Hotel Duquesa de Cardona - Barcelona

Average rating:  6.7

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Apr 2008

Location is good but the noise late at night from the street outside can be a problem. Breakfast, like so many hotels, is over-priced and not value for money. Surely a way of making the total room rate look better but we've seen through this. 'outside swimming pool'description is flattering- it's not very big at all but I suppose it is a pool and it is outside. Maybe 'large outside bath' is better.

Guest name: Ian Murray, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Mar 2008

The position of this hotel is just great!!! 200 from La Rambla, means: far enough not to be disturbed by the noise, close for the subway, and just in front of the port. The employees are very helpful and friendly giving you precious advives on restaurants and shops. (Sandra, thanks again for you help). Only black point: the breakfast in the terrace is a it expensive. (Just like all Barcelona). We spent 5 nights there, and would choose the same hotel without hesitation and recommend it to all.

Guest name: JF, Italy

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Feb 2008

We travelled on the sleeper from Paris and arrived at Estacio de Franca. The hotel was ideally suited for us, being 500m from the station and (although separated by a wide highway) on the waterfront. We had a third floor front room with a pleasant view. The hotel was very close to La Rambla and withing walking distance of the Picasso museum, old city, etc. As it was February, the roof-top bar was closed and the restaurant was not open on Mondays to Wednesdays. This was not a problem for us, as we were able to have drinks and light meals served in the lounge or foyer areas on request. There were also several restaurants and bars in the same street. Perhaps the breakfasts were a little expensive, though good, but the very reasonable room rate for a city centre meant that overall, it was good value for money. The multi-lingual staff were most helpful and efficient. We shall certainly stay there again when visiting Barcelona.

Guest name: Alan LANE, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.9

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Feb 2008

The hotel was pleasant. Our taxi driver took our suitcases in as no-one came out to help us.Price quoted for wifi internet access was 9 Eurs and they wanted to charge 15 Eurs. When I showed them your quote they changed back to 9Eurs but this access is free in other hotels. We had a junior suite which was spacious and overlooked the port. We had a dressing room and big bathroom with separate shower and bath. Good but I found it to be expensive particularly the breakfast.

Guest name: RG, Gibraltar

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Jan 2008

A kind of living in a palace-feeling. This hotel is a very good and comfortable hotel. I asked for a room with harbourview and got one. A real goodsized room and bathroom with bath and all the luxury you like to have when travelling. Stylish furniture with good materials, all very clean.Very friendly people at the receptiondesk, always there to help you and feel at home. Topquality for a very low price, if you book in Januar.

Guest name: TK, Netherlands

Average rating:  6.7

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

The lack of amentities. At five PM in the lounge area unable to buy a drink-some conference/meeting in process. Servers not available-couldn't find them.

Guest name: RS, USA

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2007

We picked this property because it advertised that it had shuttle service to the airport, but it did not. We also thought the breakfast was extremely overpriced, considering it was included in the price at the other hotels we stayed at.

Guest name: RT, USA

Average rating:  7.6

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2006

Ideal location for Las Ramblas and port area.Very nice rooms and staff were very helpful.Front bedrooms do get traffic noise.We would definitely stop again.

Guest name: Martin Furness, United Kingdom

Average rating:  4.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2006

The hotel has no parking, and the public parking is at 31 Euros for each 24 hour period. The location is at the edge of the historic district, on bus routes, and across the street from the marina and great seafood places. They advertise a private beach which does not exist as far as we could find out. The pool is about the size of an average hot tub spa, and located on the roof. The restaurant has a limited menu but there are plenty of great restaurants in the immediate area. Some of the rooms have a view of apartments just a few meters away. I would not stay there again because of the high price for what was had. However, the location may make it worth it for some visitors.

Guest name: Ronald Williams, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2006

great staff & quality of furniture and breakfast

Guest name: AR, USA

Average rating:  7.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2006

Heterosexual couple - one night stay The best feature of this hotel was its location to the harbor area and all the activities that revolve around the harbor. Excellent harborfront restaurants were an easy 2-5 minute walk and early breakfast was readily available at small cafes behind the hotel. By U.S. standards the room was not as spacious as expected in a 4-star hotel. But as we found from our stay in another hotel (3-star)in Barcelona, the rooms in Barcelona are simply not big (again by U.S. standards) - though perhaps the suites do offer the expected larger room (for a far heftier price). At the Duquesa, the appointments, quietness, cleanliness and especially the ultramodern bathroom (sans bidet, however)gave it an aire of elegance. We did not get a room-with-a-view, as requested ... perhaps these were reserved for multiple-night patrons...which would have made a big difference in our opinion of the place. The rooftop lounge area provided a great view of the harbor area, but its very small pool was hardly worth the space. Staff personnel were most helpful, accurate in their advice/directions and competent in their execution (reconfirming flight reservations, wake-up call, restaurant dinner reservations). Surrounding the hotel were hostels and apartments which from the outside did not appear to be any less; this begged one to ask if the price/value was a good buy. But the hotel was very clean and professionally run, a relief to the traveller. We would stay there again because of so much more to do harborside but for the price would have to insist on a room with a view (i.e. at floor level 2,3, or 4 - level 1 looks directly into palm trees ... no view). Venere reservations were flawless.

