Hotel Catalonia Passeig de Gracia

The building’s ornate 1928 facade -- typical to the many historic buildings in Barcelona’s Eixample -- is a hint at the classic style embodied by the hotel. Ornate wrought-iron doors open onto a bright lobby with marble checkerboard floors, dark-wood furnishings, and mid-century black leather couches that look out onto a lively street. A chic little bar and a small business center are just off the lobby, and the on-site Les Delicies Restaurant attracts a blend of locals and tourists for its reasonably priced contemporary twists on Catalan cuisine. The romantic vibe in the hotel is great for couples, though the property also attracts business travelers, solo travelers, and families.

The hotel is located on a lively street in Barcelona’s posh Eixample neighborhood, a short walk from bars, restaurants, and tapas places. It's just one block from the Passeig de Gracia, packed with trendy boutiques and high-end retailers. Plaza Catalonia is just a five-minute walk around the corner, and leads to Barcelona’s famous La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, both of which take 10 minutes to reach on foot. The Passeig de Gracia Metro station is at the end of the block, and trips to Sagrada Familia or Barcelona’s beach take less than 20 minutes. El Prat International airport can be reached using the Aerobus from Plaza Catalonia in 45 minutes, or by taxi in 20 minutes.

The hotel's modern rooms have light-wood floors, taupe walls with white molding, satin drapes and upholstered headboards. Beds are comfortable, despite most double beds being twin beds pushed together. Cordovan nightstands and desks with antique silhouettes give the rooms a bit of throwback flair. All guest rooms have large flat-screen TVs, safes, electric kettles with coffee and tea, minibars, and free bottled water. Some Standard Rooms look onto a light well and can feel dark, but the other rooms get a good amount of natural light or at least have street views. The Duplex, a two-floor unit with a separate living area, also has a terrace overlooking the Eixample and there are views of the mountains in the distance. Seating is limited to a desk chair and a small, cushioned bench in Standard and Terrace Rooms, though larger Superior Rooms and Suites offer a wider array of velvet-upholstered, antique-style seating. Note that some rooms with terraces abut the pool. Bathrooms are modern, with contemporary fixtures and good-size vanities. Most rooms have spacious walk-in showers, though Superior Rooms have shower/tub combos. Rooms in categories above Standard Rooms also have terrycloth bathrobes and come with free chocolates.

Free guided tours of the city’s Modernist architecture or Ciutat Vella meet in the hotel’s lobby, and the chic lobby bar provides free coffee, tea, and small bites in the early evening. Les Delicies restaurant is a modern space with artsy touches, and serves great fixed-price menus featuring Spanish and Catalan dishes. However, the generic space can’t shake the hotel-restaurant vibe. The hotel’s terrace and small pool are a great place to relax, though views only include the higher buildings surrounding the hotel and the lack of a bar means that guests will have to bring their own drinks. Although there's no spa, in-room massage services can be booked through the front desk and there is an attractive, free fitness center on site with cardio equipment, free weights, and cable machines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there is a small business center in the lobby. The front desk can arrange car services, and laundry and dry cleaning are also available. Room service is provided by Barcelona’s Nomi Group, and their Japanese-influenced menu is available until late in the evening.