Hotel 1898 once housed the headquarters of the Phillipines Tobacco Company (the name refers to the year Spain lost the Philippines as a colony) and the company's initials are still engraved on the revolving glass doors onto La Rambla. A contemporary colonial style remains in the dark wooden floors and furniture, although amenities are very modern; rooms have 'huge and comfortable beds, good lighting (once we'd worked it out!), and quiet but properly controllable aircon/heating'. All rooms have bathtubs; some face the interior courtyard and others look out onto the street. There's a very good restaurant which sources its ingredients from nearby La Bouqueria market, with 'lovely views out onto La Rambla, very comfortable chairs and tables well-spaced for privacy, and knowledgeable staff to help with the wine list'. The roof terrace, where an excellent breakfast is served in summer, has a pool and a cocktail bar, and there is a spa and larger pool in the basement. Staff 'at the welcome and at all times were discreet but welcoming, and very efficient and helpful'.