Hotel Royal Passeig de Gracia

This 11-story property is one of the most iconic modern buildings on the Passeig de Gracia. It has an unusual facade, with a stacked framework that mingles glass and steel, and was preserved when the building was renovated in 2013. The glass front to the Royal Passeig de Gracia Hotel fills the lobby with natural light, and interiors are stylish and contemporary. On entering the property, guests are greeted by velvet armchairs in shades of teal and gold, and a sleek black-and-white reception desk running the length of the room. The architecture of the building is left exposed in some interiors, with the A-frame supports around the building's base adding to the funky look inside. Furniture throughout ranges from classic pieces -- like velvet tufted couches -- to more retro items and even some boho accents. The white, black, and gray color scheme keeps everything looking fresh. The rooftop terrace makes for a fine place to mingle with fellow guests, and has some great city views. The property is well set up for business guests but also attracts many families and couples looking to stay in a fashionable property and a desirable neighborhood. 

Located on the exclusive Passeig de Gracia in the bustling Eixample, the hotel is surrounded by designer stores including Prada, Hermes, Cartier, and Rolex. Many of Barcelona's most stunning architecture is located on this street too. Gaudi's famous La Pedrera is a half-block away and it's a five-minute walk to his Casa Batllo. The neighborhood is filled with a wide range of places to eat and drink, from casual sandwich bars, to international chains like Starbucks, and restaurants serving traditional Spanish food. Many of the city’s best-known landmarks are within an easy walk as well. It'll take 15 minutes to reach Plaza Catalunya, the famous Las Ramblas shopping boulevard, and the edge of Barri Gotic on foot. For farther flung destinations like the beach and Sagrada Familia, the hotel is just a two-minute walk from Diagonal Metro station and several bus stops. Expect a 15-minute trip to Sagrada Familia and 30 minutes to the beach. It’s around a 30-minute drive from Barcelona Airport, or 40 minutes by public transportation.

The hotel's Double, Twin, and Family rooms are all very light due to large, floor-to-ceiling windows, and have simple silver and white decor with contemporary, minimalist light-wood furniture. They don't quite have the thoughtful style of the hotel's common areas, and there's nothing in the way of wall art. All are equipped with air-conditioning, minibars, safes, electric kettles, free Wi-Fi, and free mineral water. They also have modern Smart TVs with satellite channels and an interactive entertainment center. Junior Suites are available that include a living area and fantastic views over Passeig de Gracia from a private terrace. Bathrooms are decked out in an elegant white marble, and have modern fixtures and fittings like wall-hung toilets, wide recessed sink, sleek fixtures, and large walk-in showers with rainfall shower heads.

The highlight of the property is the spectacular Terraza 83,3, a rooftop terrace with a cocktail and tapas bar. It offers a 300-degree vantage over the city of Barcelona, and is heated and enclosed with windows so it can be used all year round. The terrace can also be rented for private events. The hotel has a an additional outdoor courtyard with trendy white and metal furniture and modern pyramid-shaped sculptures. A cozy lounge bar serves drinks, and has stylish velvet sofas and a small library. Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge each morning, but there is no full restaurant on-site. Private parking is available at the property for a daily fee, there’s a conference center which can seat up to 50 people, and a business center. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.