Hotel California

The modest entrance to the Hotel California leads to a modern, visually interesting lobby with a terrazzo tile registration desk and stylish wallpaper with delicate tree branch patterns on a white background. Lantern-style chandeliers hang above, and an oddly shaped clock with painted ants crawling across it adds a Surrealist touch. The dark gray slate floors contrast nicely with the walls. Within sight of the front desk is a small lobby bar presented in a somewhat formal fashion in black, white, and crimson colors. A mural of palm silhouettes against a sunset sky decorates the wall behind the bar that’s tucked into a corner, while clusters of red tufted armchairs provide seating. The hotel's central location and affordable rates attract both families and couples seeking to explore the charms of the Gothic Quarter, and the property serves as a relatively quiet oasis in the midst of the bustling old city that surrounds it. 

Hotel California is located on a narrow street in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. It’s a great walking district with alleys and small streets lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. The Liceu metro station is a four-minute walk away, as are Las Ramblas and the Liceu Opera House. Other nearby attractions include Plaça Sant Felip Neri, Boqueria Market, and Cathedral Barcelona de la Seu, all about a six-minute walk. The Picasso Museum and El Born district are about 10 minutes on foot, as is the aerobus artery at Plaça Catalunya. Port Vell is 15 minutes on foot, and La Sagrada Familia is a 15-minute drive or 25 minutes via public transit. The Barcelona Airport is about a 25- to 35-minute drive or around 50 minutes on public transportation.

The clean, simple guest rooms in Hotel California have decor that's on the dark side, but it's pleasing nonetheless. Slate tile floors contrast the bare white walls, while purple velour bedspreads with fuchsia decorative pillows and matching drapes add needed color. The matching wood furniture is modern and modular in style, with a tigerwood-like veneer. It includes headboards with attached nightstands and one-piece bureau/desk combos. Entry and closet doors have a similar finish to give the rooms a more upscale look. Small, modern upholstered chairs fit under the desks. 

The rooms are a bit small, but not overly so, and they include closets with ample storage space. Bed options include twin, double (two twins pushed together), and three twins. Some rooms have small balconies overlooking the busy streets below, but they tend to be noisier (especially at night) than rooms with interior courtyard views. All views are rather drab, however, and ambient noise is apparent throughout the hotel due to its location close to shops and restaurants. Bathrooms have the same slate tile floors, as well as white tile walls and beige acrylic vanities, plus toilets and bidets. Shower/tub combos with clear glass doors and hand-held showerheads are equipped with interesting mood lighting that casts a soft blue glow. Bathrooms are stocked with hairdryers and toiletries. Standard room amenities include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. 

For being such a no-frills property, Hotel California offers a surprising amount of amenities, though they're still limited. Concierge and valet dry cleaning and laundry services are on offer. It also offers a free continental breakfast that includes cold meats and cheeses. Drinks including coffee are available at the lobby bar all day, and limited room service is available as well. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property, which has an elevator and is nonsmoking. The front desk is staffed 24/7 and has a guest safe deposit box. Parking is not available in the immediate area, and drivers must have access passes to gain entry into the area.