Ilunion Auditori

With its double-high entryway, scattering of boxy gray couches and chairs, and flat-screen TVs, the ILUNION has the unassuming atmosphere of a business hotel. Little touches like the leaf-filtered light that streams through the lobby’s floor-to ceiling windows add a bit of style, but overall the property -- while modern -- isn't particularly memorable. Guests often relax in the lobby while watching TV, using the free computers, or reading newspapers. The hotel’s highlight, though, is the rooftop terrace and small pool. It’s a great spot to relax after a day of exploring. Guests are mostly tourists from around the world.

The ILUNION is situated in the northeastern part of the Eixample, near plenty of local dining and drinking options. The city’s Barcelona Nord bus station is a two-minute walk away and the Arc de Triomf Metro station is a five-minute stroll from the hotel. The gorgeously manicured Parc de la Ciutadella, Natural Science Museum, and zoo are a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Expect a 15-minute trip by metro to the beach. La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s famed cathedral, is less than a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Las Ramblas takes 20 minutes to reach on foot, and Plaza Catalunya -- which sits atop Las Ramblas -- is only two stops away on the metro for those who don't want to walk. Palau Nacional, a gorgeous museum highlighting Spanish artwork from antiquity to present, is a 30-minute metro trip from the hotel. It's also just down the hill from the Olympic stadium. Budget 20 minutes to reach Barcelona-El Prat Airport by taxi, or around an hour by metro. 

Rooms have tan and brown interiors complemented by chrome accented furniture, making them pleasantly modern, but a tad generic. Beds are a mix of one, two, or three twin beds (often pushed together to make a double) with neutral-toned wood headboards, gray bed runners, and sleek, brushed silver built-in lamps. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, electric kettles, two small bottles of water, safes, and plush luggage stands. Bathrooms are small, but efficiently designed so they don’t feel cramped. They include either shower/tub combos or showers (though the lack of a soap tray is a bummer in some showers). All bathrooms are stocked with hairdryers, bar soap, body wash, shampoo, shower caps, travel tissue packs, dental kits, shaving kits, shoeshine brushes, and combs. Cribs are available for free (although the hotel has a limited supply).

ILUNION stands out from the mid-range competition in the area with its rooftop terrace and pool. The space is mostly covered in faux grass except for the cement tile deck surrounding the small pool. It also has a handicapped-accessible lift. Other rooftop features include a handful of lounge chairs and a table with chairs under a canopy. The hotel's fitness center is simple, but has a Technogym treadmill, two stationary bicycles, and free weights. A breakfast buffet can be added for a fee and gets mostly positive reviews. It includes typical Spanish and continental options. There are two computers in the lobby as well as a couple of meeting rooms. Discounted parking is available at a nearby garage. Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout the property.