The fine Avinida Palace seems to be in the perfect location in Barcelona, as it is near the Placa Catalunya, many prominent "modernisme" buildings, and about 1000 other things. There is a Metro stop very close by, along with the main tourism information center, airport bus stop, train station stop. I cannot emphasize how good the location is!
This venerable older hotel, an independent property but a member of the SRS consortium, does not show any signs of age thanks to its recent renovation. The hotel has an older atmosphere to it, even though it is celebrating only its 50th anniversary this year. There are 9 floors with 160 rooms, so this is not a huge hotel despite its grand appearance. The lobby is cozy, with a masculine dark color scheme. There is a fancy central stair that adds to the elegance and "old Europe" charm of the lobby area.
My standard room was average-sized but very comfortable, with two double-sized beds. The decor is classic and traditional, nothing too fancy or unorthodox. Our room faced the busy Gran Via thoroughfare, but the double-glassed rooms kept out any excess noise.