Ron R.
Yelp
TL;DR Version: 5 star location and rooftop, 2 star service and amenities.
Let me start by saying my review of Casa Fuster is based on the fact that it is advertised as a "5-Star Grand Luxury" property. Casa Fuster is a fine place to stay for anyone. However, if you're looking for exceptional service and amenities, I would maybe try another 5-star property.
Location:
You really can't beat the location. It's right in the heart of the city, with a 45 min walk to the beach. And if you like shopping, boy is this place for you. All the high end shops are near by.
Reception
I immediately get a little skeptical when the first thing I see when I enter a hotel is their hotel brand jewelry advertisements. But hey, can't knock the hustle i suppose. As I go to the reception, I am met with a unenthused representative who stoically checks me in with passion of a cousin who is begrudgingly allowing me to crash on his couch. They all spoke English, so that's good. The bag guy was very helpful and informative as he helped us get settled into the room. Frankly, all the bag guys/bell hops/door men were super friendly and helpful. Reception could use a little help in the spirited department.
The Room
The rooms are beautiful in that old school, rustic way. The kind of Spanish style suite you see in old movies about Mexico, Havana, or, well, Barcelona. I could imagine myself opening the gorgeous wooden balcony doors only to see a towel wrapped, olive skinned, raven haired beauty bushing her hair in an adjacent window. "Oh, how embarrassing! ...Or is it? Wink, wink".
The only thing I don't like about the room is the TV. Look, I get it. This is Barcelona. I should be out there, partying on rooftops and beaches with a glass of cava in one hand and an iberco ham in the other. But sometimes I just like to chill in my expensive 5 star hotel, order room service, and watch some cheesy cable shows. The mediocre quality tv, haphazardly perched with cheap helicopter-like stilts on top of the minibar, offered a basic cable programming package that I've literally seen better at a beach side motel.
Rooftop bar
This where I think Casa Fuster shines. That roof top is amazing. The view is the best I've seen, looking right down the main boulevard all the way down the beach. Is it expensive? Yes. Are all Barcelona roof top bars expensive? Yes. Personally, I would just stay on another hotel and come here for drinks.
Bathroom
The bathroom is beautiful and clean. It is also an inefficient death trap. The tub is so high and narrow that you need to be an Olympic hurdler to get in. I honestly worry for older people. When you turn on the shower, all of the water will leak down the side of the tub, flooding the room. As an extra special prize, whenever I left my wet clothing on the floor, the cleaning people would leave it inside of the bidet. I've seen cleaning people leave wet clothing on the side of the tub or even in it, but never inside of the butt washing station.
Service
Here's the thing. I'm a reasonable guy. I don't expect the staff at the Compton Super 8 to bend over backwards for me. But when you're paying a lot of money for a place that tells you that they're all that, I expect better. The first moment of my displeasure occurred when I called and asked for an iron for my clothes. They said they'd bring it right away. They don't. After waiting 20 minutes I call again. They arrive 15 minutes later with a iron that looks like they got it from the local flea market. The iron didn't work, so I ended up going out looking like a Shar Pei dog. The next day, I asked for a replacement iron and they basically gave me the same run around: wait 20 minutes, call again, wait another 15. Another service issue I had was with booking their "Jazz Dinner" event (it wasn't really Jazz). I asked reception if I could book a seating and they told me they'd get someone to call me tomorrow. When they called the next day, the said they could book my table and they'd call me back in two minutes to confirm, they never called. I think my general problem with service was a general lack of follow through and prioritization of my requests. It was like their attitude was like, "he can wait".
All in all Casa Fuster is not a bad hotel, but it certainly does not provide a "5 Star Grand Luxury" experience. Perhaps I'm a bit biased because beforehand I was staying at a "5 Star" hotel in Brussels for a similar price (Hotel Amigo) and it was friggin' amazing. Once I got to Barcelona, the hotel stay just seemed downgraded. But that view? ....amazing.