Acta Splendid

One nice thing about staying with a hotel chain: no surprises. The three-star Hotel Acta Splendid is a reliable 43-room hotel located in a nice, central, residential area at the tail end of the Gay barrio and close by the University.

The quiet and well-maintained convenience of this hotel makes it a great option for business travelers.

Rooms at the Hotel Acta Splendid are not exactly “splendid,” but they are very comfortable and stocked with amenities, including air conditioning, a television, safe, telephone, and minibar.

All rooms follow the same code of style, decorated in neutral tones of beige or gray, some with cute sofa beds and small living room areas. Top-floor rooms have lots of natural light while rooms in the back have strange views of the not-so-attractive interior courtyard. (Rooms in the front are the most desirable.)

The sizeable Acta Splendid bathrooms have tubs and are decorated in sleek gray tiles and modern floral wallpaper. They are clean and outfitted with basic toiletries and a hairdryer.

The Splendid is one of a handful of hotels operated by the small Acta hotel chain. Like most business-class hotels, it does not have much in the way cozy common spaces. It does have a meeting room and dining area.

The Acta Splendid offers free Wi-Fi throughout and a free Internet station.

Location

The Hotel Acta Splendid is located within a few blocks of the Metro Universitat stop on the imaginary border between the ‘hoods El Raval and Eixample. If you don’t feel like spending on the hotel’s pricey breakfast, simply head outside. Carrer Muntaner has some inviting restaurants and cafés for your morning java fix.

The Splendid's area tends to be quieter than the Gothic Quarter or deep into El Raval, which is a good thing. It means fewer pickpockets. It also means that, while you will not be surrounded by iron street lamps and cobblestones here, you will be rubbing elbows with a more “residential” Barcelona crowd.

For nightlife, sample a few of the many bars in El Raval, a short walk down c/ Joaquín Costa, or for something more up-market, head in the other direction up c/ Muntaner to our favorite Eixample street, Enric Granados.

Gaudí sights are a quick Metro ride away, as is the Gothic Quarter and beach (you could walk to the Gothic Quarter, too, in about 15 minutes).

Transportation

Subway: The Hotel Acta Splendid is located a five-minute walk from the Plaça Universitat stop off the Purple Line/L2 Metro line.

From the Airport: To get to the Hotel Acta Splendid from the airport, take the Aerobús to Plaça Universitat. The journey takes about 35 minutes.