Capri by Fraser Barcelona

This hotel looks fresh and modern on the outside, and the fresh and modern vibe continues once travelers are inside as well. The lobby is bright and airy, with modern furniture and accents. A silhouetted white face sculpture greets guests at the front door, and another sits next to the geometric white front desk. Electric blue artwork and cushy stools jazz things up, providing contrast to the mostly white space, and there are funky chairs and sofas all around. Guests also can log on to the internet at computers set up in the lobby, or read the free newspapers. The atmosphere is hip, relaxed, and casual, which is fitting given that the Sant Marti-Poblenou area is one of Barcelona's up-and-coming neighborhoods. The hotel is mostly geared toward businesspeople who need a space for longer stays, but tourists flock here in the summer season, including families, couples, groups, and individuals.

This hotel is located in the Sant Marti district of Barcelona, which is a fairly modern, mixed residential and commercial area of the city.It doesn't have the atmospheric appeal of the city's Barri Gotic or Eixample, but it (along with Poblenou) make up a large swath of up-and-coming Barcelona. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the city center by way of the Marina Metro station, which is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The National Theatre of Catalonia and the modern musical complex L'Auditori are both a five-minute walk from the hotel, and the city's cutting-edge Museu del Disseny is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Several supermarkets are within walking distance. Sagrada Familia can be reached in 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot, and the beach is about a 15-minute walk. The Olympic Port dining and entertainment area can be reached in 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot. Barcelona El Prat Airport is about 30 minutes away by car or 45 minutes by public transportation. 

This place offers spacious studios with kitchenettes and one-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens. Decor in all is ultra-hip and modern. Color schemes of trendy gray, tan, and black are highlighted by electric blue, gold, and red accents. Rugs with geometric patterns sit atop wood floors, and the upholstered headboards feature a graphic interpretation of the Barcelona city plan. Furniture is clean-lined and contemporary, and light fixtures and funky architectural renderings both add a dose of personality. Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Studio kitchenettes offer microwaves, mini-fridges, and sinks. Apartment kitchens add a cook top, toaster, electric kettle, dishes, and cookware, plus a dining table. Bathrooms are attractively decorated, with above-counter sinks, cream-colored tile, and large black countertops with a shelf underneath. Hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, tub/shower combos, and upmarket L'Occitane toiletries com standard. All units are cleaned daily. 

Features here are limited, but helpful for a city center hotel. The on-site Caprilicious restaurant serves Mediterranean fare for breakfast and lunch, including a breakfast buffet with hot and cold items for a fee. Outdoor dining is available in warm weather, though there is no dinner service. The Drinx bar in the lobby serves cocktails and light fare. The fitness center is in a bright, but windowless space, though there's plenty of room and it has LifeFitness cardio and weight-training machines plus yoga mats and exercise balls. Two wall-mounted TVs provide entertainment, and cardio machines have individual screens. There's also rooftop terrace lounge chairs for relaxing in the sun -- Torre Agbar can be glimpsed in the distance. A laundry room has two washers and dryers for free, with a cushy sofa and TV for relaxing while your clothes wash. Meeting rooms can be rented, and a business center provides iPads for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The hotel's parking can be pricey, and most guests use on-street parking, which is free on weekends.