H10 Art Gallery

Opened in May 2014, this hotel is unique in that each floor showcases a contemporary artist -- Joan Miro, Antoni Tapies, Francis Bacon, Henri Matisse, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol. Furnishings (and even carpeting) in the hallways, rooms, and bathrooms have been designed to reflect the artists' work. Tall sculptures stand at the entrance to the lobby, and colorful art hangs on the white walls -- the hotel owns a selection of original work by artists like Miro and Miguel Barcelo, among others. Floors also are white granite, a blank palette that allows the vibrant colors and lines throughout to take the spotlight. A long gray sofa at the entrance and other seating groups provide cozy places for guests to hang out in the lobby. The atmosphere is hip and relaxed, especially appealing to couples and groups of friends, and the hotel's trendy bar and rooftop pool all offer even more places for design-conscious travelers to relax.

The hotel is located in Barcelona's Eixample District, an upscale shopping and residential area known for its modernisme buildings. Plenty of shops and restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel, including Passeig de Gracia, a semi-pedestrian thoroughfare that's lined with all manner of upscale stores and is five minutes away on foot. It's about a 15 minute-walk from the city center and major attractions such as Plaza Catalunya and the top of Las Ramblas. Some of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi's major achievements are also nearby, including Casa Batllo (a 12-minute walk). The metro can be accessed at Diagonal, a five-minute walk from the hotel, making access to farther-flung areas of Barcelona simple. The Barcelona airport is about 20-25 minutes away by car, or 45 minutes by commuter rail from Passeig de Gracia station. 

Rooms are contemporary and stylish, with burnished wood laminate floors, sleek contemporary dark wood and silver furniture, and white walls designed to highlight the artwork. Work includes framed prints of the aforementioned artists' work, and their work is also employed in large wall-sized wraps or panels. These rooms aren't the most spacious to be had, and Basic Rooms are tiny without much storage space, though the Superior Room that we visited had a small, chic mod seating area and a desk. Some rooms also have attractive furnished balconies with curtains. Amenities include a minibar, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, safe with electrical plug, Nespresso coffeemaker, iPod docking station, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are super-clean and modern, with floating counters and sinks, large glass walk-in showers, hairdryers, makeup mirrors, and the hotel's own brand of toiletries. There's even art in the shower!

Breakfast is served in the Modern Art Restaurant, a chic white and black space with art by Pedro Peña covering one wall and art by Antonio Labella on another wall. It gets rave reviews from guests, but is not included with most room rates. Floor-to-ceiling windows make up another wall that opens onto the l’Olivera terrace, which wraps around a century-old olive tree. Guests can dine inside or out. The Pop Art Cafeteria in the lobby serves cocktails and light fare in another ultra-stylish setting. The rooftop pool is small, but it's a nice place to hang out on lounge chairs and take in views of the city. A stand supplies sunscreen, magazines, and books. The small fitness center has cardio and weight-training machines, yoga mats, and exercise balls in front of a flat-screen TV. Natural light comes in through large windows that look out onto the pool deck. A business desk in the lobby has computers and a printer for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and the 24-hour front desk can provide concierge services.