Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal

The black Chester tufted leather seating, light-colored throw rug, and wood TV stand in the Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal's lobby -- a former office building -- create a residential feel, and are juxtaposed against the large, airy lobby that look out on Avenue Diagonal. Around the corner from the lobby is the chic but standard El Rincon Bar that is more in tune with the hotel's atmosphere. The bar features artistic accents, black wood furniture ,and a terrace that is brightened up by yellow chairs and a stylish garden wall dotted with lights. The hotel caters to business travelers and couples, as well as families who don't mind close quarters.

Located on Avinguda Diagonal, on the outskirts of Barcelona's more tourist-centered areas, the Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal is hardly isolated from restaurants, the beach, shops, bars, public transportation, and even the Barcelona El Prat Airport, which is about 20 minutes away by car. Within the immediate area there is the Glories Mall, a five-minute walk away, where visitors can find familiar spots like Starbucks and Burger King. The Sagrada Familia church's towering and intricate naves, viewable from some upper-floor rooms, is a 27-minute bus ride from the hotel. The Glories Metro Station is a 10-minute walk and can take visitors th the Las Ramblas outdoor mall in 20 minutes, where they can shop, take in the street performers, and sip sangria at the La Boqueria food market.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and the inclusion of industrial pillars in some rooms at the Four Points by Sheraton Barcelona Diagonal make these airy and modern rooms appear larger than they are. The warm wooden accents on the doors, nightstands, and headboards give these basic, but elegant rooms a homey feel. Each room comes with free bottled water in the mini-fridge, a safe, a narrow desk, a small flat-screen TV, and a bidet in the bright and spacious bathroom, which is stocked with luxury toiletries. Some rooms also have views of the historic and beautiful Sagrada Familia church. A frequent complaint from guests staying in rooms near the Avenue Diagonal side of the hotel or by the elevators is that they can get noisy.

The hotel's three on-site meetings rooms -- which can fit up to 75 people -- are painted a light blue and include white modern chairs and cool wood wall accents. With advanced notice, customized catering is available in these rooms, and they come equipped with modern audiovisual equipment and Wi-Fi. The 24-hour, two-level gym is also convenient for business travelers with busy schedules; it offers a treadmill, two stationary bicycles, and an elliptical machine -- all with built-in TVs. Fresh towels, a water cooler with disposable cups, a flat-screen TV, Pilates fit balls, and weights are also available, and guests can take in sweeping city views while they work up a sweat.