Had a 5 day trip on my own to enjoy the city and the beach and did both. The Hotel Del Mar was a great place for a stay, really close to the harbour, 10 mins from the beach and 10 mins from the centre, and very close to the Metro stop (barceloneta) perfect. Rooms were clean and big, I didn't get the best view from my room but I wasn't in my room much so didn't matter too much. Lots of good restaurants close by and I felt really safe in the area at night. Don't bother with the breakfast, you miss the delights of a breakfast in a tradtitional cafe in the Bari Gothica area. If you go to the beach don't bother with the main one near the harbour, it gets very crowded and isn't great, its worth a short bus trip or a nice walk along the front to a beach further down, much nicer. Would recommend the Barcelona bike tour, fantastic value for money and a perfect way to see Barcelona. El Rey de la Gamba restaurant on the harbour front is fantastic for seafood, looks a bit like a touristy place but well worth a go, especially the Mussels or the Langostines - Fab.

This is a good value for central Barcelona, and conveniently located with modern, clean, comfortable rooms. However, I think the tripadvisor ratings make it sound better than it is. The rooms are good, but the hotel itself is somewhat dreary. It could be the dark portico entrance, or the narrow oddly un-hotel like reception area, or the somewhat aloof, not always very professional staff (while we were there, the only staff member was a very young man who was dressed for a night in the clubs). It could be the location: though technically close to lots of sights (especially the gothic quarter), the waterfront area of Barcelona still feels isolated. So you don't really feel like you're in the heart of it all.

It's a good hotel with good rates, but nothing to rave about, and I'd probably only stay there again if it was significantly cheaper than the alternatives.

I went to Barcelona in February and stayed at Hotel Del Mar. I think that the location is really good, just 10 minutes from city center. The hotel is clean and staff professional even if a bit cold. Anyway I suggest it!

Stayed here for 2 nights after a cruise. Unfriendly unhelpful reception - first impressions not good. (The man on front desk next day was a bit better).
Had 2 huge bags and a couple of carry bags, and no help was offered to take them to the room.
Air Con wasn't good - hard to keep the room cool.
Our rate included breakfast, but it was not value for money - almost inedible. I wasn't even permitted to take a cup of tea up to my room. Could not get ice to take back to our room either.
Postives: Great location, clean rooms. Handy to nice restaurants.