Grupotel Gravina

In many ways, the Grupotel Gravina embodies so much of what Barcelona is about: it's equal parts classical and modern. This hotel is housed in a lovely 19th-century limestone building with a carved lion face above the entrance. Ornate wrought-iron balconies span the facade, embodying typical Eixample architecture, and guests enter through glass doors. The lobby is modern and chic, with wood and marble paneled walls and a tiled floor. Guests are welcomed on arrival with a free glass of cava, and a free buffet with pastries, tea, coffee, and water adds further homey value. A large cushy sectional provides a place for hanging out, and computers in the internet corner allow guests to check email and surf the net. Overall, it's a relaxed, cozy setting that draws guests of all sorts looking for a central location close to the sights in Barcelona. It's particularly popular with couples, but also families and groups of friends. 

This hotel is centrally located next to Placa Catalunya on the border between El Raval and the Eixample, a two-minute walk from Las Ramblas and about five minutes from Passeig de Gracia on foot. This is smack in the middle of the city, and there is plenty of buzz in every direction. Surrounding it are many shops, bars, and restaurants with different types of cuisine, including excellent tapas at Cafe Centric (a three-minute walk around the corner). MACBA, the city's best contemporary art museum, is a five-minute walk away. Guests can walk to the Gothic Quarter in about five minutes as well, and the hotel is also conveniently situated for taking public transportation, with the Universitat Metro station three minutes away on foot.  La Sagrada Famillia and Barceloneta are both around 10 minutes away by metro or bus. Barcelona El Prat Airport is about 20 minutes away by car, or 40 minutes by public transportation. 

Rooms at this hotel are basic, although contemporary and bright, with wood floors, a mostly white color scheme accented by pops of red, and minimal other decor. Desk tops also are red, and what little furniture there is comes in dark wood veneer finishes. Entry-level rooms are quite small, with little space for getting around the bed. Furniture is limited, with just a small wall-mounted night table, desk, and wardrobe for stashing clothing. Family Rooms add sofa beds. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and safes (fee). Superior Rooms add electric kettles, robes, and a welcome bottle of cava. Bathrooms are a bit dated looking, despite modern fixtures, and are tiled in a marble that looks decades old. They come with bidets, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. Half of the rooms look out onto the street, and the other half face the courtyard. Upgraded rooms have small unfurnished balconies or larger terraces with lounge chairs and a dining set shaded by an umbrella. Potted plants add a homey touch. 

Features are fairly minimal at this hotel, and most guests spend their days and nights out in the city. A free buffet breakfast is served daily in a casual breakfast room with wood tables and chairs, and a neutral color scheme of brown and black. Free newspapers and magazines are available for guests to read. The hip lobby bar serves drinks and light fare during the day and in the evening. A welcome buffet with pastries, tea, water, coffee, and a glass of cava are offered to arriving guests in the afternoon. The internet corner in the lobby has two computers and a printer for guests to use, though Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. A meeting room can accommodate gatherings for up to 44 people.