H10 Catalunya Plaza

The H10's 19th-century brick-and-limestone facade with Juliet balconies makes it clear from the outside that guests are in for a charmingly romantic treat. Wrought-iron doors lead to an equally charming lobby lined in yellow damask wallpaper, goldenrod-colored antique furniture, zinc mirrors, and abstract light fixtures. The space looks old-fashioned and modern, grand and intimate at the same time. Guests are greeted with sparkling wine or water, giving this mid-range property a distinctly upscale atmosphere. Past the front desk, a curving marble staircase leads to the cozy Library Bar, with comfortable vintage chairs that are perfect for sipping a coffee, tea, or cocktails. A large terrace opens off the back of the bar and is equally charming for relaxing on warm nights. This hotel is great for tourists or business travelers, and the romantic vibe is especially suited to couples. 

The H10 is located right on Plaza Catalunya, a short walk from two metro stations and within a five-minute stroll of La Rambla, the Barri Gotic, and the posh Eixample district. Barcelona’s contemporary art museum -- MACBA -- is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while Antoni Gaudi’s famous Casa Mila and Casa Batllo, are each within 15 minutes on foot. The metro from Passeig de Gracia or Catalunya connects to the beach at Barceloneta or Sagrada Familia Cathedral in around 20 minutes. Barcelona Sants train station is five minutes away using Rodalies trains, or 10 minutes by taxi. El Prat International Airport can be reached in 40 minutes by Aerobus from Plaza Catalunya, and the same trip takes 20 minutes by cab.

While the common spaces at this hotel are almost exuberantly loaded with details, the guest rooms are more reserved, with a black-and-white color scheme and light-wood floors. Rooms are small but stylish, with thoughtful, artistic touches such as white-on-white damask wallpaper and script triptychs flanking pillow-top beds. All rooms have black wooden headboards, minibars, safes, large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Nespresso coffeemakers, and free bottled water. Dark-wood desks and small stools have antique silhouettes, but there isn’t any additional seating in the rooms.

Deluxe Rooms have French doors that open onto Juliet balconies with views of Plaza Catalunya while Terrace Rooms have small tiled terraces with leafy planters and modern outdoor seating (but no views). Family Rooms come with extra beds and pullout sofas. 

Bathrooms are small but have striking throwback black-and-white ceramic tiles and chunky, vintage fixtures. All come with terrycloth bathrobes and slippers and have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. 

The Library Bar and Garden Terrace are lovely places to relax with a coffee or cocktail. The terrace is shaded from neighboring buildings and has modern seating around distressed tables, while the Library Bar has plenty of quiet nooks and comfortable armchairs. Free coffee and pastries are available until late at night here. A good buffet breakfast is served in the on-site 1892 Restaurant, but it's not included in most room rates. The restaurant doesn’t serve lunch and dinner, except when rented out for private bookings. 

The on-site meeting room is particularly attractive and features vintage Asian block-print wallpaper, high dropped-beam ceilings, and a fireplace. There's no pool, but guests can get passes to use the pool at H10 Metropolitan, a two-minute walk from the hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and there's a business center on-site.