I've been meaning to write this for a few weeks now.

I often take the advice of this forum, which is usually dead on. That's why I was so frustrated when my wife and I checked into the Hotel Continental in Barcelona.

First, this is NO three-star hotel. It's more appropriately a pension/hostel-like establishment.

The only saving grace was that our balcony overlooking La Rambla gave my lungs a break from the cigarette-infested smell of our room.

Although the staff was helpful, I could list at least 5 good reasons why anyone who is not "roughing it" should avoid this hotel. I couldn't sleep half the night, my allergies had acted up so badly...and I don't even have allergies!

Too bad you cannot remember who told you the place was "great" "charming" "wonderful" and all those other non-subjective terms.
Seriously, I agree that most of the information here is very well-meaning and honest but when one starts getting into "ratings" as opposed to "how many miles is it from Florence to Rome" then it can be dicey...and I worry that some folks come here and forget that opinions and tastes vary widely.
Sorry to hear your experience wasn't the best.

Hi
Government star ratings are based on objective requirements and services such as having an elevator, lobby size,
restaurant on premises, number of private bathrooms, having air conditioning available, etc.

Star ratings from any other source, whether from a guidebook or travel agent or former guest, are just opinions.

Gov't star ratings don't address ambience, decor, location, nor even smoking vs non smoking facilities as far as I know.

You don't say whether the place was recommended by one person or by five.
For sure, if it's listed in the Fodors hotel listings for Barcelona, elsewhere here at fodors.com, I urge you to add your opinion to the Rants & Raves comments.

and government star ratings vary from country to country, too...but this doesn't have anything to do with the "star ratings" but has everything to do with subjective opinions from others..take them for what they are worth.

Just a quick word in defence of Hotel Continental. Location superb, price very, very reasonable, rooms very oddly decorated, but I found it extremely comfortable.

Frankly, you should have spent a bit more time out and about and worried less about the hotel than you seem to have.

And did you ask for a non-smoking room? If not, then surely you have no room for complaint. If so, did you take it up with the staff?

I was there last weekend and had four of the best nights sleep in my life. Long live Hotel Continental!!

(And by the way, we went there based on a recommendation from this board, so well done and thank you to those of you who stand accused of this heinous crime!).

I can't apologize for recommending this hotel. I had a non-smoking quiet room that was charming. I have stayed in 5-star hotels and know the difference and never stated that it is one. I tried to give a picture that was true and I would stay there again.

Last August I stayed for 2 nights in Hotel Continental.I really like it, the room was small but very pleasant and clean, the receptionist was polite and helpful.There was all-day free drinks, cookies etc .
On the other hand it shouldn't be rated as a 3 star hotel.It is a simple,clean,inexpensive,central "flowery" hotel

Just because some people find a hotel wonderful or charming hardly means everyone else is going to feel that way.

However, it also works the other way. Just because some people *don't* find a hotel to be wonderful or charming hardly means everyone else is going to feel that way.

This thread is a perfect illustration of that.