Nicki Minaj has responded after a reporter said she “ducked the smoke” on a question he asked her about creating unity. Additionally, the rapper has shared a major announcement about her ‘Pink Friday’ album series.
RELATED: Megan Thee Stallion Reveals Whether She Would Reconcile With Nicki Minaj After Viral Rap Beef
Nicki Minaj Reacts To A Reporter Who Said She “Ducked The Smoke”
According to footage published by 9MagTV via YouTube, Minaj made an appearance at the Tower City Center in Ohio over the weekend. The rapper was apparently visiting a DTLR shop in the mall and even sat down for an interview at the store.
Subsequently, the reporter who sat for the conversation with Minaj apparently took to Instagram afterward. The reporter — whose Instagram handle appears to be @fadamgotdajuice2 — shared a clip of their conversation. Furthermore, he even replied to one comment wishing him congratulations on the opportunity to chat with Minaj, writing, “she ducked the smoke on the question man… I had to take the shot though.”
In the clip the reporter appears to refer to, he’s seen asking Minaj if she foresees there ever being “real, true unity… amongst our people.” In response, Minaj asked the reporter if there’s “unity amongst human beings” and seemingly explained that it’s unlikely to think billions of people are “going to get along with each other.”
“Ain’t nobody gon’ always get along with everybody!” Minaj explained.
Furthermore, Minaj appeared to catch the reporter’s social media comment following their sitdown. In response, the rapper shared a spicy response.
Check out the interview clip and Minaj’s reaction to the reporter’s comment below.
Social Media Weighs In
Social media users reacted to Minaj’s interview and the comments shared afterward by the rapper and interviewer in The Shade Room’s comment section.
Instagram user @rob_kazi wrote, “Maybe it’s because I’m a Sagittarius too, but I thought it was a good answer 🤷🏾♂️ I understood it completely 💯”
While Instagram user @meshhairline added, “She answered the question u asked Cloutina !!. Everyone wanna ride on the Queen”
Instagram user @diskenected wrote, “But she answered the question very concisely and eloquently, I thought she was gone be shady but she was very on point…”
While Instagram user @nic_nicole_bell added, “She didn’t duck the question…she gave her answer”
Instagram user @allthingskiraj wrote, “Imagine getting one of the biggest stars in the world to sit down and interview with you then saying you love their answers in they face and later tryna be funny unprovoked 🤦🏾♀️😩🫠…”
While Instagram user @spencetaylor added, “Man idc Nicki funny af 😂😂😂”
Instagram user @zagod420 wrote, “Her and breezy have the best roast in the game 😂😂😂”
While Instagram user @scottieohmy added, “It might just be me but if you felt that way bro, why didn’t you say it right there to her face??? 🤔 people wait till they got some distance and behind these phones to get they tough sentiments off 👎🏽👎🏽👎🏽”
Instagram user @narkside wrote, “I don’t have an issue with her reply OR her clap back. He slid into the comments trying to extend his moment, and caught a stray. Ah well.”
Meanwhile, Joseline Hernandez also stepped in to add:
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Nicki Minaj Shared A Major ‘Pink Friday’ Announcement Amid The Clip Going Viral
Shortly after her comment about the interviewer, Minaj got back to business and shared a major update about her ‘Pink Friday’ album series. Additionally, the rapper took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to write:
“…Instead of doing a DELUXE to Pink Friday 2, I’ve decided to do a brand new album… and I’ll announce the new date within the next couple weeks. The new music is just too good to be thrown away on a deluxe album,” she wrote. “Last night, the songs I recorded were just way too iconic. I love you guys so much. You know that. I know you do… PF3 is about to do PRECISELY wtf BEEN needed to be done. TRUST ME BARBZ. IM SO EXCITED. BLESSED.”
Furthermore, Minaj shared that she crafted her recently released album, ‘Pink Friday 2’ in a specific manner.
“…I put every song on there in a specific order, etc. So to honor that, I’m going to give it the respect & integrity it deserves as a beautiful body of work & not add anything else to it,” she explained. 1 or 2 songs is no big deal but 5-7 songs feels a little sloppy right now (In my humble opinion). This era has just been so successful, rewarding, satisfying, etc. after much thought, I want to be for CERTAIN that I am being intentional about every single decision being made around both PF2 AND PF3.”
