HCC Covadonga

The HCC's early 19th-century facade is much more charming than the bland common areas inside. The lobby has high, arched ceilings and a chandelier, but the neutral walls, mirrored pillars, and speckled granite accents bring the vibe down a notch. A few sagging leather chairs are scattered about the lobby, but they don’t do much to enhance the atmosphere either, and it's not a particularly attractive space for lingering or relaxing. The small lounge/bar off of the lobby is a bit more inviting, with some worn but comfortable taupe chairs, framed art posters, and a large flat-screen TV. In an area of town packed with mid-range and budget options, this hotel draws its fair share of tourists and business travelers and they frequently offer steep discounts on rooms.

The hotel sits at the confluence of the Exiample, Les Corts, and Sant Gervais neighborhoods on Avinguda Diagonal. This busy thoroughfare cuts across Barcelona and is lined with plenty of shops and restaurants, though it isn’t one of the city’s most charming streets. Plenty of taxis and buses ply the route and the massive El Corte Ingles department store is just down the road. Plaza Catalunya and Barcelona’s Old City (Ciutat Vella) take upwards of half an hour to reach on foot. Alternatively, the metro stop at Hospital Clinic is about 10 minutes away on foot; from there it takes 15 minutes to reach the Old City. The bohemian Gracia neighborhood -- known for shops, bars, and tapas spots -- is about 10 minutes away by car 20 minutes away on foot. El Prat International Airport takes about 20 minutes to reach by taxi or 45 minutes by bus.

Although guest rooms were renovated in 2014, they still look dated, though dark-wood laminate floors do give the spaces a modern touch and contrast nicely with tan-on-tan checkerboard wallpaper and light-brown bedding. Unfortunately, generic wall art feels like an afterthought and oak veneer desks, nightstands, and headboards with pink Formica accents make the rooms feel dated. Single Rooms are considerably smaller than the spacious Standard Rooms. Street-facing rooms with small terraces overlooking Avinguda Diagonal are also available. 

All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning. Rooms also come equipped with safes, though some past guests report having to pay an extra fee to use them. Bathrooms are clean and reasonably large, with shower/tub combos, tiled floors, and tan marble vanities. Basic toiletries are provided. 

An unremarkably decorated breakfast room offers a daily buffet with hot and cold options, but it's not included in most room rates. There's no on-site restaurant for lunch and dinner, but there's an off-site caterer that provides room service for other meals during the day. The hotel also has a small on-site bar and lounge that offers a cozy space to relax with a cocktail or a coffee. Catering and audiovisual services are available for events in the two on-site meeting rooms. While both spaces have the same design scheme -- light tiles and unremarkable framed art -- only one of the spaces has windows for natural light. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi throughout. Laundry and dry cleaning services can also be arranged.