I was very sceptical about staying at Hotel California when it was recommended to me by friends and also after reading some of the reviews on Trip Advisor.
Well, I was in for a shock. The hotel was great. Granted it was only two stars but it was at least three in my opinion.
We rented a triple room for two nights during the Three Kings Parade, for my wife, myself and our four year old. The room was very clean, had fresh linen and towels which were changed daily.
Granted there were some small issues with our room, as there are with almost any room I have stayed in, there was some small mould on the ceiling of the shower and there was also the annoying flashing LED lights as you entered the lifts from the lobby...but really these were more than overlooked by the helpfulness of the front desk staff, the location and the overall niceness of the hotel.
We experienced no noise issues which have been otherwise mentioned. On the day we arrived there was some concrete drilling going on in the building outside our window, when I opened the window to look at the alley I could certainly hear the drilling but when I closed the window there was no noise at all.
The location is great, just down a small, somewhat intimidating alley (but we had no issues at all at anytime of the day or night) very close (literally three minutes walk) to La Rambla. I may be wrong here, but there are several pubs/bars in the very near vicinity which cater for gay/lesbian crowds and it seems to me, only my opinion, that the area seems to be trying to tailor their business for that specific clientèle. Fine by me as these areas always seem safer and more friendly.
Breakfast is as they advertise, a very simple basic continental breakfast....suited us perfectly.
Would I stay here again, definitely.
Another small issue I forgot to mention, triple room means three single beds, no one stole my blanket or elbowed me awake...what a nights sleep!

Returned from our 3 night stay at the Hotel California on 31st December 2011. Had a great time there.
The hotel was easy to find using the directions from a previous review (much appreciated in a busy city) as the hotel entrance is in a small alley.
The room was spotless and kept clean daily, my only dissapointment was the dark grout around the bath. This let it down slightly, but there was always plenty of hot water when needed.
We had room 203 and it was noisy through the night, but you are in the heart of a busy city and people are enjoying themselves!
Breakfeast was perfect, enough bread, pastries, cereals, ham, cheese etc to set you up ready for your busy day ahead.
Reception guys were good, always had a smile for you.

Overall a brilliant stay and if I were to visit Barcelona again i wouldn't hesitate to use this hotel. Excellent value for money.

stayed here for 4 days in november with my family. excellent location, rooms clean , good breakfast and lovely staff. will definitely stay here again if i return to barcelona

arrived 8thdec. The hotel is in a side street just off la ramblas. Clean,tidy hotel,Friendly receptionists. Room was basic but comfortable. Location is perfect to explore the city. It is onlt 2 star,but I,ve stayed in worse 3 star hotels. If your on a budget it,s ideal.We had 2 balconies and noise is not a problem,even after "Barca " beat real madrid,the atmosphere was electric but very enjoyable... We would definately go back.