Check out the rapper’s entire announcement below.
RELATED: Oop! Nicki Minaj Shares Spicy Words For Stephen A. Smith After He Critiqued Her Super Bowl Headliner Comments
A FERPA waiver, when signed by a student, allows parents to gain access to academic records during college. However, this raises an interesting question: should parents push their college-bound children to sign?
Many parents, accustomed to having access to their child’s academic records throughout high school, are surprised when they no longer have the same access once their child enters college. As a result, some parents may consider requesting – or even pressuring – their child to sign a FERPA waiver. Some parents even believe they have a right to the records if they are paying for college. But is this a good idea?
In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of FERPA, the implications of signing a waiver, and the potential consequences of forcing a college student to comply.
What Is FERPA?
FERPA, or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, is a federal law that was passed in 1974 to protect the privacy of students’ educational records. Once a student turns 18 or attends a post-secondary institution, FERPA rights are transferred from the parent to the student. This legal shift means that parents can no longer automatically access their child’s educational records – including academic grades, financial aid information, and any disciplinary actions – without the student’s express written consent.
This change in access may feel abrupt to some parents, particularly those who have been heavily involved in their child’s academic life up until college. In high school, it’s common for parents to regularly check grades, discuss performance with teachers, and monitor other aspects of their child’s education.
When the student signs a FERPA waiver, it allows parents to regain access to these records during college.
The Case For Signing A FERPA Waiver
From a parent’s perspective, there are many compelling reasons as to why a child should sign a FERPA waiver.
For one, it’s common for parents to continue financially supporting their college-aged child(ren), whether through tuition payments, housing costs, or general living expenses. In this case, signing a FERPA waiver may seem like a logical trade-off. After all, if they’re funding a student’s education, shouldn’t they be able to check in on their child’s academic performance to ensure their investment is paying off?
In addition to financial considerations, parents may also be concerned about their child’s overall well-being. College life can be demanding, and it’s not uncommon for students to struggle with the challenges of balancing academics, social life, and self-care. If a student is facing academic difficulties, mental health challenges, or other stressors, parents might feel that having access to educational records can help them intervene early and provide support when necessary.
Furthermore, parents who co-sign student loans or are deeply involved in the financial aid process may want to ensure that their child is meeting the necessary requirements for scholarships or grants. If a student falls below a certain GPA or fails to meet credit requirements, it could result in the loss of financial aid — a worse-case scenario for most families. Having access to financial records could, instead, help parents stay informed about any potential issues before they escalate.
The Case Against Signing A FERPA Waiver
On the flip side, students often have strong reasons for resisting the idea of signing a FERPA waiver. For many, college represents a key period of personal growth and independence. Managing their academic and personal lives without constant oversight is a key part of that journey. Forcing students to sign a FERPA waiver might feel like a sign that their parents don’t trust them to successfully manage their new responsibilities.
The pressure to meet certain academic expectations or to explain every decision to their parents can add unnecessary stress. College is a time when students are learning to balance responsibilities, manage time effectively, and cope with setbacks. Some students may worry that giving their parents access to their records could lead to additional pressure if they receive a poor grade, struggle in a difficult course, change majors, or simply take a non-traditional path.
There’s also the issue of privacy. A student might feel that some aspects of their college experience – including the classes they take, how they spend their time, or their academic setbacks – are personal matters to navigate on their own. This doesn’t necessarily reflect a lack of maturity or responsibility, but rather a desire to exercise their right to make independent decisions without the fear of parental judgment.
Should Parents Force The Issue?
So, should parents force their children to sign the FERPA waiver? The short answer is no. Compelling a college student to sign a FERPA waiver undermines the very autonomy that college is meant to foster. By pushing a child to sign such a document, parents run the risk of damaging trust and complicating the parent-child relationship during an already sensitive period of transition.
Instead of enforcing the waiver, parents may find it more productive to approach the conversation with a sense of mutual respect and understanding. Open communication here is key. Rather than making demands, parents can frame the discussion around their personal concerns – whether financial, academic, or related to well-being – and encourage their child to share their thoughts and feelings on the matter.
By building trust through regular, supportive communication, parents can foster a relationship where their child feels comfortable sharing important updates and asking for help when needed, without feeling micromanaged.
