Le Meridien Barcelona

This chic, modern hotel is housed in a historic nine-story building right on Barcelona's iconic Las Ramblas. First-floor windows and the entrance into Le Pop Cocktail Bar stand out right away, with their bright yellow circles offering the first glimpse of the hotel's updated take on its classic setting. Guests enter through revolving glass doors into a cozy, welcoming lobby with an open layout. Black leather chairs and vintage sofas provide seating areas where guests can hang out, including at the adjacent coffee shop. Brightly colored modern art adds pizzazz to the walls and windows, and much of it was created by local artists. A classic stunner of a staircase topped with red carpeting leads upstairs, with a black mobile hanging in the middle. Although the hotel is situated right on the lively Las Ramblas, inside it's quiet and peaceful -- precisely what guests familiar with the brand will expect from a property like this. With its excellent location, the hotel attracts all sorts of travelers. It's especially popular with couples and families, but it is also suitable for business travelers and groups.

Situated in a prime spot on Barcelona's famed Las Ramblas, this hotel is in the heart of the city, in an area full of bars, restaurants, shops, and attractions. It's located between Plaza Catalunya and Liceu, both of which have metro stations that make it easy to get around the city. The ancient streets of the Gothic Quarter can are just across Las Ramblas, while the trendy and slightly scruffy El Raval neighborhood starts just behind the hotel. La Boqueria, the city's wonderful, colorful open-air market is a five-minute walk down Las Ramblas, and the hip El Born district is a 15-minute walk. Other nearby attractions that can be reached in 15 minutes or less on foot include the Picasso Museum, La Seu cathedral, MACBA, and Gaudi's Palau Guell. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel, or 45 minutes away by public transportation. 

Rooms and suites are contemporary, if a bit corporate in their design ethos, particularly in lower-category rooms. Deluxe Rooms feature oversized leather headboards, red leather arm chairs, and artistic details inspired by the works of Antoni Gaudi, the city's famous modernist architect. Furniture is clean-lined, and modern reading lights are mounted on the headboards. Beds are dressed in crisp white linens and topped with a selection of pillows. Junior Suites add more space for a sofa and lounge chair, and furniture has a more attractive boho look. Family Suites have separate living areas furnished with contemporary velvet-covered sofa beds and chairs. Some are decorated with original works by local painter Jaume Amigo. 

Amenities include flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, minibars, air-conditioning, and iPod docking stations. Unfortunately only low-speed Wi-Fi is available for free. Some Family Suites come with video game consoles, and certain suites have spacious furnished terraces. Bathrooms feature slate walls, modern sinks and fixtures, and high-end Malin+Goetz bath products. Many rooms have showers only, and others have shower/tub combos, though both include rainfall showerheads. Suite bathrooms have lovely Spanish tile on the floor that helps add some personality, as well as separate tubs and showers. 

The hotel's main restaurant, Centonze, serves all meals in a chic room with bright red chairs and banquette seating in one section, black in another, and gray in yet another. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of lively Las Ramblas, and food receives almost unanimous praise from previous guests. Ingredients are sourced from Barcelona's famous La Boqueria market. The adjacent Le Pop Cocktail Bar is a hip, quirky space with circle motifs all around. Longitude Bar serves coffee and pastries in the lobby. 

The sixth-floor Explore Spa Studio offers massage, facials, and body treatments, as well as a sauna and an outdoor whirlpool and sun terrace overlooking the city. The compact fitness center on the first floor is open 24/7 and provides modern cardio and weight equipment, as well as free weights and exercise balls. Personal trainers are available for a fee. 

A business center provides space for small meetings, and computers and a printer for guests to use. The hotel's conference center can accommodate a variety of gatherings for up to 126 people. High-speed Wi-Fi is only available for a fee, but lower-speed Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Children ages 12 and younger are welcomed with a special check-in and a Lego toy.