Hotel Granvia

Few hotels in Barcelona can match the rich history of the Hotel Granvia. Built as an ornate private residence in 1870, it converted to a hotel in 1835 and hosted galas and dances for Barcelona society throughout the 20th century. The Granvia was thoroughly renovated and modernized in 2013, while retaining its key architectural elements such as the grand staircase, columns, crown molding and coffered plaster ceilings. The five-story hotel's main public spaces are its sky-lit, multi-tiered entry hall and an inviting reading room and sitting area with hardwood floors, framed photos and chocolate-brown leather sofas. The 53 rooms are quiet and upscale, and come with flat-panel TVs and free Wi-Fi. An attractive outdoor terrace cafe opened in 2014. The crowd here tends toward stylish leisure travelers and couples, but the overall atmosphere is friendly and inviting despite the imposing setting.

The hotel is situated on its namesake street, the bustling Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. Eixample locations don't come much better, because the Passeig de Gracia and its shopping is a half block away, as is the Passeig de Gracia Metro station. The Placa de Catalunya and north end of the vibant La Rambla are just two blocks (about five minutes) south. Architecture lovers need only go two and a half blocks northwest for Gaudi's Casa Batllo and six and a half blocks north for his other masterpiece, Casa Mila. One more from Gaudi: the famous Sagrada Familia church, a pleasant 25-minute walk north of the hotel. If you're coming from the airport, the hotel is about 20 minutes northeast.

Thoroughly modernized in 2013, sophisticated rooms are decorated in a white, cream and tan color palette, with blond woods and hardwood floors. Rooms are quiet and start at 193 square feet in size. Beds are good and comfy, with crisp cotton sheets, but some of the double rooms have two single beds pushed together. Flat-panel TVs and free Wi-Fi are in all rooms, as are laptop-compatible safes and minibars. Some rooms face the inner terrace and some face the Gran Via. Rooms deliver solid, upscale comfort and convenience.

A stay at the Granvia is more about comfortable rooms and an elegant aesthetic experience than about property amenities, because the hotel has very few: no pool, spa or fitness center. The hotel's reading room is a gracious spot to sit with a magazine, or plan your day's sightseeing with a cup of coffee. The breakfast buffet (for a fee) is ample and tasty. Opened in 2014, the outdoor café is set on the landscaped interior terrace, and features a menu of cocktails, wine, Catalan specialties, and light fare.