Melia Barcelona Sarria

Housed in a high-rise glass building in a residential area, The Melia Barcelona Sarria is geared toward convention-goes and other business travelers. The lobby is airy and sleek, with green marble floors, display case-style tables, and oversized contemporary artwork. Large windows and clusters of unique leather armchairs let business travelers gaze out at the Spanish streets while they work. The Cheese Bar is spacious and airy, with hanging potted plants and colorful geometric accents; the menu boasts more than 140 cheeses. Restaurante Ona is also very modern, with black banquettes, glass tables, and mirrored surfaces. The Cel Bar, meanwhile, has a slightly more organic feeling, with pots of grass behind the bar, and a brown and amber color scheme -- but certainly lends itself more to making deals than memories.

The Melia Barcelona Sarria is located on Barcelona's Five Star Conference Mile, in the city's financial district, an ideal spot for business travelers. The surrounding neighborhood is residential, but it's under a half-hour walk to Camp Nou (the home of FC Barcelona), or the luxury shopping boulevard, Paseo de Gracia. Barcelona's airport is a 20-minute drive, and the railway station is a five-minute drive away. Cruise ship passengers will find the hotel 10 minutes by car from the ship terminal. While not a great location for avid sightseers, everything is accessible, with just a little extra travel time.

The financial hub of Les Corts is the least populated district in the city, located about 20 minutes via metro from central Barcelona. Though its only popular attraction is Camp Nou, the soccer stadium, Les Corts has some nice hotels, restaurants, and bars that cater mostly to business travelers. Les Corts does not have the attractive, historic feel that many neighborhoods in Barcelona offer. Instead, busy streets are lined with modern office buildings and some upscale shops. Placa del Carmen is a quaint, historic square in Les Corts where the residential area of this neighborhood begins.

Rooms at the Melia Barcelona Sarria are clean and sophisticated, with wall-to-wall carpet, quality textiles, dark woods, and, in suites, mod sofas -- all done in reds, browns, and elegant blacks. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and blackout drapes. Rooms on The Level have touches that make the extra cost worthwhile, including Nespresso machines, pillow menus, and a selection of aromatherapy. Many bathrooms have whirlpool tubs and separate luxury showers. Request a nonsmoking room and upper floor for less street traffic noise, if desired.

The Melia Barcelona Sarria business facilities and convention center are top of the line, with full services, including AV-equipped meeting rooms and translation. The Yhi Wellness Spa features a sauna, hammam, whirlpool, and heated pool (with current-producing jets, so swimmers can work out). The tiled and bright 24-hour fitness center offers cardio equipment and free weights, and has a large TV, and free fruit and bottled water. Restaurante Ona serves Mediterranean food and an extensive collection of Spanish wines for lunch and dinner, as well as room service, 24/7. Guests who opt for The Level are treated to free breakfast, afternoon tapas, and more.