Aparthotel Arai

This charming boutique hotel is housed in a former 18th-century mansion that was converted in 2012. It was once the home of a decorative arts association for many years and includes an impressive facade with allegorical figures and representations of the Danube, Nile, Ganges, and Rio de la Plata rivers. The small lobby is equally distinctive, with its original black-and-white marble floors and stonework walls, coffered ceiling, stone columns, and various antiques and art pieces. It’s a dark space with soft overhead lighting that leads to the original white-marble staircase. Adjacent to the small reception desk that's partially supported by a block of carved ancient Roman marble is a colorful sitting area with shiny gold-leather armchairs and a red-and-gold patterned leather sofa. If there is a central gathering place at this quiet hotel, it’s the rooftop pool and terrace that offers outstanding views of the surrounding Gothic Quarter.

The Aparthotel Arai abuts Plaza George Orwell in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, about a five-minute walk to Cathedral Barcelona de la Seu, Las Ramblas, and Basilica de la Merce and its metro station. It’s also a five-minute walk to the Liceu Opera House and adjacent metro station. Several restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and shops surround the hotel, and restaurants and a grocery store are a one-minute walk away. The trendy El Born district and the Picasso Museum are nine minutes away on foot, and the aerobus artery at Plaça Catalunya is an 11-minute walk from the hotel. Port Vell is a 13-minute walk, as is Barceloneta and the beach. The Sagrada Familia church is 14 minutes by car or taxi, or 23 minutes by public transportation. The Barcelona-El Prat Airport is around 40 minutes by public transportation or a 20-minute drive.

The 31 rooms at Aparthotel Arai are clean and spacious, combining the original details of the 18th-century building with modern touches to create a sophisticated decor. Some walls are exposed brick, while others are painted light gray in a subtle pattern that resembles concrete. Exposed beams run along the ceilings. Silver-and-gold patterned bedspreads cover white linens, and floors are dark weathered wood planks. Brown-leather sofas provide seating, and wood armoires are fronted with patterned glass doors. The long, narrow rooms have hallways with chic kitchenettes framed by distressed white cabinets. Full-size refrigerators stocked with alcohol and other drinks sit next to small sinks and counter tops with microwaves, stove tops, kettles, and Nespresso machines (guests must buy their own Nespresso pods). The dark bathrooms are especially opulent. Walls and floors are framed in black marble, and black-marble vanities have a raised, black metal basin. Walk-in showers have rainfall showerheads and clear glass doors, and toilets are separated by frosted glass. 

The Deluxe, Superior, and Executive Rooms range from 290 to 409 square feet (27 to 38 square meters) and have tile headboards above the king, queen, or double beds. Family Rooms, which are 344 to 409 square feet (32 to 38 square meters) have two sleeper sofas, and top-floor Jewell Suites (592 square feet; 55 square meters) have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies, each with whirlpool tubs. Jewell Suites also have such design elements as tiger-wood cabinets. Standard amenities include electronic safes, robes, magnifying mirrors, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Views of the historic Gothic Quarter are impressive.

This hotel’s amenities reflect its intimate, boutique stature. The star features is the small rooftop pool on a terrace furnished with several tables and chairs and loungers. From here, guests can take in great views of the surrounding Gothic Quarter. A small fitness center in the basement includes a sauna and cardio and weight-training equipment. There is no on-site restaurant, but a boxed breakfast that includes fresh baked goods, fruit, and yogurt can be delivered for a fee. 

The on-site meeting room includes a boardroom-style table and doubles as a museum that holds artifacts recovered during the building’s conversion to a hotel. Artwork from the private Clos Foundation’s collection is displayed throughout the hotel, along with various artifacts. The concierge can assist in securing tickets to attractions, arranging transportation, and other guest services. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are available. Pets are welcome with a surcharge, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Be aware that this is a nonsmoking property and there's no on-site parking. Guests seeking parking in the area will find the narrow alleys and busy streets that surround the hotel a challenge.