Hotel Vilamari

This modern hotel has a casual, laid-back vibe that makes it an appealing choice in a part of the city that borders trendy Poble Sec and the business-friendly areas around Plaza de Espana. The style is handsome, with cozy and welcoming details that include art-filled book cases and plush armchairs in the lobby. A contemporary wood and rock sculpture adds interest. The terrace also is a lovely place where guests can hang out when the weather is nice. It's open year-round and offers tables and chairs with umbrellas for shade. This property is most popular with couples, but families, groups, and individuals also stay here, as well as businesspeople attending events in the area. 

This hotel is located in the Sants district, a six-minute walk from Parc de Joan Miro and a nine-minute walk from the Magic Fountain of Montjuic. Numerous bars, restaurants, and shops surround the hotel, and the Fira de Barcelona takes only five minutes to reach on foot. Plaza de Espana can be reached in four minutes on foot, and trendy Poble Sec is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. It's a five-minute walk to the Rocafort or Plaza de Espana Metro stations, and the trip into the city center takes 15 to 20 minutes. Guests also can walk to Las Ramblas in about 15 minutes. MACBA can be reached in about 15 minutes by public transportation and the Picasso Museum in about 25 minutes (both trips will involve some walking). Expect a 15-minute drive to Barcelona El Prat Airport or a 30-minute trip on public transportation (the airport bus departs from Plaza de Espana). 

Rooms are simple, but modern and sophisticated, with clean-lined dark wood furniture, high wooden headboards, and handsome dark floors. This is all offset by white accents in the bed coverings, walls, and drapery. Black-and-white art hangs on the wall, adding a touch of class. Mini-fridges are stocked with free bottled water, and flat-screen TVs sit on desks. Wi-Fi is free. Modern bathrooms have glass countertops, shower/tub combos, and black marble tiling. They come with toiletries and hairdryers, and robes and slippers are provided. Guests should note that some rooms face the interior, which provides light but no view. Others face the terrace and surrounding buildings, or the street out front. Adjoining rooms are available for families. While spacious rooms are a rare thing to come by in Barcelona, complaints about compact layouts here are numerous.

Features are on par with other three-and-a-half-pearl hotels in the city, though it's worth noting that there is no pool. Guests can start their day with a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items for a fee. The restaurant and bar, L'Actual, serves Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner in a sophisticated space with black and gray leather seating, dim lighting, and modern art and lighting. Room service is available 24/7. When the weather is nice, guests can dine on the terrace. A small fitness center has limited cardio machines and basic free weights -- it's really only sufficient for the most basic of workouts. Windows along one wall provide natural light, and water and towels are provided. There's also a Turkish bath, which is surprising for a hotel in this category. Two meeting rooms are equipped to accommodate gatherings of up to 40 people each. The outdoor terrace also can be reserved for private events and can accommodate up to 150 people for cocktails. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and parking is free -- an unexpected perk for a Barcelona hotel.