Catalonia Avinyo

Hotel Catalonia Avinyo is a fairly modern property that stands out among the historic architecture of the Gothic Quarter. Its blocky exterior is painted in bright primary colors, and inside there's a sharp urban style. Street-inspired artwork covers some walls, with huge photos of city skylines on others. There are nods to local heritage in the pretty Catalonian-patterned lamps. It all manages to feel airy and bright, which is surprising considering the hotel's position in the old town, where buildings and streets jostle for space. Large windows on three sides look out over the street and onto the interior courtyard, which has a beautiful vertical garden. The rooftop terrace is a great spot to kick back, with endless views over the city. Because of it's proximity to the city's nightlife, the hotel is popular with young travelers from across Europe, but also attracts couples and families with older children looking for a central base to explore the city. 

Hotel Catalonia Avinyo is located in Barcelona's Barri Gotic -- or Gothic Quarter -- which is full of narrow streets and pedestrian squares. It's a busy area, packed with shops and restaurants, and the hotel is just a two-minute walk from beautiful Placa Reial -- one of the city's top nightspots. Lively Las Ramblas is a three-minute walk away. It's a five-minute walk from the hotel to Barcelona Cathedral, one of the neighborhood's most impressive historic buildings. The Liceu Metro station is a five-minute walk away, which links to shopping on Passeig de Gracia in a couple of minutes. There are also connections from Liceu to Park Guell with a journey time of about 40 minutes. Buses leave from Passeig de Colom, a five-minute walk away, for the seafront. For those who prefer exploring on foot, it's a 15-minute stroll down to the aquarium. Journey time to the airport is about 20 minutes by car, or about 45 minutes by public transport, though routes do involve a change at Placa d'Espanya. 

Rooms at the Hotel Catalonia Avinyo are compact, although the full-wall photo murals successfully create the illusion of space. Decor is modern and simple, largely rendered in one or two deeper hues, with pops of red in the pillows and bed runners. The minimalist furniture can feel a bit spartan, and includes stainless steel wardrobe frames and tables with plastic desk chairs. Amenities like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi come standard. There are a few rooms per floor that overlook the interior courtyard, but many have small street-facing balconies. Suites have a rather more polished finish, with silver tones in the velvet bed runners and sleek headboards, wood flooring, and a lot more space. They also add robes, slippers, and private furnished terraces -- though these are enclosed and lack views. Bathrooms in the lower category rooms are basic and a bit tired. Some have showers while others feature shower/tub combos, plus hairdryers and products. Suite bathrooms are more modern, and include additional counter space and over-sized rainfall showers.

Hotel Catalonia Avinyo has a coffee shop in the lobby, which serves a range of snacks and drinks, including handmade sandwiches and baguettes. A buffet breakfast is available in the dining room, and includes a decent spread of continental items (for a fee). There's a small roof terrace with a plunge pool and whirlpool, plus loungers and an additional sitting area. The space has superb views over the historic rooftops nearby. The fitness room is small, with a couple of modern cardio machines and some space for free weights. Towels and water are provided. There's a meeting room and a long, narrow business center on a mezzanine level overlooking the lobby, with guest laptops and work space, plus a vending machine. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and bike rentals are available from the front desk.