Atenea Calabria Apartaments

Barcelona's Eixample is a sprawling district that ranges from mild to wild, and is also home to a sizable residential area. As such, the Atenea Calabria fits right in, offering home-like conveniences in a simple package in one of the neighborhood's more relaxed corners. Guests enter through sliding glass doors to find a bright red reception desk with a red wall behind it immediately inside the front door. Glass cabinets display jewelry and city souvenirs -- a fairly downmarket welcome that matches the somewhat dated public interiors. Thankfully, rooms are far fresher. There's a lounge with toys for kids, but otherwise features are few and the place is best used as a home base for exploring or taking care of business in central Barcelona. It's especially popular with families, but couples and groups of friends also frequently pass through the hotel. 

This apartment-style hotel is located on a quiet street in the Eixample district, right next to a supermarket and surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants. It's relatively quiet compared to the parts of the Eixample closer to Plaza Catalunya. Attractions within a 15-minute walk include Plaza Espanya, Parc Joan Miro, and the Magic Fountains of Montjuic. The Sant Antoni Market is about 12 minutes away on foot. Rocafort Metro station is within a three-minute walk, and Plaza Catalunya can be reached in about 15 minutes by public transportation or eight minutes by car. Gaudi's famed Sagrada Familia is about 20 minutes away by metro. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, or 30 minutes by public transportation.  

All rooms here are studio apartments, and in contrast to the somewhat dated common areas, they have a fresh and neutral style. Decor is modern, with gray, black, and white color schemes that complement light wood-laminate floors. The bright look is furthered by white walls and furniture, and just a few pieces of simple wall art in similarly restrained hues, often displaying names of international cities. Sitting areas have desks and sofa beds, and some rooms have dining tables and chairs. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, tea/coffee makers, and safes. Kitchenettes are equipped with sinks, microwaves, stovetops, kettles, and mini-fridges, as well as dishes, cookware, and cutlery. Compact bathrooms are tiled and come with hairdryers, shower/tub combos, and toiletries. Some rooms have bunk beds, and some have small balconies overlooking adjoining buildings or the street. It's worth noting that you'll likely hear noise from neighbors, as walls and floors are thin. 

Designed for self-sufficient travelers, this simple property doesn't offer much in the way of features, but a breakfast buffet with hot and cold selections is served daily in a sunny breakfast room (for a fee). A communal TV room is designed to appeal to all ages. In addition to two cushy sofas in front of a flat-screen TV, it has toys and games for the kids and a computer for guests to use. Another TV and more computers and printers also are available in the lobby. The on-site meeting room can accommodate up to 40 people, and technical assistance is provided. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Bicycle and car rentals can be arranged.