ibis Barcelona Pza Glories 22

The Ibis Barcelona Pza Glories 22 is situated in a six-story gray and cream-colored building constructed in 2009. Inside, the hotel is clean and modern, particularly for a budget property, though somewhat generic with few extra frills or amenities. The lobby has nice wood floors, wood accent walls, and a black ceiling with inset lighting. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of natural light in the reception area, while bright red ceiling accents and red chairs add color and style. The reception area extends into a sitting area that doubles as a breakfast room with red armchairs and red-and-black stools surrounding small cafe tables. A desk by a window offers a computer for guest use, while a small but pleasant bar is open 24-hours. The hotel attracts a range of guests looking for a comfortable budget stay, from business travelers to tourists.

This Ibis is situated in the up-and-coming 22@Barcelona area also known as El Poblenou. Unfortunately, the spot isn't totally rejuvenated yet -- while industrial spaces are being converted into trendy housing for young professionals, there are still lots of office buildings, abandoned structures, and construction underway. There are few dining and shopping options on the block, but guests can walk to the Torre Agbar and Las Glorias shopping center in about 10 minutes, while Rambla del Poblenou, a main road with restaurants, is a seven-minute walk from here. The beach is about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. For attractions farther out, the nearest metro station is a seven-minute walk away, giving access to most tourist sites -- like the Gothic Quarter, La Sagrada Familia, and Plaça de Catalunya -- in about 20 to 30 minutes. Parking is available at an underground lot, but costs an extra fee. The airport is about an hour away via public transportation, or a 20-minute drive.

• Seven-minute walk to metro station 
• 20-minute walk to Olympic Port (waterfront and beach)
• 25-minute walk to La Sagrada Família 
• 20 minutes to Picasso Museum via public transport
• 22 minutes to Gothic Quarter via public transport
• 25 minutes to Las Ramblas via public transport
• 26 minutes to Casa Batlló via public transport
• 30 minutes to Passeig de Gracia (shopping, restaurants) via public transport
• 35 minutes to Casa Milá via public transport
• One hour to Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) via public transportation

Rooms are simple, but modern and clean, with nice wood floors, white walls, and light wood furniture. Coral and pink accent walls add a bit of color. All rooms are air-conditioned and include small open wardrobes, desks paired with simple chairs, and flat-screen TVs in addition to free Wi-Fi -- but they lack coffee/tea facilities and mini-fridges. Bathrooms tend to be small, but clean and contemporary, with beige floors and white tile walls. Most have shower/tub combos and are outfitted with soap dispensers and hairdryers. 

Most rooms are designed for two guests, though there are rooms available for three (with both double beds and single beds). The hotel offers some smoking rooms and 10 connecting rooms. Views tend to be boring or nonexistent, and windows may face a neighboring building or brick wall. Housekeeping comes daily.

This low-frills hotel offers few on-site features, though it does have a breakfast room where a daily breakfast buffet is served. Breakfast is decent, with a standard spread of cold options like cereals, meats, cheeses, breads, and fruit, but it costs an extra fee. A small, pleasant lobby bar is open 24/7 and serves up alcoholic beverages and coffee. The lobby is fairly spacious and offers a computer for guest use, and there's even a little outdoor patio with seating. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel also has a tiny fitness room with yoga mats and limited cardio equipment (a stationary bike, an elliptical, two treadmills), but no weights. Parking is available for an extra fee, and pets are allowed for an extra charge as well.