Consider Alternatives
It’s important to note that signing a FERPA waiver doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing decision. Some colleges allow students to grant partial access to records, such as financial aid information, while keeping academic grades private. This option offers a middle ground where students retain their sense of independence while giving parents access to critical financial data that might impact their ability to support their child’s education.
In families where finances are a primary concern, students may feel more comfortable allowing access to only financial records. Parents can remain informed about tuition payments, scholarships, and loan statuses without delving into academic performance unless a serious issue arises.
There are also other important forms that may be more relevant than FERPA, such as ensuring your college student has a health-care power of attorney in case you need to step in and make medical decisions for them in an emergency. Learn more about the forms and others at Mama Bear Legal Forms.
Teach Responsibility Through Independence
Part of the reason parents want access to academic records is to ensure their student is on track to graduate. But it’s important to remember that learning to manage academics and life independently is a key part of the college experience. Your student will be making decisions that affect their future, and while you want them to succeed, it’s important to give them space to grow, even if that means allowing them to make a few mistakes along the way.
Encouraging responsibility without demanding access to every detail of your student’s academic life can lead to a healthier parent-child relationship. And parents can still offer guidance, encouragement, and support without accessing private records. Trust your student to handle their academic progress, and let them know you’re there to help if they need it.
Final Thoughts
The decision of whether to sign a FERPA waiver is ultimately a personal one, and every family will approach it differently. For some, the waiver offers peace of mind and a way to stay involved in the financial side of their child’s college experience. For others, it can feel like an unnecessary intrusion into a student’s newfound independence.
The best approach? Start by having an open and honest conversation with your college student. Talk about your concerns, listen to their perspective, and see if there’s a compromise that works for both of you. Whether your child decides to sign the FERPA waiver or not, maintaining trust and open communication is the key to supporting your student during this pivotal time.
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Welcome to the podcast where Josh explains how AMD has the most popular midrange GPU on the market, based on sales from one retailer in Germany in Q1 2024. Other then that, we’ve got over 12″ of penetration, Audible AI, Ford marketing, Z890 defaults and so much more!
More then ever we need to thank our Patreon members, because without you … we would be gone. New folks and current ones that are bumping their patronage are greatly appreciated.
This show cannot go on without you – you know who you are, please consider helping our efforts. It most definitely helps keep us on the air. And helps Josh buy burgers. Thank you!
Today’s going to be partly cloudy but still hot, with highs in the mid to upper 80s. There may still a little bit of rain swirling around the southern part of the Local 6 region, but aside from these morning showers it should be a dry day.
I’ve said for a while that the mortgage recapture game was going to ramp up and get more aggressive.
Customer retention has always been a big thing in every industry, but thanks to new technology and “AI,” companies are getting better at it.
Many of the largest mortgage companies have also been growing their mortgage servicing portfolios for this very reason.
Instead of handing off their borrowers to third-party companies, they’re retaining servicing rights so they can mine their database of homeowners for future offers.
And with mortgage rates finally showing some real promise, there could be a lot of opportunity going forward.
The Refi Boom Is, Apparently, Here
UWM just proclaimed that “the refi boom is officially here,” and wants to make sure its mortgage broker partners are “ready for it.”
To help give them a boost, they have launched a new initiative called KEEP, which leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to help brokers stay in front of their old clients.
The way it works is fairly simple. It continuously scans the data from UWM’s portfolio and identifies borrowers “who will benefit from a mortgage refinance.”
Once a match is found, it automatically sends an email to the customer with a pre-validated offer, including the contact information of the originating broker.
Borrowers will see their current monthly payment, estimated new payment, and estimated monthly savings.
It will also include disclosures such as the loan type, loan-to-value ratio (LTV), amount of discount points required, and APR.
It’s unclear what the threshold is for an offer to be generated, but UWM says these offers will be sent to borrowers “as soon as a borrower is able to obtain meaningful savings on their monthly payment.”
From there, all a borrower has to do is review and submit a pre-populated loan application, which then winds up in the broker’s pipeline.
It appears to be the next iteration of what may have been the old process, a manual outreach campaign once brokers found possible refinance candidates.
Now they might not have to do a thing other than log on to the UWM dashboard and check to see if any new loans dropped into their pipeline. Talk about a nice surprise!
