The hype
Travelers obsess over the rooftop views and the 'heavenly' smell of the lobby, but many are annoyed by the dark lighting in standard rooms.
Hotel 1898
$250-450/ night
Book this if You want the most atmospheric rooftop on La Rambla and don't mind paying extra for silence in a busy location.
Why People Love It
- The rooftop terrace 'La Isabela' has 360-degree views and a heated pool that actually stays open year-round
- Housed in the former Philippines Tobacco Company HQ, so the colonial 'gentlemen's club' aesthetic is authentic, not kitsch
- The basement spa (in a former coal bunker) is a moody, thermal sanctuary perfect for escaping the street noise
Quick Take: It's a dark, moody, colonial-style fortress that successfully blocks out the chaos of La Rambla—until you step out the front door.
Reviewed by @poorlittlenomad: Staying right on La Rambla usually means noise, but my room here was a total sanctuary. I loved the dark, moody colonial vibes, and the spa was the perfect escape after walking all day. Honestly, it felt more like a private club than a hotel.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Interior rooms are 'dead quiet' but feel like caves; street-facing rooms have great light but bleed in noise from La Rambla.
- You love history and dark, moody interiors (leather, wood, marble)
- You prioritize a high-end rooftop pool scene over saving money
- You want to be dead-center in the action but sleep in silence
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.3
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Guests consistently praise the 'spotless' rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Marble bathrooms are generally immaculate. Rare complaints about grout in older reviews.
- Maintenance: High standard, though some wear and tear noted in standard rooms. Renovation work may be ongoing.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp white linens. Towels are plush.
- Odors & scents: Famous for its signature 'heavenly' lobby scent. No musty odors reported.
Sleepability™
8SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise (La Rambla buskers/crowds) in Superior/Deluxe rooms
- Interior hallway noise due to hard surfaces
Before you book
Good to know
- The indoor pool is in a former coal bunker—atmospheric but dark
- Breakfast is ~€22.50/person; it's excellent but pricey
- Rooftop pool is heated, but check seasonal hours for swimming
What to pack
- Swimsuit for the thermal circuit (even in winter)
- Earplugs if you choose a street-facing room (just in case)
- Smart casual outfits—the rooftop bar vibe is chic
Room Genie
Best picks
- Classic Room (Interior) if sleep is your #1 priority—it's dark but silent
- Deluxe Room (5th Floor) for a private terrace and better light
Rooms to avoid
- Lower-floor Superior rooms facing La Rambla (noise risk)
- Standard rooms if you are claustrophobic (can feel dark/cave-like)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor. If available, a 'Classic' interior-facing room is preferred for quietness, or a 5th-floor room if booking a category with a terrace.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the spa free for guests?
Generally no. Unless you book a suite or a specific package, expect a fee (approx. €20-30) to use the thermal circuit.
Is the rooftop pool open in winter?
Yes, the terrace is open year-round and the pool is heated, though swimming might be chilly on cold days.
How bad is the noise from La Rambla?
In 'Superior' rooms, you might hear a hum. In 'Classic' (interior) rooms, it is virtually silent.
Is breakfast included?
Usually not. It costs around €22.50 per person. It's a high-quality buffet with Cava, but expensive.
Does the hotel allow pets?
No, Hotel 1898 is not pet-friendly.
Is there parking?
Yes, but it's expensive (~€30/day) and the garage can be tight. Public transport is recommended.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'menu del dia' at nearby restaurants is often cheaper than the hotel breakfast.
- ✨
Ask for a 'pillow menu' at reception if the standard ones don't suit you.
- ✨
The indoor spa has 'hydromassage beds' that are often empty mid-afternoon.
5 things to know before you go
💡The lobby scent is a custom fragrance that guests obsess over (you can sometimes buy a candle of it).
💡The indoor pool is in a literal coal bunker—it's cool but can feel a bit eerie to some.
💡You have to pay a deposit of ~€150 upon check-in for incidentals.
💡The elevators can be slow during peak rooftop hours.
💡The 'Classic' rooms have windows that open to an internal shaft—zero view, but zero noise.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hotel 1898 is located and what's nearby.