AC Hotel Barcelona Forum by Marriott

Owned by Marriott, the AC Hotel Barcelona Forum is a corporate hotel through and through, albeit one with a modestly fresh style. This 22-story hotel is housed in a sleek tower that fits right in with the other high-rises in the area. The interiors are also modern, and large windows allow natural light to stream into the two-story lobby during the day. The lobby is equipped with brown, gray, and yellow contemporary furniture where guests can hang out and meet in small groups. Another gathering place is the quirky Suite Bar, with several section for lounging, and even more of that great Mediterranean light. The lobby is often filled with businesspeople attending conferences at the hotel or the nearby convention center. Families and couples also find their way here, mostly Americans who are loyal to the Marriott brand. 

The hotel is located in Diagonal Mar, northeast of the city's up-and-coming Poble Nou neighborhood. It's just steps from the Barcelona International Convention Center, the Diagonal Mar shopping center, and the Forum Building. The hotel is removed from the city center, however, and most major attractions such as Las Ramblas, Sagrada Familia, La Pedrera, Port Vell, and Barri Gotic are about 15 to 25 minutes away by car or 35 minutes by public transportation. It takes 25 to 30 minutes by bus to reach the city center at Plaza Catalunya from the hotel. The hotel is an eight-minute walk or five-minute drive from the beach, and there are multiple dining, shopping, and nightlife options within walking distance, as well as a supermarket. The El Maresme Forum Metro station is a five-minute walk from the hotel, and the Estacio de Sant Adria train station is about 25 minutes away on foot. Barcelona El Prat Airport is 15 to 25 minutes away by car or about an hour by public transportation. 

Rooms are typical for Marriott's AC brand -- they are modern and sharp, but simple, with hardwood floors, modern artwork, white bed coverings, tall wooden headboards, dark, clean-lined wood furniture, and brown drapery. Each room has a flat-screen TV. Adjustable reading lights by the beds are a nice perk, and there's a single armchair in each Standard Room as well. Higher-category rooms -- Junior Suites, Family Rooms, and Suites -- have separate bedrooms and living rooms with additional seating areas. These rooms also have nice sea or city views. Amenities include free bottled water, minibars, and safes. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi is only free in Family Rooms, Junior Suites, and Suites. Families should note that cribs and rollaway beds are not allowed in the Family Rooms, although they do have a sofa bed. Bathrooms are sleek, with green marble tile, glass countertops, bidets, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries.

A variety of options, including buffet and Grab-and-Go, are offered for breakfast, but they all carry a fee. Dia & Nit serves breakfast only in a modern space overlooking the city. The new Suite Bar serves cocktails and Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner. The pool overlooks the sea and is a lively place for swimming, sunning, and hanging out on the lounge chairs. The small fitness center has the typical equipment, and was renovated after our visit. With 18 meeting rooms and 21,765 square feet of events space, the hotel is often filled with guests attending conferences here or at the nearby convention center. The hotel can accommodate up to 600 people in its largest room, and most of the rooms have natural light and come with audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi is free in the lobby for all guests.