Good News for Brokers, But Borrowers Should Still Shop Around
While this new initiative will likely be great for both UWM, the nation’s #1 mortgage lender, and its broker partners, borrowers still need to be diligent.
Sure, it’s convenient and easy to get emailed a mortgage refinance offer and simply respond and submit the pre-populated application.
But it’s not always about easy, especially if we’re talking about saving money. Sure, you can hear the broker out and discuss the offer.
At the same time, you might want to speak with other banks, brokers, retail lenders, credit unions, etc. to see what they can offer. Maybe they can beat the rate/fees.
As I’ve mentioned time and time again, you need to compare mortgage brokers too, as their pricing and service can vary widely as well.
Many of them work with different wholesale lenders and have distinct compensation structures. That can affect mortgage rate pricing a lot.
Now there’s nothing wrong with loyalty, especially if you enjoyed the prior experience with your broker, but you also have to ensure they still offer competitive pricing.
One month lender X offers the lowest mortgage rates, and the next month lender Y is the price leader.
So as I’ve said before, when a lender reaches out, reach out to other lenders.
This is especially true when we’re talking about a rate and term refinance, which actually needs to save you money to be worthwhile.
A week ago, UWM also launched Refi75, a 75-basis point pricing incentive for conventional, FHA and USDA rate and term refinances, as well as for FHA Streamlines and VA IRRRLs.
Be sure to look at the big picture, including the final interest rate and all closing costs, to effectively compare offers.
Before creating this site, I worked as an account executive for a wholesale mortgage lender in Los Angeles. My hands-on experience in the early 2000s inspired me to begin writing about mortgages 18 years ago to help prospective (and existing) home buyers better navigate the home loan process. Follow me on Twitter for hot takes.
When we are sure that God will keep his promises, we can live risk-taking lives of love. In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper opens Romans 4:16–21 to show us one thing that makes us sure.
Learn how to get the best territory Deviant, Fetch-a-Lot Bunny in Once Human.
The Fetch-a-Lot Bunny is one of the heavily sought after Territory Deviants in Once Human due to its adorable looks and useful ability. Once placed in an Isolated Securement Unit, the Bunny will gather nearby native plants such as crops, flowers, and even seeds.
The Fetch-a-Lot Bunny is a useful territory companion, especially for players with farm and chef specialization.
How to Get Fetch-a-Lot Bunny
Fortunately, Fetch-a-Lot Bunny is easy to find and collect. All you need to do is find the giant special trees and use a pickaxe to cut them down until the deviant drops. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get a Fetch-a-Lot Bunny in Once Human.
Find and Cut Down Bald Cypress Tree
Chopping down the Bald Cypress Tree is the easiest and most convenient way to obtain the Fetch-a-Lot Deviation, especially at the early stage of the game.
Located at Broken Delta (5367, -6509) just West of Meyer’s Market, you can start chopping down the tree as early as Level 10, given you have a decent pickaxe.
Tip: With its current drop rate, you may need a few tries before the Deviant drops. Logging out and logging back in may instantly spawn the Bald Cypress Tree in Once Human. Alternatively, you can visit Eternaland and then go back to the server.
Find and Cut Down Dracaena Tree
The Dracaena Tree is located in Iron River (4915, -2508), northwest of Greywater Camp Settlement. To survive in this area, you must be at least level 20 and be equipped with a high-grade pickaxe to successfully chop down the tree.
How to Use Fetch-a-Lot Bunny
Here’s how to use Fetch-A-Lot Bunny in Once Human:
Build (Default: B) an Isolated Securement Unit in your base.
Interact (Default: F) to deposit the Deviant.
It will automatically activate once the Deviant Power reaches a certain number, which can be adjusted by clicking the cog icon.
When the Deviant Power becomes 0, the Deviation becomes dormant and will return to the Isolated Securement Unit to recharge.
Optimizing the Fetch-A-Lot Bunny’s Securement Environment can speed up its recovery of Deviant Power and Mood. Place the following items near the Deviation’s Isolated Securement Unit:
Plant Crops nearby.
Plays Toys around.
Plant Flowers nearby.
Tips: Aim for a high skill rate (Max Level: 5) and activity rate for your Deviant to maximize efficiency. This unlocks more slows and enhances effective deviation traits. The better the traits, the more efficient the Deviant will be at completing tasks.
