Catalonia Square

Behind a plain, modern, seven-story facade, the hotel's interior manages to be both trendy and soothing. Atmospheric lighting, a mauve color scheme, cloud-shaped hanging lamps, and funky patterned wallpaper gives this boutique property an upscale yet chill vibe. The bar area has glowing reddish panels on one wall, large leather seats and couches, and a flat-screen TV -- but get your barstool early because there are only three to go around. The hotel attracts everyone from families to solo travelers to businesspeople, and its convenient location near many of Barcelona's major sites makes it a good choice for sightseers. 

The hotel is just off Placa Catalunya in the Eixample (modern) section of Barcelona and within walking distance of major attractions including the Passeig de Gracia and Las Ramblas shopping districts. It's also a short stroll to the dramatic Barcelona Cathedral, the Sagrada Família, and the Ciutat Vella (Old City) and its famous Gothic Quarter. The hotel is right by the last stop on the Aerobus coming from the Barcelona El Prat Airport. And it's a 15-minute walk to the Port of Barcelona. Being right near public transportation is a convenience -- though that means lower-floor rooms and common areas can pick up that noise.

Standard Rooms have a pair of beds and small writing desks, along with square balconies just roomy enough for one person to stand on. Oversized diamond-pattered headboards, coffee-colored walls and drapes, and swivel armchairs in dark leather add urban chic to the rooms. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and Nespresso coffeemakers. The marble bathrooms are large and modern, with big sinks, magnifying mirrors, plenty of shelf space, and roomy walk-in showers with handheld and rainfall showerheads. For a more luxurious experience, the Imperial Room or Junior Suite Piscina come with separate living quarters with couches and tables, and spacious balconies with small private pools. Light sleepers should request rooms on higher floors, as those on lower levels get some rumblings from the nearby subway train. 

The hotel provides a free snack buffet starting in the afternoon and lasting well into the night. Items include drinks, smoked salmon, sandwiches, fruit, and salad. The breakfast spread is equally extensive, with eggs, meats, cheeses, cereals, fruit, juices, and pastries. There's also a full bar serving traditional tapas and a restaurant with plenty of seating and outdoor space. While the pool on the rooftop terrace is nice for a cooling dip and has lounge chairs for sunny days, its narrow design makes it awkward for more than one person at a time to actually swim. There's also a poolside drink service. Other features include a loft-like business center, a tiny fitness room with only three machines, and both free parking and free Wi-Fi.