Catalonia Atenas Hotel

On the outside, the Catalonia Atenas is a plain 1970s-style building. Inside, it's warmer, but not particularly stylized. The lobby is outfitted with tufted ottomans, chairs, and couches in green, burgundy, and orange hues, and a white tile floor with a few lines of green. Wood panelling lines the columns and counter spaces. It is a spacious, but fairly bland, area, and not especially conducive to convivial socializing. The buffet restaurant is perhaps even less concerned with aesthetic: it's a large, bland room with a corporate feel thanks to the combination of its size and the monotony of black chairs and tablecloths that run in a long rectangle before the buffet. The lobby bar is slightly more adventurous in style, with large prints of cityscapes along the longer walls and columns accented with burgundy, connecting the space aesthetically to the lobby. The best common area in the hotel is the rooftop sundeck, from which there are panoramic views of the city. There's a small, pretty pool -- not heated, and better for a dip than a swim -- or guests can grab chaise lounge or chair and watch the sun set over the city. The hotel is primarily popular with tourists who want a clean, comfortable place to stay close to the Sagrada Familia.

The hotel is close to the famous Sagrada Familia basilica, towards the outskirts of Barcelona's city center. The hotel is on the Avenida Diagonal, a main thoroughfare that bisects the city. The Mall Glorias and Agbar Tower are nearby attractions, but it's about a 25-minute walk into the city center, where you'll find tourist hot spots like the Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas. There's a nearby metro stop, though, and it's easy to get around the city. The Sagrada Familia basilica is a short metro ride or reasonable walk from the hotel.

There are a wide range of rooms at the Catalonia Atenas, making it a viable hotel for a range of guests. In general, it's pretty bland and rooms are sparse, with simple, angular furniture and plain white bedspreads. Wood floors and furniture help make the rooms warmer and appear more spacious, though. Superior and Premiums have a more modern, gray color scheme than some of the older rooms. Some Standard rooms might be uncomfortably small or oddly shaped -- there are surprising number of rooms at the Catalonia Atenas that have non-rectangular floor plans. All rooms, though, have free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a safe, and a mini-fridge. Expect a range in bathroom size and comfort level, though all come with signature bath products and many come with extra-large showers and/or tubs. Rooms with a terrace are worth the upgrade -- it's a great way to see the city.

The hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout the property and also has an Internet point in the lobby. There's a small fitness center, too, with a sauna and a spa. The rooftop pool and sundeck is probably the most visually appealing common space. Despite the lack of style, though, the restaurant offers a simple but popular buffet breakfast, and the lobby bar serves a variety of drinks and a place to catch the soccer match on TV. The hotel also has meeting/event spaces.