READ NEXT: Once Human: How to Fix Character Gone Error
Alright, y’all. You’ve already been warned that if you don’t like playing around with floor plans and considering all fo the possibilities, you might want to just take a break from the blog and check back in a week or so. By then, I’ll probably have all of the decisions worked out, my studio finished, and be moving on to projects for our new bedroom. Also, my workshop build is scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday. Woohoo!
But for now, I still have things to discuss about our floor plan and the possibilities. This past weekend, I sat down with Matt and just laid it all out on the table for him. I wanted him to understand all of the possibilities and the decisions that needed to be made, and give him an opportunity to ask any and all questions. I wanted to see if he had any opinions at all about the direction of our house, how each area could and would be used, and see if he saw any accessibility issues with any potential plans or possibilities.
At first, it didn’t seem like he had any strong opinions. But after talking for a bit, he actually did start to express some strong opinions about a couple of things. I was shocked! The two things he expressed strong opinions about were (1) how to use the guest bedroom once we’re moved out of it and into our new bedroom, and (2) where to put our new workout area.
As far as the new workout area, Matt wants to build a small room at the back of our bathroom. And regarding the guest bedroom, he really likes the idea of it being a combo laundry room and closet. So here’s what we’re looking at…
The room at the back of the bathroom wouldn’t need to be huge. It just needs to accommodate a few pieces of exercise equipment, but I’d also like it to be filled with windows like a little sunroom. I love this idea because it would remove the exterior door from our bathroom. I was willing to live with that exterior door in the bathroom if I had to, but it does feel kind of awkward to have an exterior door in the bathroom. But if we add on a little sunroom/workout room, that room will obviously have the exterior door, and the door in the bathroom will be a pocket door that matches the pocket door into the bedroom, which was the plan all along.
And then, as far as the laundry room and closet, he wants it all kept as one big room. I discussed the possibility of building a wall and separating it into a closet area at the front of the house, accessible from the bedroom, and turning the back half of the room into a laundry room, accessible from the hallway. He didn’t like that at all. He wants it all one big room, which is fine with me. Since he has a strong opinion about it, and I could have been happy with it either way, we’ll keep it one big room.
What he didn’t have a strong opinion (or any input) about is the hallway bathroom. So I’m still contemplating what to do about that. But as you can see on the floor plan above, I’m seriously considering removing that bathroom, and expanding the studio bathroom so that it’s a guest bathroom that takes up some of the current pantry area. That would leave me with a much larger guest bathroom, and a much smaller (but still a good size) pantry.
I don’t know that that would be the exact arrangement of that bathroom, but it would be a full bathroom to include a shower and/or a bathtub. That way, my studio could easily be used as a guest bedroom if and when needed, and our guest(s) could have a private full bathroom.
And that would leave the current hallway bathroom free for us to use as storage. That would be very helpful because the one thing I’m still missing is storage for Matt’s shower wheelchair, Hoyer lift, etc. That small bathroom area would be perfect for that. And if we do that, it would also turn that entire side of the house past the cased opening in the music room into a master suite. I love that idea.
So the plans are coming along. I was so glad to have Matt’s input. At least two decisions were made much easier for me knowing that he actually did have a strong opinion about them. Getting those opinions out of him wasn’t easy, and it took quite a bit of coaxing, but once he made his decisions, he was very set on them. I’m very happy with those decisions, and if I can just get the bathroom situation settled in my mind, we’ll have a complete and finalized plan.
UDPATE: Just a word about turning our hallway bathroom into a laundry room…
I did consider this option, but there are several reasons I decided not to go this direction. When it comes right down to it, I don’t see any benefit at all (neither for me, nor for a future owner) in that option.
First, I love the idea of my laundry room being in a big, spacious room, rather than tucked away in a tiny room. Second, I don’t love seeing Matt’s equipment sitting around when it’s not in use. If given an option, I’d rather not have it in my pretty closet area or my pretty laundry room. And since there’s a small room available where it could be stored when not in use, it just makes sense to me.
So it’s definitely beneficial for me to put the laundry room in the bedroom, and turn the hallway bathroom into a storage area. So is there any benefit to a future owner for me to turn the hallway bathroom into a laundry room? Not really.
