BarcelonaBB

If you're looking for a beguiling, home-style haven in the heart of the Eixample near some of Gaudi's greatest buildings, BarcelonaBB is a boffo bet. At only five rooms, it offers a much more intimate feel than that of the large hotels in the area. The five rooms, three named for colors, (Blue, Yellow, Green) are pleasingly decorated, comfortable and quiet. Four of the rooms share two bathrooms. There's also several pleasantly overstuffed and eclectically decorated sitting areas, a kitchen, breakfast room and outdoor balcony overlooking a garden. A wonderful family feel pervades the property, the "family" consisting of guests from around the world who mix and mingle in the common areas and at breakfast. The free morning spread (featuring Spanish omelets) is ample enough to fuel a day of Barcelona sightseeing, which is greatly aided by the advice and assistance of the friendly proprietors.

Situated in a 19th-century Modernist building that fits in well with the surrounding neighborhood of Modernist architecture, BarcelonaBB is just a five-block stroll east of the fashionable Passeig de Gracia and Gaudi's iconic Casa Mila and Casa Batllo buildings. Despite the bustling surrounding area, BarcelonaBB's street is quiet. Verdaguer Metro station is two blocks away, for easy access to points beyond like Parc Guell, Barri Gotic and the waterfront. La Sagrada Familia is a 10-minute walk and La Rambla is a 20-minute stroll south; the airport is a 20-minute drive southwest. Note: there is no sign on the front of the bed-and-breakfast, so the proprietors will provide specific location and entry information.

The five bright and cheery rooms at the BarcelonaBB reflect the charming and thoughtful tastes of the proprietors. Rooms feature quilts, antiques and colorful artwork and walls. The Yellow Room is spacious and features a high artisan ceiling and French Nouveau windows. The Green Room is also spacious, while the Blue Room is relatively small (but not too cramped). The Wooden Room is the largest room and has a high artisan ceiling and French doors. The large Master Room is divided into two spaces: a bedroom plus a small sitting area with a sofa bed. All offer free Wi-Fi, and all rooms but the Master Room share two bathrooms. Bathrooms have showers but no bathtubs.

The breakfast spread is the star of the show at BarcelonaBB. The free Continental offering includes cereal, breads, croissants, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, coffee, juice and more. The highlight of the menu is Spanish potato omelets, made fresh each morning by the proprietor. One of the fun parts of a stay is sharing stories and experiences over breakfast with fellow guests, who hail from all over the globe. Also on site are several sitting areas, distinctively decorated and featuring art pieces from the proprietors' native South America. A balcony overlooks a small garden (smoking is permitted on the balcony).