I had a great experience at this boutique Hotel! Gran Derby location is not the best however it has indeed a great decor and charm in a sort of Africa mood with Zebra Carpets (replica)!
The suite room is very comfortable with beautiful ambiance and great bathroom! The pool facilities are also great. Nearby there are local markets and you can treat yourself with some local jamon, cheese and wine! We arrived at 9am and we had to check in only after 14:30 so that was a bit annoying, plus the staff was not that attentive.

Este Hotel Boutique foi formidável. Apesar de não estar localizado em uma área perto das atrações da cidade, possui uma linda decoração e charme único em uma espécie de estilo Africano, com carpetes de Zebra (sintético)!
A suite é muito confortável com linda ambientação e ótimo banheiro. A piscina também é ótima.
Pelos arredores existem mercados locais nos quais podes encontrar queijos, presunto jamon e vinhos locais.
Chegamos às 9:00 da manhã e tivemos que esperar até 14:30 para fazer o check-in, o que foi cansativo. O staff local não foram tão solícitos.

Booked a room through the SLH website again standard room booked and again upgraded to a suite, have to admit off season is the way to book these little small luxury boutique hotels. Room was so funky beds a bit small but mattress and linen excellent quality. Breakfast i would say 6 out of 10, service very good, bathrooms massive with jacuzzi as well. Would most certainly stay there again.

I was a bit skeptic about the hotel as their low season rates were lower than in much worse "hostales" near Catalunya square. However, I took confidence in their Small Luxury Hotels affiliation and took the plunge. I am really happy that I did, because the Gran Derby turned out to be really nice. It also helped that I was upgraded to a Deluxe room upon my arrival.

The room was clean, modern and good sized, separate lounge area with sofa and table, huge closet and great bathroom with both shower and bath. My best impression however was from the staff, always helpful on any request, especially the lady at breakfast, who kept offering more coffee or new pastries. Speaking of which, breakfast was high quality continental option, with real fresh fruit, great ham and Spanish cheeses (including manchego) and assorted pastries. Best of all, lattes and expressos made to order, not that weak filter coffees in many hotels.

The only downside was that (possibly my fault, as I didn't ask) the room was a bit warm. In fact, it was warmer than usual for this time of the year, so in most places (like the common areas in the hotel), the heater would be on and you'd feel warm. After trying without success to adjust what I thought was the air conditioner, I resorted to opening the windows as I would come back at night. It only worked for a while though, as the room faced the street and you could not bear the noise and sleep with it open.

The good thing about this being out of the beaten track is that this is a quieter location. The local bar and restaurant nearby are neighborhood spots, hence close at a decent hour. The gentlemen clubs nearby are a non issue, as they are closed venues and there is no soliciting outside of any sort. The residual noise during the night was on and off traffic at nearby Sarria avenue, which you probably won't get in a room not facing the street.

All in all, this is a very good hotel a bit way from the main touristy spot of the Catalunya square, which it compensates with lower rates and a wide array of dining options nearby. Get yourself a Barcelona transport card and you'll be fine here. I'd certainly consider coming back, and next time ask how to cool off the room!

My hunsband and myself check into this hotel on the 10/10/11 for 8days for our honeymoon.We had great time with them!The staff are far too helpful and friendly,can not be better! And the hotel iteself is mordern and clean!We would love to let everyone know what a great experience we had and anytime we going to visit Barcelona, we will go back the hotel again and again!