Hotel Gaudi

There's plenty of character to greet guests upon entering the Hotel Gaudí, not the least of which is the ceramic mosaic fountain and matching curved staircase that dominate the lobby decor. The buffet restaurant also pops; its white walls and furnishings are punched up by a purple ceiling, a dramatic globe chandelier, and paintings hung here and there throughout the space. Other decor seems at times a bit random, with a wooden desk but no chair in one common area and a shoeshine machine and orange sofas in another. Travelers will find the other guests are primarily tourists and mostly European -- those looking to mingle should head to the rooftop terrace with its infinity-edge pool.

The Hotel Gaudí faces the Art Nouveau architecture of the Palau Güell, a Gaudí must-see, and is a quick walk from Las Ramblas. The hotel's location also offers easy access to the Gothic Quarter and its shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions. The Gothic Cathedral of Barcelona can be reached via foot in 10 minutes and the famous Church of Santa Maria del Pi can be reached in five. Exploring any other part of Barcelona is made convenient by the several metro stations close to the hotel, including the Liceu Metro Station that is around a five-minute walk away.

Rooms at Hotel Gaudí are everything a traveler should expect from a value hotel: clean and comfortable. Most also happen to be larger than average for a Barcelona hotel. They offer flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, and adjustable air-conditioning and heating. The room decor is simple: IKEA-like furniture, white bedding, neutral-colored walls, and scant artwork.

Many rooms on the lower floors offer balconies that face either Palau Güell, the hotel's internal courtyard, or secluded areas. Request a front-facing room with a terrace for views of the Palau Güell rooftop.

There are not a lot of bells and whistles at the Hotel Gaudí, save one amenity: The rooftop terrace with tiny lap pool, which is a favorite gathering spot for guests. The hotel also offers a reading room, free Wi-Fi, and underground parking (albeit at an extra cost). For the business travelers, there is a meeting room with capacity for 30 people. The hotel also offers a gym, though it is quite tiny and is only equipped with a few exercise machines. The breakfast buffet with hot and cold items is served daily in a lovely restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and a good amount of seating. However, guests give the food mixed reviews. There is also a small bar with Gaudí-inspired touches.