Guest name: Douglas Taylor, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Mar 2006

It was a very nice hotel. I like the hotel very well. mfg Gudrun Walter

Guest name: Gudrun Walter, Germany

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Dec 2005

Quaint 16th century facade leads in to lovely reception area. Room was spacious on third floor ( acess by stairs or lift ) non smoking floor. I'd requested a king size bed and was not disappointed. Hotel was in a lovely spot to explore the harbour, Barcelonetta, Gothic and El Born areas. Excellent stay.

Guest name: John Proud, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2005

This is my second stay in Barcelona and my 6th hotel stay in Europe. By far this is the most comfortable hotel we have stayed at. The beds are very comfortable and the living space is very spaceous. Even though it is located at the south end of the Gothic Quarter it is very accessable by foot. By American standards this is a great value!

Guest name: Patrick Lawrence, USA

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Nov 2005

Fantastic, even the breakfast at 20 euros was excellent value for money

Guest name: EI, United Kingdom

Average rating:  2.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

This Hotel is way over rated and over priced. The service was really so bad that there was no one to help with our luggage. The rooms were so small with a hard bed, dirty bed spread. So we asked to be moved to a better room. We were told they had no better rooms. Then after I said we were thinking of leaving she called back and said she could show us a better room for 30 Euros more a night. We had a 7 night reservation. And she left us waiting 20 minutes to show us the better room. The story does have a good ending, we left and found a better Hotel and service -Bonus- less money too! We LOVE Barcelona.

Guest name: PC, USA

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2005

Nice place. Good location downtown. Rooms are a little small, but i would stay here again

Guest name: SM, USA

Average rating:  4.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

We were very disappointed with our stay at the Duquesa at the end of what had otherwise been a fantastic honeymoon. Rather than the four stars shown proudly on the front of the building I would rate it as a good three star. The first reason for this is that on our arrival we had a fair bit of luggage. Rather than call the porter to take it upstairs to our room we were pointed at his trolley and told to do it ourselves. The second reason is the "swimming pool". This is little larger than perhaps 2 by 4 metres, and at the time of our visit was green and univiting. FInally, we asked the reception desk to book us into a particular restaurant for the last night of our honeymoon. We gave them the name and the phone number of the restaurant and the following day confirmed with the front desk that the booking had been made. When we arrived at the restaurant they had no record of us, our booking, or of any call from our hotel. This was very embarrassing and caused needless grief and stress on what was supposed to be a very special night. The Duquesa is not a bad hotel, it is simply not as good as it pretends to be. In a city like Barcelona where there are so many fantastic hotels in similarly great locations I would advise that you stay somewhere else.

Guest name: Stephen Davies, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jul 2005

Very nice hotel, great location and good value for the money

Guest name: AS, USA

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Feb 2005

The hotel is in a perfect location overlooking the Port Vell and only ten minutes walk from La Ramblas and the vibrant heart. The only disappointed was the breakfast, which at 16 euros was a lot more expensive than any of the meals out we had, and not as good value - not enough vegetarian options, and the cooked eggs were unappetising. Otherwise it would get a five star rating by us.

Guest name: Anne Morris, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jan 2005

Really excellent hotel, just in the historical center of Barcellona. Excellent wellcoming and competence of employees. Rooms really good, clean, spacious and very quiet. A great choice in Barcelona, incredible compared to the price.

Guest name: Elio Pecora, Italy

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jan 2005

The only disappointing thing was no evening meals available in the restaurant. Otherwise we were very pleased with the accommodation and staff.

Guest name: Ian Medcalf, United Kingdom

Average rating:  6.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Nov 2004

price/quality

Guest name: Alain Benghanem, France

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Single corporate traveller

stayed in Sep 2004

This is an excellent hotel near the port with a very nice view.

Guest name: Tim Stoldt, Germany

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jul 2004

I was very pleased with the hotel and position. I researched on other sites regarding this hotel before booking with venere and the price of our stay was of exceptional value compared to others! Your photo's weren't as good, but photo's on other sites only proved that my decision to go with you was a great decision! Eight business girls go away every july, we won't hesitate to use you again. Thankyou

Guest name: Helen Equizi, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jun 2004

Cardona is a littel hotel with excellent service , and the rooms were nice and clean. The hotel is located by the sea port and only 500m from the beginng of the famous la rambla.

