Myself and my partner just came back from three nights in the NH Podium, where we stayed during the Christmas break. The hotel is clean and rooms are quite, however the service could have been a lot better. When we arrived we were not given the correct room that we had booked, which we did get the following day. The room service was limited to certain odd times during the day, so a hot late morning snack was not possible nor was an early evening snack.When we decided to have a few drinks at the bar before going out for the evening, we had to go to reception each time we wanted a drink, to get some service. The gym also does not have a treadmill, in case this is important to you. Overall the location is good - about 10 mins walk from the centre square of Barcelona, and I would describe the hotel as basic and lacking in atmosphere. But if you are just using it to rest your head - then not a bad option.

Stayed here in a Standard Room for one night, found it to be quite modern, clean and had all the basics. Comfy twin beds with crisp sheets, wooden bedside tables & desk, big windows with thick curtains that block out the light, lovely well-lit marbled bathroom area with stone floor and stone bench for the sink, a shower/bath, closet with electronic safe and a free toiletries kit (sponge, shower cap, citrus hand soap, body milk, shampoo, shower gel, razor, toothbrush).

After checking in, we discovered that we'd been mistakenly placed in a room on the smoking floor, but when we pointed this out to reception staff they immediately fixed us up with a room on a non-smoking floor, which was fantastic.

Had no problems communicating with staff, they all spoke excellent English, which was greatly appreciated as we didn't speak Spanish or Catalan!

The hotel is about 5 mins walk from the Arc de Triomf metro station, easy to get to from Barcelona airport - we caught the Aeroport RENFE train to Barcelona Sants and changed to another RENFE train on platform 8 that passed through Catalunya and then Arc de Triomf, took about half an hour. (Aeroport trains seem to run every half hour.)

Behind the Arc de Triomf is a really lovely park, with access to the Zoo, and the Gothic Quarter is just next to the park so the hotel is quite close to some great places to wander.

Didn't try the pool, or the hotel breakfast - instead we wandered out and found a lovely artisan bakery near the metro station & across from the Arc that did great pastries (can highly recommend the canya xocolata which is like a chocolate puff pastry roll).

The only downside was that the walls aren't very soundproof, so you can hear your neighbours' doors opening and closing during the night, this may be an issue if you're a light sleeper like my boyfriend is.

Had to find a hotel that was quickly as the one we booked was simply too noisy and we are so pleased we went here (it was around the corner from where we had booked and where our friends had been able to get a quiet room).

Marc at reception knew exactly what I meant when I requested a quiet room, he directed us to the rooms facing the rear (it was great to see the old architecture of Barcelona). Rooms facing out onto the street can be noisy and if you are at all bothered by the sound made by scooters then ask for a rear room.

Room was spacious including the bathroom. The bed was a little on the hard side but not like sleeping on the floor as it can be in some european beds. Shower pressure was good. While you can hear people walking in the hallway and their doors banging shut overall it is still a restful place. Internet is not free though but there is a refridgerator in the room.

We did not try the restarant or bar but the bar seemed very popular.

The rooftop pool was great .. just remember to bring towels up from your room though.

It was an easy walk to Las Rambles and La Sagrada Familia. There is also a well stocked supermarket under 5 mins away.

stayed five nights and highly recommend everything about the hotel! very clean spacious room, proper bar area and lounge area, lovely rooftop terrace, rooftop pool (although we did not use due to the time of year!). The breakfast is excellent so try to get a rate to include this! staff helpful at all times. very close to Arc de Triomf metro although not mentioned on hotel page! a good 10 - 12 mins walk from Placa Catalunya but an easy walk so the airport bus is a good option.