Hotel Internacional Ramblas Cool

One of the dozens of budget and mid-range properties lining Barcelona's lively Las Ramblas, this four-story property was built in 1894. The exterior has the original ornate stonework and intricate wrought iron balconies, while the inside was completely refurbished in 2009 and has a modern feel. Interiors are shiny and bright throughout, from the white marble floors to the glass-enclosed elevators, and there are on-trend tones like dark wood, sage green, and deep taupe throughout. Furniture ranges from high-back chairs with classic silhouettes to low-slung bench seating, though some of it is already sagging a bit, giving credence to this hotel's budget label. A huge black-and-white poster of how the city looked decades ago covers one wall that faces the small reception desk. In the rest of the lobby, there are some comfortable couches, a fridge offering free mineral water, and many celebrity caricatures on the walls by famous Spanish cartoonist Joan Vizcarra Carreras. Guests have the option of buy the artwork as souvenirs. With its popular streetside cafe and enviable location, this is a basic and informal hotel that attracts mainly couples from across the world.

The hotel is located on the famous Las Ramblas promenade in central Barcelona. It’s a street that never sleeps and is packed with tourists day and night -- this can mean a bit of noise for those staying in street-facing rooms. There are a huge range of shops, bars, restaurants, and outdoor cafes to explore in the immediate area. The photogenic La Boqueria market is also just a two-minute walk up Las Tamblas. To the rear of the hotel lie the Barri Gotic and El Born -- two of the city's most iconic historical neighborhoods that are filled with narrow alleyways, boutiques, and historic architecture. Across Las Ramblas is the equally scenic -- though more bohemian -- El Raval neighborhood. The hotel has an ideal location for tourists wanting to be in the heart of the city, as most of Barcelona’s top attractions are within a short walk. The Liceu Theater is within a minute’s walk, and it’s about a 10-minute walk from the Port of Barcelona, Plaza Catalunya, Museu Picasso, Barcelona Cathedral, and Passieg de Gracia. It’s an ideal location for public transport as well, with the Liceu Metro station directly in front of the hotel. Barcelona–El Prat Airport is about 15 minutes away by car, though it can be reached in about 30 minutes by using the metro and AeroBus.

The hotel’s 52 guest rooms are available in Basic or Superior categories. As with many hotels in the historic core of Barcelona, all are compact, and some of the Basic Rooms are tiny, an effect that's exacerbated by small windows that let in little natural light. Decor is modern and spartan, with bare walls, plain white bedding, stylish wood-laminate flooring, and contemporary dark wood furniture in a minimalist style. Simple bedside tables have a small lamp with a brown faux-alligator skin lampshade, and there's also a small desk in each room. While the immediate impression is fresh, a bit of wear is evident, and we saw lampshades with fraying hems and minor scuff marks on walls, as well as a bit of dirty grout in the showers. Every room has air-conditioning, free newspapers, free mineral water, free Wi-Fi, and a wall-mounted flat screen TV with satellite channels. Bathrooms are modern too, although some are very small, and only just squeeze in a sink, toilet, and small shower cubicle. The bathrooms in Superior Rooms are slightly larger and have a shower/tub combo. Toiletries and towels are both provided. It's worth noting that some rooms overlooking Las Ramblas may pick up noise from the lively street.

True to its budget category, there are a limited number of features at this hotel. A buffet breakfast is offered every day, though it's not included with most room rates. The breakfast room is elegantly decorated in shades of taupe and white, and has a white marble floor and decorative chandeliers. Sliding wooden doors open out onto a balcony where diners can take their breakfast while overlooking the street below. An array of continental and hot options like eggs and meats are available, but many guests choose to head to cafes around the hotel for better choices at lower prices. The hotel also has an outdoor cafe that serves drinks and light meals throughout the day. A glass elevator takes guests up to a lovely decked roof terrace where guests can sit on the patio furniture and soak up the sun -- views of the city’s rooftops and Las Ramblas are quite nice. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout the property.