Calle Princesa 50, 08003 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain | (251) 219-4428
Great location in trendy Born neighborhood, near restaurants and nightlife
Chic interior decor
Great value for central location
Free water, coffee and loose tea
Free Wi-Fi
On-site restaurant and bar
Glass-walled showers in the middle of the rooms are not for everyone
Rooms don’t have safes
In the fashionable Born neighborhood, this stylish three-pearl property is part of the hip Chic and Basic mini-chain, which has several hotels in Barcelona and one in Madrid and Amsterdam. The property doesn't have much in the way of amenities, but the convenient on-site bar and restaurant plus a sexy, design-forward style make this hotel a good value and fit for younger tourists, particularly couples.
Scene
Hip, trendy, and relaxed
Located in a historic building (over 100 years old), the hotel has a funky mix-and-match decor, where a stark white foundation is punctuated with bursts of color via antique furniture and clever light fixtures. The reception area, with a cafe/bar has a rustic, laid-back vibe with a wood-topped front desk and a vibrant lounge with a leather couch and gray armchairs. Dim hallways and design-focused common rooms add to the trendy feel.
Location
In the fashionable Born neighborhood, an easy walk to most attractions
The hotel is located in the Born district, a hip neighborhood with many bars and restaurants. It’s very close to Ciudadela Park and is a 15-minute walk to La Rambla, and 20 minutes to the waterfront Maremagnum shopping center. Other touristic highlights -- such as the Sagrada Familia and Parc Güell -- are more easily accessible by metro, which is a few blocks away from the hotel, but city busses stop nearby.
Rooms
Basic yet quirky with shower in the center
The hotel's 31 all-white rooms are outfitted with many quirky features including the lights in the room, which come in a variety of colors that guests can change depending on their mood. Other design touches like the plastic bead drapes and the peek-a-boo glass-walled showers in the middle of all the rooms may not be to everyone's taste. (A paper bag with soap, shower gel, and shampoo is provided.) While some rooms have balconies, amenities here are sparse -- there is not much beyond the flat-screen TVs and clothing racks.
Features
Free coffee and bikes for rent
The hotel's collection of extras are geared towards a more independent traveler who would want to spend more time exploring the city. The bikes-for-rent and the guided walking tour of Barcelona's old city (at a cost) can help guests get acquainted with the destination. There's a small, thoughtfully designed restaurant and bar setup, but the neighborhood's eateries and nightlife options offer greater variety. The hotel's common areas are stocked with free coffee, loose tea, and water. For something stronger, the property has a vending machine that dispenses miniature bottles of liquor.