Guest name: Lasse Klokseth, Norway

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in May 2004

The hotel Duesa de carmona is very well located just in front of the sea, the rooms are not only very clean and large but they are beautiful with a modern design very elegant. Samething for the bathroom, very large with a tub and a separate shower... We really enjoyed our stay.

Guest name: Ariane Michaloux, France

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Single corporate traveller

stayed in May 2004

Very good Hotel near to the old harbor. Comfortable rooms and an excellent breakfast buffet.

Guest name: Tim Stoldt, Germany

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Apr 2004

OTTIMO RISPORANTE MA NON DOVREBBERO CHIUDERLO PROPRIO NEL WEEK END.

Guest name: Tiziana Rosati, Italy

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Mar 2004

An excellent small hotel overlooking Port Vell, our room had a very small balcony overlooking the back of the hotel. As others have already commented breakfast was pricey at 14 euros pp. The roof terrace had a small cold plunge pool, a couple of nice sunbeds and some good quality patio furniture, not much was promoted about this area, during summer evenings (and with a small bar available perhaps?) this would be a wopnderful place to unwind. The hotel was well kept and very clean, although not well known to taxi drivers, it was very well placed for the Ramblas, Port Vell and Port Olmypic. The bathroom facilities were great. I would have liked to see some cupboards by the side of the bed, and some tea/coffee making facilities. I would go back there and would recommend to other people.

Guest name: Lynn Carden-Matthews, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Feb 2004

The hotel was very warm and welcoming and will definately stay there again

Guest name: DP, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Jan 2004

excellent hotel

Guest name: MD, Italy

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jan 2004

Our stay at the hotel could not be faulted. The decor of the rooms was excellent and they are of a good size, the staff were always friendly and helped with all of our requests and the view over the marina beautiful. i would recommend La duquesa de cardona to my friends and family.

Guest name: JT, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jan 2004

I found this hotel superb. It was just a stroll away from Las Rambas which was the ideal location, as you were just a stones throw away from the hussle and bussle. The hotel staff were very friendly indeed and you were given a guide of barcelona when you arrived, which I found incredibly helpful indeed.

Guest name: JS, United Kingdom

Average rating:  6.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Dec 2003

The location was very good...on the seafront and close to the Rambla We were however very disappointed to get a room at the rear of the building with no sea view whatsoever. Even though we asked to change rooms a number of times, nothing happened.

Guest name: Caroline Schmitz, Germany

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2003

One of the reasons why I selected this (quite new) hotel was the offer of internet connection in the room. Unfortunately, that did not work and there were even problems with the telephone. But I dare hope that this was a temporary problem and if I forget about this disappointment, the place was excellent.

Guest name: WS, Belgium

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Jul 2003

hoping that soon taxi drivers will learn the location of this great and new hotel, what to say...we really were very very satisfied!! we used special offer "stay 4 and pay 3" so, excellent price with very good breakfast;the best it was the air conditioning system and the location, in front port vell- the minipool on the roof is good to choose the place and to find relax, but not for swim- the staff always smile to you, indeed!!! ask them how to reach the nearby tipical and historical restaurant: WOW !!

Guest name: Giuseppe Canzanella, Italy

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2003

A nice place to stay, I think they are making an extra effort as they are a new hotel, however the staff were supurb, my only gripw would be that the pool specified is very small and is more of a sheep dip than a swimming pool!

Guest name: Justin Evans, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2003

Very friendly and stylish boutique hotel close to the beach and the gothic quarter. Big and noisy street in front, but rooms are soundproof. If you are looking for no noise at all, select one of the rooms facing the patio. Non smoking floor available. Swimming pool on the roof terrass is quite small, but very stylish. Friendly and helpful staff. Excellent location. Overall an excellent boutique hotel.

Guest name: NM, Netherlands

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Jul 2003

Great hotel...centrally located between the beaches and shopping areas.

Guest name: William Denton, USA

Average rating:  7.5

Guest type: Group

stayed in Jun 2003

When I booked I presumed breakfast was included. your website said in English that there was a buffet breakfast. it does not say anywhere else in the site that it is room only. We were very disappointed to have to pay 13 euros per person for a lukewarm sparse poor breakfast.

Guest name: Nicola Baillie, United Kingdom

Average rating:  4.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2003

The hotel is still a building site (April 2003): the 6th floor and swimming pool are advertised as available but still under construction. The hotel did not respond to the venere.com reservations

Guest name: CS, United Kingdom