Onix Liceo Hotel

Onix Liceo is located just a two-minute walk from Barcelona's famous Las Ramblas and has been open since 2007. It sits in a classic building in a busy area of the city. However, walking into the smart and spacious lobby, with its natural colors and minimalist furniture, makes a fine first impression. Large windows offer a view of the streets outside. While there isn't much of a social vibe in the hotel, the charming outdoor terrace provides a relaxing escape from the busting city streets outside. The terrace also has a small plunge pool. With its location and easy access to Las Ramblas, it's no surprise that vacationing couples are the most frequent guests here, but it's not uncommon for groups of friends to pass through as well. 

Situated just two blocks from Las Ramblas, the hotel is located in the trendy El Raval district, which is a buzzing part of town that still feels a little scruffy. There are cafes, shops, and restaurants all around, and the Drassanes Metro station is five minutes away on foot. The famous Mercado Boqueria will take around 10 minutes to reach on foot. Placa Catalunya, the heart of the city for many, is a 10-minute walk north, while the waterfront and promenade are a seven-minute walk in the opposite direction. Barri Gotic and El Born are just across Las Ramblas. For fans of Gaudi, Palau Guell is just a two-minute walk from the property, but you'll need the metro to see his other landmarks. Sagrada Familia is 25 minutes away by metro, while La Pedrera is a 15-minute train ride away, along Passeig de Gracia (a major destination-shopping avenue). The airport is an 20-minute cab ride from the property, or 40 minutes by public transit.

Onix Liceo has 45 rooms, ranging in size from Standard to Superior, and all are decorated in neutral tones like white and black, enhanced with a splash of color in some canvas artwork. Beds are large, with high wooden headboards, and have crisp white linens plus contrasting dark colored throws and cushions. Furniture is large, fitted blond wood and can appear boxy, but neat. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and LCD TVs with international channels. Larger units also have iPod docks and some feature private terraces. Depending on the location of the room, there have been some complaints of noise from the front of the hotel during peak times due to pedestrian and vehicle traffic -- it's something we noticed during our own visit to the hotel.

This boutique hotel has a few decent features that make it a good pick for the area, though on the whole there aren't many extras. A bright and airy lobby includes free tea, coffee, water, and fruit during the day. The sun terrace is a highlight, with a small plunge pool plus sunny and shaded loungers and other seating for reading or relaxing. A continental breakfast is available each morning and offers a range of donuts, bagels, meats, cheeses, tea, coffee, and fresh juices. It isn't included in room rates, and additional charges are levied for guests removing food from the dining area. Wi-Fi is free and available in all areas.