Market

Hotel Market, a Michelin Key Selected property in Barcelona, Spain, generally garners positive feedback for its excellent location, friendly staff, and overall value, though some guests have reported issues with noise and room amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Hotel Market holds an overall "Very Good" rating, with an average score of 8.0 on Agoda and 7.7 on Booking.com, based on thousands of reviews. Guests frequently describe their experience as exceptional, highlighting it as a true gem for a memorable stay in Barcelona. Its selection by the Michelin Guide further underscores its quality and unique appeal.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Hotel Market:

• Location: The hotel's excellent and safe neighborhood location in the Eixample district is a standout feature, convenient for exploring the city's attractions while being away from the busiest tourist areas.
• Service: The staff receives high marks for being friendly, helpful, and collaborative, contributing significantly to a welcoming atmosphere.
• Design & Cleanliness: The hotel's modern furniture and decor, often described as charming and stylish, perfectly capture the essence of Barcelona. Rooms are consistently noted for their cleanliness and good maintenance. The historic design of the hotel is also appreciated by guests.
• Value: Many guests find Hotel Market to offer great value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

3. Room Quality

Hotel Market offers 58 rooms decorated with smart monochrome hues and rich hardwoods. Rooms are generally clean, well-maintained, and comfortable, with some featuring modern furniture and decor. Standard and superior rooms are noted for being spacious, and some rooms even come with balconies or terraces. Thoughtful touches like reclaimed hardwood flooring set the rooms apart from other mid-range options in Barcelona. However, some reviews mention potential downsides, including thin walls that can lead to noise from neighboring rooms or the street. There have also been isolated comments about some rooms appearing "old-school" or having a "dirty appearance" with old furniture and a lack of a minibar. Four-poster beds, while visually appealing, might consist of two twin mattresses pushed together, which some guests found uncomfortable. Some rooms also lack tea or coffee making facilities.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Hotel Market is a significant draw, with the establishment operating as a "hotel-restaurant" where the food often takes precedence. The hotel's restaurant boasts a 7.6 rating for food and dining, and guests frequently rave about the delicious cuisine, which includes both traditional Spanish dishes and international favorites. The on-site Market Restaurant and Bar Rosso are popular among both locals and tourists, serving excellent Catalan dishes throughout the day. A breakfast buffet with hot options is available, though it's typically only included with specific bed-and-breakfast rates. While the food itself is highly regarded, one guest noted unhelpful restaurant staff.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Hotel Market receives widespread praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming nature. Guests have appreciated the staff's collaborative approach and willingness to assist, including accommodating early check-ins, late check-outs, and even offering complimentary room upgrades. Despite the generally positive feedback, there have been some instances of guests finding reception or restaurant staff unhelpful or even rude, and a perceived lack of an inviting lobby area.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, earning an 8.7 rating. Situated in a safe part of the Eixample neighborhood, it offers a perfect base for exploring Barcelona without being overwhelmed by tourist crowds. The vibrant Sant Antoni market is nearby. Accessibility is excellent, with Sant Antoni and Poble Sec Metro Stations just a short walk away, providing easy access to the city's extensive metro network and major attractions like the Gothic Quarter and Sagrada Familia. Popular areas like Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas are also within a 15-20 minute walk. Furthermore, the Aerobus to El Prat International Airport conveniently stops just one block from the hotel.

7. Value & Pricing

Hotel Market is frequently cited as an excellent value for money, earning a 7.9 rating in this category. Guests appreciate the affordable rates without compromising on comfort and quality, making it an ideal choice for travelers looking for a well-located and pleasant stay without a luxury price tag.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Noise: Several reviews mention poor soundproofing, leading to noise from neighboring rooms (e.g., showers) and street noise disturbing sleep.
• Room Amenities & Condition: Isolated complaints include a lack of minibar, inconsistencies in tea/coffee making facilities, and a general impression of some rooms needing refurbishment with "old furniture" or "dirty appearance". Some four-poster beds, made of two pushed-together twin mattresses, have been reported as uncomfortable.
• Service Inconsistencies: While staff are generally praised, a few guests have encountered unhelpful or rude reception/restaurant staff.
• Bed Bugs: A severe bed bug issue was reported by one guest, leading to multiple bites and requiring medical attention, significantly impacting their stay despite the staff's efforts to move them to another room.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. michelin.com
5. booking.com
6. oyster.com