We stayed at Olivia Balmes hotel for a long weekend break recently and found it to be a great hotel! Very friendly staff, always happy to help with anything at all :) we had a standard room which was fine for us it was well designed and modern along with the rest of the hotel. Didn't eat at the hotel so can't comment on the food. Location of the hotel was fab! Just down a little side street straight down passieg de gracia. A 5 minute walk to the metro which we took to visit camp nou and sagrada familia. We explored mostly by foot and walked to la rambla and the marina taking in the wonderful sights all around! There is an abundance of places to eat everywhere be it cafes, restaurants etc. Lots of places to shop although it is pricey staying in the city centre but that is to be expected. We took the aerobus from T2 at the airport to catalunya square for €5.80 each and it took about 25 minutes to get there (free wifi on the bus also). Everyone in the city is very helpful and you will find you accumulate a lot of free maps! Would definitely visit again, fantastic city!