Hotel Ginebra

This budget hotel was opened in 2013 and the look throughout is simple, but pleasantly modern and soft. The hotel actually shares the building with other businesses, and the lobby is a few floors up from the street. Decor includes pastel hues and bright colors, plus wood-laminate flooring and the occasional historic detail. The bar helps to set a relaxed tone -- as does the TV lounge, which has free tea and coffee -- and provides some space for visitors to congregate before or after a day touring the city center (which is just outside). Ginebra attracts mainly couples and groups looking for budget accommodations and easy access to nearby restaurants, bars, and nightlife, but it's not uncommon for small families to pass through as well. After all, certain rooms can fit up to four travelers.

This hotel's setting is definitely its strongest suit, though that does mean the city's bustle can be heard in rooms. Placa de Catalunya is essentially across the street, and the hotel sits on the northwest corner of the square, with the Eixample's posh shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars just north (within a one- to 10-minute walk). Las Ramblas begin on the south side of Placa de Cartalunya, and there are multiple metro stations nearby. It will take 10 minutes on foot to reach iconic La Boqueria Market, and it's a 15-minute walk to Gaudi's La Pedrera on Passeig de Gracia. Expect a 20-minute bus ride to the beach at Barceloneta, and 15 minutes on the metro to Sagrada Famillia. Budget 20 minutes by cab to Barcelona's airport, or 40 minutes by airport bus from Place de Catalunya. The metro also reaches the airport, taking about an hour. 

Will rooms win any style awards here? No. But by budget standards -- which can be grim around Placa de Catalunya -- the rooms are bright and pleasantly modern. They include similar pastel hues found in the hotel's common areas, plus light wood-laminate floors, and sharp touches like funky patterned tilework accents. Expect just a bit of storage and relatively compact layouts -- extra beds often can be wedged between existing beds and walls, as in the Quadruple Room that we visited. Some rooms have terraces that overlook Placa de Catalunya, which can be a lovely way to end the day. However, the hotel's prime location means that street noise can be an issue. All rooms have electric kettles, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and safes, as well as some other thoughtful additions, like coat stands, luggage holders, and small seating areas. The hotel is known to provide welcome cava and chocolates on occasion as well. Bathrooms are clean and basic, with some patterned wall tiles plus shower cubicles, toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Counter space is limited in some bathrooms, though others have double sinks or extras like jetted tubs. 

This hotel has just a few features, though what's on offer is enough to get the day started or wind it down properly. There's a classic lounge with a large wall-mounted flat-screen TV, and the hotel supplies free tea and coffee all day. A tiny bar has a few bar stools and tables, with cocktails, beer, and wine available. Mornings start off with a hot-and-cold buffet breakfast that includes options like scrambled eggs, sausage, and pastries. It costs extra, and reviews are mixed, so many guests opt to eat elsewhere. The property has an elevator, and free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.