Hotel Granados 83

The Granados 83 is housed in a former hospital and has been revamped in a Nouveau Art Deco style. The entrance is marked with pale pink and tan marble columns that then lead into a dark, chic lobby. Gorgeous earth-tone flooring, high-backed black leather chairs, and an exposed red brick wall create a cozy atmosphere. A highlight of the property are the numerous works of Hindu and Buddhist art scattered in the lobby and guest rooms. Although the property is kid-friendly thanks to the family-oriented rooms and a (tiny) pool, it's more popular with couples who want to be near many tourist sights but removed from the heavily trafficked Las Ramblas area. Business travelers can make use of the business center, function room, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. An outdoor terrace has ample seating and a water feature, but with high walls, views are nil; the 8 Terrace Bar has prettier vistas.

For guests that don't want to be in the heavily trafficked Las Ramblas area, Granados 83 is a 15-minute walk away in the quieter Eixample district. The neighborhood name literally means "expansion," and it's just a 15-minute walk from the hotel to the historical city center, anchored by the Plaza de Catalunya. Eixample is known for its gorgeous Modernist architecture, as well as its posh restaurants and stores. Passeig de Gracia, the neighborhood's major artery, is a seven-minute walk. A school is nearby and some guests have noted that it can be loud inside the rooms when kids are playing. Guests can take the frequently running metro to get around, which has stops near the hotel.

The most basic and smallest rooms at Granados 83 are the Single and Single Executive categories. All rooms feature the same color scheme and furnishings -- wood floors, brown leather couches and matching headboards, and slightly shiny black bedspreads. Exposed brick and stone walls, long sheer gray curtains, and black nightstands continue the earthy, rock and wood design. Note that some double beds are two twins pushed together and some rooms lack storage space.

Gorgeous works of Asian art are spread throughout the spaces and a welcome rose sits in a glass vase. In-room safes have room for a small laptop. Family Deluxe Rooms have the most space, spread out over two levels; these rooms have semi-private terraces and share a small, narrow dipping pool. Many rooms face the elevator shaft, which hinders natural light and leads to more noise.

Marble bathrooms have bathtub/shower combos, comfy robes, and ample toiletries, including bath salts. But doors separating the bedroom are clear and can pose a privacy issue.

This hotel lacks a spa and the gym is just a couple of machines in a small room, but there are multiple areas to sit back and grab a drink. Next to the tiny outdoor pool with a few adirondack chairs is the 8 Terrace Bar, named for its location on the eighth floor. There are numerous chairs and tables, and it serves substantial snacks like pizza and croquettes. The small but chic G Bar off the lobby has white tufted leather couches and a flat-screen TV behind the bar. The mediterranean-inspired 3 Restaurant receives good reviews, but guests have to pay for the breakfast offered. A central patio with water features and modern seating is a tranquil setting, but the high walls and surrounding buildings make the space feel small. There is a business center for guests as well as a meeting room that can hold 45 people sitting.