Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona

Those familiar with the Hilton brand won't find any surprises here, which is either a good or bad thing depending on one's point of view. From top to bottom, the hotel is modern, but in a city filled with sharp high-end design hotels, the standard, corporate-friendly "Hilton" decor can't help but feel a little underwhelming. The lobby of the hotel is simple and modern. The neutral walls, wooden doors, white marble floors, and contemporary furniture give a taste of what guest rooms will look like -- which is to say pleasant and up-to-date. There are large windows all around which flood the hotel with light, and there are stunning city views on one side of the building, and sea views on the other. These are apparent from the hallways too, and become even more impressive on the higher floors. The property attracts a wide range of guests from all over the world, although it has a quieter feel than most hotels in the city center. Many couples stay here for a city-beach break, while families are drawn by the

children’s pool and kids' menus in the restaurants -- plus the spacious rooms. Not surprisingly though, given the brand name and reliable business-friendly features, business guests make up a majority of those staying here.

The hotel is located in Sant Marti, right next to the Diagonal Mar development. It’s a fairly quiet area, and one of the biggest draws in the area is the beach, which is a five-minute walk from the hotel. The property is next to one of the largest parks in the city, Parc de Diagonal-Mar, and also faces the largest shopping mall in Catalonia, Diagonal Mar. The mall has an array of restaurants, bars, and a cinema, as well as an extensive range of shops. Those attending conferences or conventions at Barcelona’s CCIB Convention Centre will find it right next door to the hotel. El Maresme-Forum Metro station is just a two-minute walk away, and there's a bus stop opposite the hotel. These will come in handy, as the majority of Barcelona's famous sights are not within walking distance. Expect a 20-minute metro ride to the middle of Las Ramblas. From there, walks to El Raval, Barri Gotic, MACBA contemporary art museum, and Plaza Catalunya can be done in five to 10 minutes. Barcelona's El Prat Airport is a 25-minute drive away, and there’s a taxi stand right outside the hotel.

In a city of small hotels, the size of these rooms makes them a nice change of pace -- even entry-level rooms start at 30 square meters (323 square feet) of space, which is far larger than many other upscale hotels in Barcelona. A wide array of categories is available, and all are modern, with city or sea views. Guests can expect to see minimalist furniture with mid-tone wood-veneer surfaces, neutral colors on the walls, patterned carpets, and generic abstract artwork. Large windows let in lots of natural light, and there is plenty of floor and storage space.
All rooms are equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities, air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, clock radios, work desks, and irons and ironing boards. While each room also has access to Wi-Fi, it’s only free to those staying in Executive Rooms. Suites have the addition of a separate living area. Bathrooms are reasonably modern with shower/tub combos plus glass counter tops and vessel sinks.

The hotel has a stunning seasonal pool area called Purobeach, which is on a rooftop terrace with fabulous views of the sea. It is perfect for families and couples alike, as there is a large pool and separate children’s pool. The area is ringed by teak sunbeds, and the rooftop is also home to a sauna, a small fitness center, and spa treatments. There is also Purobeach Restaurant which offers a diverse menu

for lunch and dinner, such as salads, burgers, and lobster, as well as a variety of classic cocktails and international wines and spirits. Downstairs is Indigo, which serves international and Catalan food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is not included in the standard room rate, though those in Executive Rooms also have access to the Executive Lounge with free breakfast, all-day refreshments, and afternoon snacks. The Pistaccio Lounge bar has an extensive cocktail menu. It also serves tapas and has a separate children's menu. Facilities for corporate guests at the hotel are excellent: There’s a ballroom that can be rented for large events, which accommodates up to 1,000 people, plus 15 meeting rooms, and a business center. On-site parking is available too, for a daily fee. Wi-Fi is only free to all guests in public areas.