Bagues

Set in a mid-19th century palace with an Art Nouveau-meets-Modernist facade, the hotel speaks to its architecturally stunning Las Ramblas setting. Taxis pull right up to the five-story property, which sits adjacent to the Church of Bethlehem. Guests enter through sliding glass doors flanked by topiaries and elegant lanterns as cyclists and pedestrians whiz past. Inside the lobby, decor is dark and sleek, from the mosaic-tiled front desk to the curved leather banquette. Likewise, the Bistrot Restaurant and cocktail bar have a cool modern look, with oversize glass light fixtures, patterned ceilings, and dark leather. Stairwells are spiraled with glass railings. Guests, mainly tourists keen on exploring during the day, also gather at the small rooftop terrace and pool, where colorful iron furnishings, pale wood, and translucent bar stools at a sleek black bar combine for a decidedly modern setting from which to take in the Gothic Quarter views.

The hotel is set directly on Las Ramblas, a wide boulevard where pedestrians flock to dine, shop, and take in the city's famous Art Nouveau, Gothic, and Modernist architecture. The hotel is in the Gothic Quarter, which extends to Via Laietana, and is within a short walk of major cultural and historic sights. The Museum of Contemporary Art in La Raval, the Cathedral of Barcelona, and the Gran Teatre del Liceu opera house are all within a five-minute walk. La Boqueria market is about a minute away on foot. The airport is a 15- to 30-minute drive.

Guest rooms and suites are modern and intense, with zebra print touches, shimmery bedding, dark leather couches, and parquet hardwood floors. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, sofas, air-conditioning, and 24-hour room service. Higher-priced rooms have luxe touches, including Madagascar ebony-paneled walls and wardrobes, and gold leaf detailing. Pieces from the on-site Bagues-Masriera jewelry museum are displayed in each room. Jewel Suites have private terraces and hot tubs, while Superior and Deluxe Rooms have views of Las Ramblas or the Church of Bethlehem. Single Rooms face the interior stairwell and can be dim. Bathrooms, too, are dark and modern, with sleek black tile and slate floors, and white porcelain shower/tub combos. Some rooms are noisy -- guests may want to check with staff regarding noise levels in specific rooms before booking.

The hotel's Ramblas location is its most appealing feature, putting guests within a short walk of many cultural and historic sights. The Bistrot Restaurant and cocktail bar serves upscale Mediterranean cuisine, including seafood and the requisite truffles and foie gras. There's a small rooftop pool with a poolside bar and views of the Gothic Quarter -- some guests have found the water a bit chilly. The fitness center is tiny and cave-like, located in an all-stone setting where guests can use a few cardio machines and free weights. There's also a small massage room with a single table. Glass jars in the lobby hold free candy, and chocolate truffles are delivered to rooms in the evening. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.