feature balconies, offering great natural light.
• Penthouse suites boast private terraces with outdoor bathtubs and city or Montjuïc views.

4. Dining Experience

The culinary offerings at Brummell are well-regarded, particularly the breakfast.

• Breakfast: Guests can enjoy a highly-rated, delicious, and generous breakfast (review score 9.1), including continental, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free buffet options, along with freshly house-baked breads and pastries.
• Restaurant: The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Funky Bakers, led by Seyma Ozkaya, which serves bold, seasonal dishes for lunch with an Eastern Mediterranean and Barcelona character. Specialty coffee and brunch are also available on weekends.
• Honesty Bar: A self-service "Honesty Bar" provides a selection of drinks and snacks throughout the day.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Brummell is a consistent highlight, frequently described as "exceptional" and "impeccable." Guests praise the staff for being "super friendly," "very great and accommodating," and "exceptionally friendly, welcoming, and easy to communicate with." They are noted for providing excellent recommendations for local restaurants and attractions, going above and beyond to ensure guests feel comfortable and well-cared for. Communication via WhatsApp with reception is a convenient touch.

6. Location & Accessibility

Brummell is situated in the Poble Sec neighborhood, offering a quiet and "off the tourist track" experience, yet remaining highly accessible.

• Neighborhood: Poble Sec is described as a fun, up-and-coming area with a charming tapas-and-galleries vibe and plenty of local restaurants.
• Attractions: It's located at the base of Montjuïc, within a 10-minute walk of its parks and gardens, and easy reach of the Miró Foundation and The Grec theatre. La Rambla is about a 10-15 minute walk away.
• Transport: The Parallel Metro station is only a short walk away (250 meters), providing easy access to all parts of the city.

7. Value & Pricing

While Brummell offers a high-quality boutique experience, some guests have noted that the pricing can be "a bit expensive" or "a little overpriced" depending on the season, especially since breakfast is not always included in the room rate. However, many reviews suggest that the excellent service, unique design, comfortable rooms, and overall positive experience justify the cost, with typical prices starting around 89€/night.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring issues are few, but some guests have mentioned:

• Breakfast Cost: Breakfast is often not included in the room rate and can be an additional expense.
• Washer/Dryer Instructions: One guest reported difficulty using the in-room washer/dryer due to a lack of clear instructions.
• Courtyard Utility: The interior courtyard, while present, was not always seen as an inviting space for sitting or dining.
• Parking: Parking facilities are not on-site and are described as being "far away."

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. brummellprojects.com
4. michelin.com
5. tablethotels.com
6. secretplaces.com
7. michelin.com
8. lesboutiquehotels.com
9. oyster.com
10. brummellprojects.com
11. im8hoursahead.com