If I turn the hallway bathroom into a laundry room, and the bedroom into a huge closet/storage area, and then a future owner wants to turn that closet/storage area back into a guest bedroom, that leaves a guest bedroom with no conveniently accessible bathroom. So their only option would be to turn that laundry room back into a guest bathroom. And then they’ll have to find a new place for a laundry room.
So the situation for a future owner is the same regardless of what I do now. If I put the laundry where I want it (in the big room) and turn the small bathroom into a storage room, and then a future owner wants to turn that room back into a guest bedroom, they have to turn the storage room back into a bathroom and find a place for a laundry room. If I turn the bathroom into a laundry room and the bedroom into a closet/storage area, and a future owner wants that room to be a guest bedroom, they have to turn the laundry room back into a guest bedroom and find a place for a laundry room. They’re in the same situation either way I go. Regardless of what I do now, if they want that large room to be a bedroom, they’ll be turning the small room back into a bathroom, and having to find a new place for a laundry room. So I’d rather make the decision that I prefer for my own benefit while this house is ours. And my choice would be the big laundry room/closet combo, and tucking Matt’s equipment away into it’s own small storage area.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
Barcelona’s Cotton House Hotel is considered one of the top points hotels in the city, alongside other icons like the W Barcelona. Situated on the second-longest street in the Catalan capital, this Autograph Collection hotel offers a prime location, with no shortage of shops, eateries and attractions close to the historic property. Housed in an old cotton factory in the heart of Barcelona, the property gives guests the chance to get a good sense of the history surrounding it, including at some of the city’s most popular landmarks, like Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia church, bustling La Rambla and the La Boqueria market.
As a frequent visitor to Barcelona, I was excited to return this summer and check into a property in the city center so that I could access all the major attractions and easily pop down to the beach. I’ve heard great things about Marriott’s Cotton House Hotel and decided to discover whether it lived up to the hype.
Here’s what it’s like staying at the beautiful Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection — and what you should know before making a reservation.
What is Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection?
Cotton House Hotel, housed in the former headquarters of Barcelona’s Association of Cotton House Manufacturers, opened in 2017 after a full-scale building renovation. The original structure dates back to the 19th century, as one can see through the exterior’s preserved architectural style and how it blends in with surrounding historic buildings.
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Cotton House Hotel is home to 83 guest rooms, five of which are suites, each very large and with excellent city views. It also has a restaurant, a rooftop pool and a bar. The hotel is part of the Autograph Collection, a collection of distinctive, locally inspired properties within the Marriott Bonvoy program — so you can expect to mix and mingle with Bonvoy loyalists as well as guests from all over the world.
How to book Cotton House Hotel
Since Cotton House Hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, expect rates to be on the higher side. You can book a room at Cotton House Hotel directly through the property’s website from 52,000 to 105,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. TPG’s September 2024 valuations peg Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.85 cents per point.
Cash rates start around $300 and go up to $800, depending on the season. I booked with cash during the peak summer travel season, so I expected rates to be higher. I ended up paying $585 per night for a two-night stay. The nightly points rate for my dates was 88,000, so I was more than happy to pay the cash rate instead of redeeming 176,000 Bonvoy points.
Those holding The Platinum Card® from American Express should consider booking via the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program in order to unlock extras like noon check-in (based on availability), guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, a room upgrade at check-in (if available), daily breakfast for two and a $150 property credit to be used during your stay.
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When booking Cotton House Hotel, you’ll want to use one of the credit cards that earns the most points for Marriott stays, as well as one that possibly offers automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for value-added benefits. These include:
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Platinum Elite status; and 25 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ Credit Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Gold Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn 6 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program; automatic Silver Elite status; and 15 elite night credits per year toward a higher tier.
The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
A superb location for seeing Barcelona’s major sights
The location of the hotel is smack dab in the middle of the city center. It’s on one of the busiest streets in the city — the Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes — and puts guests in a prime position to visit Barcelona’s main attractions quickly via public transit, by walking or by car. The hotel is blocks away from all sorts of shops, including designer-label retailers and local boutiques. The famous Sagrada Familia, La Boqueria market and La Rambla neighborhood are all less than a 15-minute walk away.
Cotton House Hotel is just a 15-minute car ride or 30-minute bus ride from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), and there is a direct airport bus that’s a convenient five-minute walk from the hotel. A metro station is also located just four minutes by foot from the lobby.
