Excellent location in Eixample district, close to public transportation
Walking distance to restaurants, shops, cafes, and major attractions
Modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning, some with balconies
Lovely terrace with lush plants and comfy sofas and chairs
Free coffee on first floor 24/7
Self-serve bar and communal living area
Breakfast buffet available for a fee
Nearby parking for a fee
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Some rooms are quite small
School courtyard in back of hotel can be noisy
Breakfast is not included in rates
The 36-room Hotel Ambit Barcelona is a mid-range property with an excellent location in the bustling Eixample district. Guests can walk to restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops, and both metro and bus stops are nearby. Plaza Cataluna and Passeig de Gracia are a 10-minute walk away, and there's plenty to see and do all around. Although some rooms are quite small, they're all modern and fresh, and come with flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and kettles for tea and coffee. Some have furnished balconies. The comfy living room and lovely terrace are popular hangout spots, and there's a self-serve bar. As an alternative, check out the Hotel Vueling BCN by HC, and it has an on-site restaurant and bar plus a great Eixample location and contemporary style.
Scene
Fresh, modern boutique hotel in historic building, suitable for all types of tourists
This modern little hotel is housed in a historic six-story building that's every bit as classy as its neighbors in the posh Eixample. This is a simple property, and features are slim, but first impressions are good. The lobby is welcoming, with a lounge area where guests can hang out to watch TV, read the free newspapers, play games, or access the computer. The beautiful outdoor terrace is another popular hangout spot when the weather is nice. Although the building is more than 100 years old, decor manages to blend classic and up-to-date styles. With its excellent location and reasonable rates, it attracts tourists of all types, especially couples.
Location
In the Eixample, close to restaurants, shops, cafes, public transportation, and major attractions
This hotel is located Barcelona's Eixample, about a seven-minute walk from Plaza Cataluna, and 10 minutes from Passeig de Gracia and Gaudi's Casa Batllo. It's surrounded by restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars, plus several metro stations. There's also a bus station nearby. The Picasso Museum can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot. Getting there, you'll pass through the Gothic Quarter. Alternatively, Las Ramblas begin at Plaza Cataluna, making for excellent people watching and shopping (though budget time for an obligatory stop at La Boqueria, the city's most colorful market). It will also take about 15 minutes to reach MACBA, in the trendy and slightly scruffy El Raval neighborhood. Plan on about 25 to 30 minutes to reach Barcelona-El Prat Airport by car, or about 45 minutes by public transportation.
Rooms
Fresh, modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, minibars, air-conditioning, and kettles, some with balconies
Rooms are small -- especially the Single Rooms, which are designed for just one person -- but we aren't mad about the fresh, modern style. None of the categories have much space to move around, but they include details like vinyl wood-plank flooring, clean-lined built-in wooden furniture, and white linens. Large pieces of modern art hang above the beds, giving the rooms a little personality. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Wardrobes hold safes, minibars, and kettles for tea and coffee. Tiny modern bathrooms feature above-counter bowl sinks, toiletries, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and showers with rainfall showerheads. Comfort Rooms are a little larger, and some have balconies. Deluxe Rooms add whirlpool tubs.
Features
Breakfast buffet (fee), living area, free newspapers, computer desk, and lovely outdoor terrace
This simple little hotel doesn't offer much in the way of features. A breakfast buffet is served daily in a cozy breakfast room for a fee. Selections include fruits, pastries, hot items, breads, meats, cheeses, and cereals. There's an adjacent living area with cushy sofas and chairs, a TV, and board games. A desk in the corner has a computer for guests to use. Magazines and newspapers are available here as well, and guests can help themselves to drinks at the self-serve bar. Free coffee is available on the first floor 24/7. One of the more popular features is the lovely outdoor terrace, which is filled with lush green plants and cushy wicker sofas and chairs. It's a nice space for relaxing in the fresh air, and there are tables for alfresco dining. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There is no on-site parking.