The Level at Melia Barcelona Sky

The Level, a luxury hotel that's located within the Melia Barcelona Sky Hotel, sits inside of an iconic glass skyscraper that's widely recognized in the area. Guests at the Level start their pampering with personal check-in service and a glass of cava on the 25th floor. The welcome is chic and sober, from a design perspective, with black tile floors and pillars plus bright red carpets and clutches of white couches and chairs throughout. There is plenty of seating, and transparent colorful panels provide additional visual flair. Guests of The Level also have exclusive access to the Level Lounge, an inviting black-and-white space with wood floors, upholstered seating, and tables and chairs -- it feels like a casual living room and office at the same time. Views of Barcelona are impressive from many vantages in the hotel, and Dos Cielos, the trendy eatery that's part of the hotel, draws plenty of guests from Barcelona and around the world for its Michelin-star meals. The Level is especially suited to business travelers, but couples and families also pass through.

The hotel is located in Poblenou, an up-and-coming district that is home to some of the city's most cutting-edge industries, bars, restaurants, and nightlife. It is close to Torre Agbar and La Rambla del Poble Nou, the main street in the area, though it isn't within walking distance of the city center at Plaza Catalunya. The beach takes about 15 minutes to reach on foot. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the Poblenou Metro station and trips to Plaza Catalunya, the Barri Gotic, and Las Ramblas will take about 25 minutes. Iconic sights like Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Cathedral take 20 minutes to reach using public transportation, including the tram that stops just a block from the hotel. The CCIB conference center is about a mile from the hotel. Barcelona's airport is about 25 minutes away by car, or 50 minutes away by combining the metro and airport bus. 

Luxurious, modern rooms are bathed in neutrals, with splashes of bold colors like red and purple in the rugs  and accent pieces. The spaces are playfully contemporary, with lacquered red desks and closets in some rooms, and brightly tinted photography on the walls. There are also mod decorative elements, including desk chairs and light fixtures. Beds have white linens and duvets, and many rooms have separate bedrooms. All rooms are large by European standards, with the smallest starting at 25 square meters, or 269 square feet. The list of in-room features is long, with Nespresso coffeemakers, minibars, pillow menus, robes and slippers, daily newspapers, shoeshine, ironing service, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and electric curtains. Housekeeping comes twice a day, and there's free turndown service. Bathrooms are modern and bright, with hairdryers, makeup mirrors, rainfall showers, and luxury bath products. Some bathrooms have separate soaking or whirlpool tubs. A window from the bathroom looks into the bedroom area, but a blind is available for privacy. Since rooms are so high up, views of the city and the sea or mountains are incredible. 

The sixth-floor pool is small and not heated, but it's a pleasant space with wooden lounge chairs surrounding it when the weather is hot. The adjacent deck has additional seating, including day beds, for guests who want to hang out outside and have drinks or snacks at the pool bar. Level guests receive preferential bookings at the Michelin-starred Dos Cielos restaurant on the 24th floor. Views are spectacular from both inside and outside on the terrace, and the modern Catalan cuisine can be ordered a la carte or as a prix-fixe tasting menu. The brightly colored and hip Place restaurant in the lobby serves Mediterranean fare for all meals, and the Place bar serves cocktails and light fare. The Level Lounge provides drinks and light fare exclusively for guests at the Level -- views of the city are spectacular. There is also a business desk with a computer, printer, and phone for guests to use. A free continental breakfast is also served. The hotel's meeting room has natural light and those same unbelievable views of the city, and there are three floors of flexible events space. The meeting room that accommodates eight guests is free for those staying at the hotel to use. The on-site spa is a lovely modern space and offers massage and facial treatments, a sauna, whirlpool, and steam bath. The 24/7 fitness room is up-to-date and filled with natural light from large windows. Water and fresh fruit are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, though there are fees for parking.