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Rooms are spacious and bright with very good views
I booked a Panama queen room for my two-night stay but was upgraded to a 576-square-foot Madras deluxe king city view room due to my Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status. I had considered using some Nightly Upgrade Awards to get a suite, but I decided the likelihood was low due to the property only having five suites.
My room was on the fifth floor, and I enjoyed walking up the artistic spiral staircase that reminded me of my days living in a New York City walk-up building.
CHRIS NELSON/THE POINTS GUY
Once I reached my floor, I walked down a short hallway to my room. When I entered, I was immediately in the bathroom, which had a walkway leading to the bedroom.
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In other words, once I passed through the bathroom, I was in the main part of the room, which seemed logistically unique.
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The room was very large, bright and tastefully appointed. The king-size bed was incredibly comfortable and featured 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets, plus fluffy pillows with bronze accents on the pillowcases. It was safe to say I slept like a baby.
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On each side of the bed were nightstands with lamps and European power outlets. One side featured a glass refillable water bottle, and the other side had a standard hotel-branded notepad and pens. Next to one of the nightstands was a comfortable leather chair ideal for post-exploration lounging.
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There was a large desk area where I was greeted with a note and some welcome gifts — I especially enjoyed the candied almonds.
I was surprised to see there was no proper desk chair, though, and all that was provided was a backless vanity-style ottoman. Trying to do work here for an extended period of time was quite uncomfortable.
Above the desk area was a 40-inch flat-screen TV that did not have access to any streaming services. I would have liked to see a bigger TV and the ability to connect my devices to it. However, at the end of the day, I was on a short trip to Barcelona and spent most of my time exploring this amazing city and not watching TV, so this wasn’t a big deal.
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The room had all the standard amenities you would expect, like a fully stocked minifridge and bar area that was on the pricier side, a coffee maker, a tea kettle and a small closet and wardrobe with a robe and a safe.
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The views of the street below from my room were spectacular through the one large window. The windows opened slightly, but I wish they had opened more. When I did open the windows, the street noise was quite loud, as the hotel is located on one of the main roads in Barcelona, which is something to note.
The crisp white bathroom area was divided into three distinct parts.
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The sink and vanity area were in the bathroom’s main entry. Monogrammed towels were a nice touch and added to the overall sense of luxury throughout the space.
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A separate room housed the shower and bathtub, and this space felt massive. The rainfall showerhead provided excellent water pressure. The toiletries were produced by the Italian brand Ortigia Sicilia.
CHRIS NELSON/THE POINTS GUY
The toilet was in another separate wash closet. Given the hefty nightly price tag, I was a bit disappointed that the bathroom didn’t have a bidet.
Efficient and reliable housekeeping service
I received outstanding housekeeping service that included a personalized note and reliable evening turndown service each day during my stay.
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The housekeeping staff provided pillow chocolates every night that were so good I had to ask the front desk staff where I could buy some to take home with me.
Exceptional dining at Batuar bar and restaurant
The hotel’s only restaurant, Batuar, was where I had breakfast every day and dinner on the second and last night of my stay. The restaurant has both inside and outside sections, including a lush, spacious terrace.
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When I first walked into the restaurant, I was amazed at how extensive it was; it seemed never-ending.
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During a long conversation with one of the bartenders, I was given his menu recommendations and told how locals often come to this restaurant just to enjoy the terrace and outdoor section. He recommended I try the Banana Fashioned ($16), a twist on an old-fashioned with a banana flavor and edible dried banana peel garnish. This drink was on the menu’s Hall of Fame page and certainly lived up to that categorization.
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The inside area of the restaurant was cozy and intimate, but once I walked outside, the vibe completely changed. The outside section was packed compared to the interior, which felt empty. It was quite a mix of people, from influencers taking photos to well-heeled business folk to tourists on vacation.
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This was likely due to the great summer weather; everyone wanted to enjoy it. There were open areas in addition to sections covered by lush greenery. As the sun set, the outside portion of the restaurant looked simply stunning.
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When I sat down at Batuar for dinner, I appreciated the ornate table settings, including floral plates and opaque cutlery and glassware.
I started with a cocktail called the Italicus Spritz ($14). It was a light and refreshing rendition of the European classic Aperol Spritz with a grapefruit liqueur instead of Aperol. When my drink was brought out, my server also delivered a small amuse-bouche, which was a breaded appetizer filled with meat and cream.
