Hotel Derby

It’s hard to say exactly what design aesthetic governs the Hotel Derby. From the outside, it’s a bizarre amalgamation of classical and modern architecture. This stylistic dilemma continues into the lobby, where dark marble floors, wood paneling, black leather couches, and cheap office furniture compete with impressive contemporary sculptures and 18th-century statuary. The decor is lifted from several different decades, and isn’t particularly contemporary or comforting. This effect runs through most of the hotel’s restaurant and bar spaces and into the rooms. The hotel offers space for meetings and larger events, and while many of the guests are business travelers, the Derby also gets the occasional leisure traveler. 

The hotel is located in Barcelona's Les Corts neighborhood, near offices, shopping centers, and residential apartment buildings. It's removed from the tourist center, which gives it a quiet and authentically local character. However, as Camp Nou Stadium -- home to Barcelona’s famed FC Barcelona soccer team -- is about 20 minutes away on foot, game day in the neighborhood can be lively. Walking to Plaza Catalunya can take over half an hour. The Hospital Clinic Metro station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel and connects to sights such as Plaza Catalunya, Barri Gotic, and the beach at Barceloneta in 15 to 30 minutes. Guests should keep in mind that the metro shuts down by midnight on weeknights (later on the weekends). A taxi ride to El Prat International Airport takes around 20 minutes.

Guest rooms at the Derby are clean and spacious, but while the decor is more straightforwardly Modernist and Art Deco than in the lobby, rooms look outdated and worn. Rooms come with minibars, safes, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and contemporary lamps. Large windows let in tons of natural light, though this means that street-facing rooms on lower floors can be noisy. Satin chiffon comforters look a bit out of place and the beds aren’t particularly comfortable. The art in the guest rooms is impressive, ranging from small contemporary sculptures to lithographs of famous works by Catalan artists, though it looks out of place in the otherwise underwhelming surroundings. Bathrooms have tiled floors and marble walls, large vanities, and shower/tub combos. Junior Suites with separate bedrooms, living areas with black leather love seats, and large terraces with potted plants, lounge chairs, and dining tables are also available for guests who want a bit more room. Cribs are available on request.

The Epsom restaurant offers a good breakfast buffet with hot and continental options, but it's not included in room rates and is expensive overall. The Epsom Bar is a good place for a nightcap, with a fireplace, fourth-century mosaics on the walls, and vintage leather seating. The newspaper-themed Times Restaurant evokes a traditional Catalan coffee shop with contemporary touches, and offers quintessentially Catalan lunches and dinners. Room service is also available 24 hours a day. 

Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and pets are allowed. Package deals with extra amenities, such as car rentals and in-room newspaper services are also available. Meeting and event rooms offer on-site catering services, though they have the same dated, generic look that pervades the rest of the hotel. Guests of the Derby also get free access to the basic gym, pool, and sauna at the Hotel Gran Derby across the street.