H10 Metropolitan

Open since 2014, the classic Eixample exterior -- with classic Juliet balconies and limestone -- make for a fitting welcome to this elegant and sophisticated little boutique property that's one of the sharpest in H10's Barcelona arsenal. With interiors crafted by designer Lazaro Rosa-Viola -- who has created funky, fresh restaurants, shops, and hotels around the world -- the modern, industrial-vintage style here is trendy while maintaining plenty of Old World charm. The lobby is large but cozy, with multiple seating groups of leather and velvet chesterfield sofas and club chairs where guests can hang out. Among the funky features are glass coffee tables with bicycle wheels for legs, antique telephones next to abstract wall art, and a mixture of eye-catching parquet and mosaic tile floors. Check-in takes place at two desks in front of vibrant abstract panels, and guests are served a welcome glass of cava. The vibe is ultra-hip, and most guests are couples, but families, small groups of friends, and businesspeople also make their way here to take advantage of the excellent central location. 

Without a doubt one of the biggest selling points of this hotel is its location -- in Barcelona terms, it doesn't get much more central. Plaza Catalunya is just at the end of the block, and there are shops, boutiques, cafes, bars, and restaurants in literally any direction. Passeig de Gracia -- home to two Gaudi houses and tons of high-end retailers -- is one block away, while the top of Las Ramblas will take five minutes to reach on foot. Barri Gotic and El Raval, the historic districts on either side of Las Ramblas, take anywhere from five to 15 minutes to reach on foot, depending on the destination. Metro stations are available at Plaza Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia -- both less than five minutes away on foot. It's a 15-minute metro ride to Gaudi's Sagrada Familia or to Barceloneta, which is home to the city's most famous beach. Barcelona–El Prat Airport is about 20 to 25 minutes away by car or 40 minutes by public transportation, including Aerobuses that depart directly from Plaza Catalunya. 

Rooms are fresh, with a vintage take on contemporary design that includes stand-out abstract headboards done in varying wood tones. White walls -- some of which are lined in long whitewashed bricks -- look sharp next to burnt orange retro seating and ashen wood furniture that includes desks and nightstands. One of the more impressive design details are the throwback entryways to the rooms, done in dark wood door with mirror inlays to create a bit of throwback glamor. We also love the old-school light fixtures, from handsome reading lamps to 1920s-style pendant light fixtures that are arranged over the beds. The bottle of cava that's delivered to rooms and the free bottled water are additional nice touches.

Standard amenities include large flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, safes with outlets for charging, iPod docks, and Nespresso coffeemakers. White bathrooms are modern and they come with robes and slippers, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and upscale toiletries. Bathrooms have double-sink vanities and white marble showers are done with contemporary fixtures. Some rooms have balconies or terraces with hot tubs and lounge chairs. Views are of Plaza Catalunya, Las Ramblas, or the interior courtyard. 

Guests can start their day with breakfast served in The Kitchen Restaurant, a bright, airy space decorated in black, white, and red. Industrial-style lighting hangs overhead, and one wall displays a collection of green bottles. While selections at the buffet are excellent, it is far more expensive than any of the local breakfasts on offer at any of the bars and cafes in the neighborhood. The trendy Eden Bar in the lobby is open throughout the day, serving drinks and light bar fare in a contemporary setting. 

The hotel has two pools, one on the ground floor next to the lobby and the other on the top floor with views of the city. Both offer cushioned lounge chairs for relaxing poolside, as well as tables and chairs for dining and drinking. Eden terrace is next to the ground-floor pool and offers drinks and light fare for those who want to hang out poolside. The on-site fitness room has a treadmill and stationary bike that look out onto the pool area, but there are no weight options and the space is tiny. 

A cozy library has books for guests to read, along with sofas and lounge chairs where they can hang out and read. There's also a couple of large tables suitable for small meetings, and a meeting room is available for larger groups. A desk in the lobby has computers and a printer for guests to use, though Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.