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I then ordered two Catalan-style roasted chicken croquettes ($7) for my starter. Croquettes are very popular in Spain and are served on most tapas menus around the country, and these did not disappoint. For my entree, I opted for the Kun-Pho-style magret ($28). The duck was flavorful and expertly cooked, accompanied by a delectable savory sauce and some greens.
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After the entree, my server brought me a small chocolate dessert on the house, which was a really nice touch. The presentation was immaculate, as it came in a lovely white shell.
The whole dinner service was excellent, and the prices were reasonable. Given the caliber of the service I received, I was expecting the bill to be much higher, so I would say this restaurant felt quite high value.
Remarkable breakfast service
Due to my Bonvoy loyalty status, breakfast at the hotel was included during my stay. It was excellent, with both buffet and a la carte options.
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The buffet featured a variety of fresh fruits, pastries, meats and cheeses. It also included assorted freshly squeezed juices and smoothies.
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The green juice was quite tasty. There was both prosecco and Champagne for those who wanted a morning mimosa.
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The buffet alone would have sufficed, but guests could also order a la carte items. I opted for the omelet, which came paired with sausage and veggies.
An Instagram-worthy rooftop and pool
The highlight of the hotel for me was the sixth-floor rooftop infinity pool. The rooftop is small but mighty, with a handful of lounge chairs and a few seating areas. There was a small bar in the corner that served refreshing cocktails, which were just right for enjoying on a hot summer day. The true standout feature of the rooftop was the expansive views of the city.
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From the rooftop, you could see Sagrada Familia, along with other sights that make up the Barcelona skyline.
The one downside about the rooftop and pool was that due to the smaller size, it always felt crowded, and finding a seat during most hours of the day proved to be a challenge.
The fitness center is quite small
The hotel’s fitness center could be found on the top floor in what felt like a guest room with gym equipment.
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The fitness center was certainly small, but it packed a punch. I was surprised at how much equipment there was in this tiny room. There was an elliptical, an exercise bike and free weights ranging from 1 to 30 pounds.
That being said, there was not a lot of room to move around in, and it was hot and cramped. During my stay, I opted to go for a run through the city instead of my usual workout due to the lack of equipment. I imagine if more than two people were working out at a time, it would become quite tight and uncomfortable.
The spa is disappointing
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The hotel technically has a spa, but in reality, it is just another converted guest room where guests can book select services, including massages and facials. This was not a deal breaker for me, but others might like the option of having a full-service spa, considering the high nightly rates. Prices for treatments start at $25.
Accessibility
According to Cotton House Hotel’s accessibility page, there are accessible rooms with various features to suit different guests’ needs. The hotel is Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant throughout, with wheelchair-friendly hallways. Despite the hotel’s many staircases, each floor is wheelchair accessible via elevator. As such, all amenities, including the hotel’s gym, spa and rooftop, were accessible to those with limited mobility.
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Accessible guest rooms include mobility features like roll-in showers. However, those with hearing and visual impairments may not have the easiest time staying here, as the hotel does not have hearing- or visually accessible rooms.
If you need specific amenities, you should contact the hotel directly to ensure its accommodations meet your needs.
Reasons Cotton House Hotel might not be for you
While Cotton House Hotel is a great property in a prime location, there are a couple of reasons why it might not suit everyone.
This property is on the pricier side, so those in search of a budget hotel will want to look elsewhere.
The fitness center is tiny, so avid fitness enthusiasts may not be able to fit in their typical workout routine.
There is no proper spa. Guests looking for a full-scale spa might want to opt for another hotel.
There is only one restaurant on-site, so those who want more dining options at their hotel may want to book another property.
Checking out of Cotton House Hotel
My stay at Cotton House Hotel was excellent. I was blown away by the attentive staff and how they catered to my every need. I was mesmerized by how tastefully decorated the hotel was, from the lobby to the rooms to the restaurant, which I found to be very impressive.
Depending on the nightly rates, I would likely return to this hotel on my next trip to Barcelona. Cotton House Hotel is definitely on the expensive side, and there are many substantially cheaper accommodations in the nearby area. If you want to splurge or find a decent cash or points rate, I would highly recommend this hotel. If an award stay costs more than 70,000 points a night, I wouldn’t justify that price point for this Marriott property.
