Pestana Arena Barcelona

This modern hotel is suitable for both leisure and business travelers, and impressions are fresh from the moment travelers walk in the front door. The two-story lobby is open and light-filled during the day, with multiple seating options in the lobby lounge. Business guests can gather for meetings at the small tables, or leisure guests can hang out for drinks and socializing. The reception desk is tucked off to the side from the entrance, and guests can help themselves to lemon-infused ice water at a small table there. Gray hallways to guest rooms are accented by mood lighting in shades of chartreuse and eggplant, colors that are repeated throughout the property. The area around the hotel is quiet and mostly residential, so there's not much nightlife, but the hotel has live entertainment in its bar once a week. With its reasonable rates and easy access to public transportation, this hotel attracts all sorts of travelers, both those on vacation and travelers in town on business.

This hotel is located in a quiet area in the Sants district, a five-minute walk from Plaza de Espana and Joan Miro Park, and three minutes from Las Arenas Shopping Centre. Several restaurants, cafes, and shops are in the immediate vicinity, and two metro stations, Hostafrancs and Tarragona, are about three minutes away on foot. Guests also can walk to the Espana train station in about six minutes and to the Magic Fountain of Montjuic in 12 minutes. Fira de Barcelona, a major trade center, is under a 10-minute walk as well. Barcelona's city center, where many major attractions are located, is a 20-minute ride on the metro. Expect about 20 minutes to reach Barcelona El Prat Airport by car, or about 30 minutes by public transportation (the bus stop for transport to the airport is close to the hotel). 

Rooms are modern and fresh, with neutral color schemes highlighted by shades of eggplant or teal. Padded headboards are extra tall, adding an even greater level of polish to the sharp interiors. Flat-screen TVs are mounted on walls above glass-top desks, and Wi-Fi is free. A corner chair provides an interesting accent as well as seating. Other features include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safes, and Nespresso machines in all but entry-level rooms (unfortunately entry-level rooms lack even electric kettles). We did spot a bit of wear on furniture, particularly in the Twin Room that we visited. Attractive, modern bathrooms feature granite countertops, above-counter sinks, shower/tub combos, bidets, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and basic toiletries. Family Rooms have sofa beds for extra sleeping space, but guests should be aware that these rooms are cramped when the bed is folded out, leaving little space to walk around. Suites have furnished terraces with jetted tubs, and they also add robes and slippers. 

The hotel's restaurant, Lorenzo, serves all meals, including a breakfast buffet with hot and cold items. The casual space is modern and trendy, with a mix of black and yellow chairs and chartreuse mood lighting and place mats. Large windows look out onto the terrace, where guests can dine when the weather is nice. The Lorenzo bar in the lobby is a hip space with a red-and-black color scheme. The menu features tapas and other light fare. Live music plays here weekly, and the big-screen TV is often tuned to a sporting event. A small wellness center offers a handful of fitness equipment, a sauna, and Turkish bath. Massage treatments can be arranged. Unfortunately, there is no pool. Two meeting rooms can accommodate 12 and 28 people. Although the meeting rooms don't have windows, the terrace is available for private events. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.