Hotel America Barcelona

This hotel is a pleasantly contemporary place to bed down within easy reach of Barcelona's best shopping, dining, and sightseeing. The free drink upon entering doesn't hurt the deal either. Interiors are bright and sharp, with atrium-style design features that add lots of natural light to complement the alternatively sober and playful decor. Pops of red and plaid sit side-by-side with taupe and neutral tones, and the clean-lined furniture and details like recessed or back-lighting add an additional modern edge. There's a low-key social vibe here, and the seasonal rooftop terrace is a popular spot for travelers to unwind or regroup. It has great views of the city through lemon trees, as well as a bar serving cocktails. The hotel attracts mainly young couples, though the larger rooms on offer are also popular with young families.

Hotel America is in the Eixample, just to the north of the historic city center. It's a bustling area, that's home to great shopping, dining, nightlife, and even sightseeing. There are a number of tavernas and local stores in the surrounding streets, and it's a five-minute walk to Passeig de Gracia for big-name stores. It will take five minutes on foot to reach La Pedrera, on Passeig de Gracia, and 10 minutes to Casa Batllo -- two of the most sought-after Gaudi sights in the city. It's just a few stops on the metro from Diagonal to Sagrada Familia, and the same in the other direction to Sants station for train and Aerobus connections to the airport. Buses run from Carrer de Balmes, a five-minute walk away, to attractions farther south in the city. It's a 20-minute trip by bus to the Gothic Quarter, 25 to the aquarium, and about half an hour to reach the beach. The journey to the airport takes 20 minutes by car, or around 50 via public transportation.

Rooms at Hotel America have a modern, sharp style that makes them a fine bet for this part of town. Decor comes in natural tones of cream and brown, with wood floors and furniture. It all has a sleek and clean look, and the dramatic louvered headboards make an attractive statement. All are air-conditioned and include electric kettles, minibars, large flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, safes, robes, and slippers. Double Lifestyle Rooms and America Junior Suites add Nespresso machines and welcome bottles of Cava. Double Sweet Dreams are interior rooms and overlook the inner atrium and corridors. America Family Rooms have two separate rooms connected by a small hallway, making them ideal for family and friend groups. The sleek bathrooms continue the natural-toned finish, and feature large rainfall showers (some standard-level Double Design rooms offer shower/tub combos instead), plus Gilchrist & Soame products and hairdryers. 

Hotel America has a lovely rooftop terrace with a small pool and whirlpool, plus loungers, tables and sofas, and great city views. The rooftop bar serves drinks and light tapas, and can be hired for events. Keep in mind that the terrace and pool are seasonal. Meeting rooms are also available. There's a small gym with just a few cardio machines, some free weights, and a sauna, which is open 24/7. The hotel provides an express breakfast of pastries, juice, and hot drinks. It's free when booking direct, though quite basic. The lobby has a library, a PC with free internet access, and a bar area. Guests are provided a welcome drink on arrival. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Bikes can be hired from the front desk, which is manned 24 hours. Other useful services from reception are luggage storage, laundry, and dry cleaning.