Hotel Del Mar

This hotel is situated in a historic four-story stone building with large classical columns and ornate iron balcony railings across the front. It's a characterful welcome that's very Barcelona, though inside things are a bit more humble. Interiors are done in a nautical theme -- reflecting the hotel's name -- with plenty of sea-blue accents and objects related to boating. A colorful mural across from the reception desk shows Barcelona's waterfront. Modern wood seating with blue cushions provides places for guests to sit, although it's unlikely they will linger long. With its excellent location and reasonable rates, this hotel attracts all sorts of budget-focused travelers, mostly couples and small groups of friends who spend their days exploring the city's oldest neighborhoods and the buzzing beach.

The hotel is located in Barceloneta, a 12-minute walk from the beach and about a 15-minute walk from Las Ramblas. It's hard to beat this location, especially for guests who plan on exploring all of the city's goings on. Guests can walk to the Maremagnum shopping center in about 10 minutes and to the Picasso Museum in about seven minutes. Numerous bars and restaurants, as well as shops, are within a 15-minute radius, including the buzzing lanes of trendy El Born, and the touristy haunts in Barri Gotic. The Barceloneta Metro station is a two-minute walk out the front door, and Estaco de Franca is four minutes away on foot. There's also a bus stop right out front. Expect a 15-minute trip to Placa de Catalunya and a 30-minute journey to Sagrada Familia by metro. The Barcelona El Prat Airport is about 15 minutes away by car, or 45 minutes by public transportation. 

Rooms are undeniably simple, with modern blond-veneer furniture, tile floors, and blue accent walls. Unfortunately, the blue bedspreads and heavy drapery look rather dated. Flat-screen TVs sit atop glass-topped desks, and safes are tucked away in the closet, though there's a fee to use them. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with a double or two twin beds. Triple Rooms add a third twin bed that doubles as a sofa in a sitting area. Tiled bathrooms are modern and feature square sinks, up-to-date fixtures, shower/tub combos or showers only, hairdryers, and makeup mirrors. Soap and shampoo/shower gel are supplied in little packages. Some rooms have tiny balconies, with views of the street, though others have no view whatsoever. The Matrimonial Room has a large balcony with lounge chairs and a dining table and chairs overlooking the city. It's worth noting that there's a busy restaurant downstairs that can be noisy, and the bus-stop adjacent setting can also mean some less-than-ambient sounds reach the rooms.

This basic hotel doesn't have much in the way of features. A breakfast buffet is served daily in a cheerful breakfast room, though it's not included in room rates. An attractive TV room offers comfy blue seating for lounging, as well as free newspapers. As in the rest of the hotel, decor features a nautical theme, with maps and ship instruments on the walls. Vending machines dispense snacks and drinks. Pets are welcome. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.