The pool is the "hottest" in Barcelona: review Hilton Diagonal Mar, a real surprise

Yes of course in Barcelona you are spoiled for choice, but if you want to stay away from the more touristy areas but without straying too far from the heart of the capital of Catalonia this hotel could be the perfect destination for a city break.

Curiosity

In recent days I published a News of an error in Hilton's hp in Italy and Germany, when I checked in the rest of the world the error was not there. The nice thing is that in most of the rest of the world. on the cover of the Hilton website was this very hotel.

Location

We are at the eastern end of the Avigunda Diagonal, or the road that cuts the city of Barcelona in two, 11 kilometers that obviously run diagonally from east to west in the capital of Catalonia. We are in the fairgrounds, an area that has changed its skin in recent years, but also a perfect area if you are staying in the city to attend one of the many events, concerts and appointments held in this part of the city.

Of course you're not in the middle of the harbor like Marriott's iconic W Hotel, but is still an interesting hotel in an area little traveled by tourists.

Reservation

Of course, I booked using the app, sure I could have stayed in other parts of the city, but I was curious to see a couple of hotels in this area of the city for a stay in Barcelona where I would avoid like the plague the area of La Ramblas, Sagrada Familia and the Boqueria.

So this hotel fell spot on and at a really low price by the standards, recent, of similar facilities in town. In the end, one night cost me 145€., not a little, but we are talking about a Hilton not a middle sign.

Check-in

They are arrived directly from the airport, a trip that cost me about 35€ by cab. Yes of course I could have taken the subway and then after a couple of changes get to the hotel, but I think it's obvious that I'm pretty lazy and then cabs here accept credit cards so they are also points.

Acceptance procedures that didn't fly as usual, I happened to have an attendant in training so the steps were all slower.

In the end, however from basic room I ended up in an executive room on the 22nd floor (of 23) with a view of the sea, let's just say it could have been definitely worse.

The room

The view from the room is of the open sea and the area of the esplanade that is often used for some of the most famous festivals held in the city, of course during these events the price will not be so low, but surely being able to stay in front of the venue is worth alone at least 100€ saved between cabs and everything else.

The room was on the second-to-last floor, not a suite, but a large room with the classic amenities of a Hilton hotel.

Nothing to say about the decor, you can tell it's not the classic old, musty Hilton, but that we are in a young hotel full of zest for life.

The bathroom is also modern and as in the rest of the room, but I would say in the hotel, disposable plastic virtually nonexistent.

Also waiting for me in the room was a card from GRM and a box of (very good) chocolates.

Take the stairs that are good for you

I really like that At each staircase door invite guests to keep fit Using them instead of taking the elevator. For example, from the 22nd floor of my room, to the 15th floor of the lounge takes less than 90"

The same is repeated in various other areas of the hotel, again with a message related to wellness.

The executive lounge

On the 15th floor is one of the most beautiful European lounges I have ever seen, not only for the quality from the room and the view, but for the service and the presence of a beautiful terrace with a 180-degree view of the city.

The hall is definitely large, which is not taken for granted, and able to accommodate many guests.

Perhaps it is the buffet area that is a tad bit sacrificed, but over the course of my stay I never struggled to find food and drink, of course you can't have dinner there, but at least you get to the late hour without starving.

Great service with a very nice attendant who, without even calling her, comes to take orders and serve drinks.

The swimming pool is a world apart

On the second floor is the Purobeach, a true beach club open not only to hotel guests. If, as in my case, the stay falls on the right days it becomes a real attraction and you will not want to go anywhere but to enjoy the free access for hotel guests.

Here is the pool, large but not very large, as mentioned the ambiance is very beach club, with large beds, all sizes, imperial tables sponsored by a well-known champagne label, and plenty of space to party.

Being a beach club, there can be no shortage of a cocktail bar and restaurant to feed the appetites of the many guests.

Of course, this is a space open to everyone, even outside guests who decide to stay elsewhere and just come to enjoy the party.

The gymnasium

Obviously I don't frequent certain environments, but here it is small and nice, overlooking the pool and open 24h for all guests.

There is everything you need, but in this case given the location, much better to get out and run under the Catalunian sun.

Other spaces

In front of the front desk is a Starbucks corner, self-service products to leave the hotel loaded.

There is a large open space bar in the lobby, a space to eat or have a drink in the evening before tapas time.

There is also a Sixt kiosk inside the hotel, in case you want to rent a car, and from here there is direct access to the hotel's events and meetings area.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the restaurant on the 1st floor of the hotel.

Of course, one of the advantages of those with Gold status or higher is that they get it for free in all the chain's hotels, with no exclusions.

Really full buffet of everything, attention to special diets and local flavors.

Perhaps what was missing was A real barista to order a well-made cappuccino And not some vending machines. Looking at all that was on offer, though, I have to say a really 8 breakfast.

In conclusion

In Barcelona there are endless possibilities of sleeping in hotels by making or using points, I would recommend this establishment to those who do not want to be in the midst of chaos and are looking for a quality hotel where they can also spend a few hours having fun.