H10 Cubik

Open since 2015, this 10-story hotel is hip, modern, and well-designed -- perfectly on-brand for the polished H10 chain (which is one of our favorite Spanish brands). Guests are welcomed at check-in with a free glass of cava, which sets the tone for a relaxing stay. A stunning display of gears and cogs hangs behind the reception desk, and other unusual design elements are displayed throughout the lobby. The space is bright with natural light during the day, and mood lighting sets the tone after dark. Cozy seating areas are scattered throughout the lobby, inviting guests to linger with a drink or a book from the library. Little robots add a quirky design element, and circular shapes are repeated in tables, chairs, bookcases, and artwork. It's a great space to hang out, but the rooftop terrace is even better, with stunning views of the city. Given the city-center location, couples are the most frequent guests. Some families stay here as well, although there are no special features for them.

This hotel is situated on the edge of the Gothic Quarter in the center of Barcelona. It's only a five-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya -- where the famous Las Ramblas begin -- and a seven-minute walk from the Barcelona Cathedral. This is about as central as it gets in the city, with restaurants, bars, and shops all around. Guests can walk to the Palace of Catalan Music in three minutes on foot and to Gaudi's Casa Battlo in 11 minutes. The closest metro station, Urquinaona, is just a block away as well. It will take about 20 minutes to reach Sagrada Familia by metro, and about the same amount of time to reach the beach at Barceloneta. Plan on 25 to 30 minutes to reach Barcelona-El Prat Airport by car, or about 45 minutes by public transportation. 

Like most H10 outposts across Spain, the rooms here are bright and hip, with hardwood floors, neutral palettes highlighted by blocks of bold color, and white bed linens. Modern furniture features a mix of medium-toned wood, black metal, glass, and leather seat cushions. Like most central Barcelona hotels, Standard Rooms can be a bit compact, but not unreasonably so. Colorful modern art and flat-screen TVs hang on the wall. Other amenities include air-conditioning, minibars, Nespresso coffeemakers, electric kettles, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Tiled bathrooms are modern and attractive, with walk-in rainfall showers, double sinks with granite countertops, magnifying mirrors, robes and slippers, toiletries, and hairdryers. The brass piping adds a handsome vintage touch. Suites are a little larger and add sitting areas with sofa beds and chairs. Some rooms have balconies furnished with a small table and cushioned chairs, and some have nice views of the city. A few have access to a larger patio with lounge chairs and city views. However, keep in mind that other rooms only look onto the interior courtyard.

This little design gem makes sure its guests have plenty to eat and drink. The Market restaurant serves a breakfast buffet daily in a bright, sunny breakfast room with warm wood floors, lots of potted plants, and modern art on the walls. Breakfast selections include meats, cheeses, fruits, cereals, yogurt, breads, and pastries for a fee. Guests also can order a la carte off the menu. The Robotik bar in the lobby serves light fare and cocktails in an ultra-hip space with leather sofas and chairs and little robots for decoration. On the eighth floor, Atik terrace bar is a popular spot for tapas and cocktails. It's a hip setting with a tile floor, open wooden shelving, and leather seating. The hotel's most popular spot is the adjacent Atik terrace with cozy seating and stunning views over the city. The terrace also has a plunge pool with a few cushioned lounge chairs for relaxing on the rooftop and taking in the spectacular city views. Although the hotel does not have its own fitness room, there is a nearby facility available to its guests for free. Three meeting rooms are available for social and business gatherings. A business desk in the lobby provides a computer and printer for guests to use. Limited parking is available on-site for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.