Hotel Suizo

First opened in 1866, Hotel Suizo is one of the oldest hotels in Barcelona. It is housed in a quaint five-story building in the city’s famous Gothic Quarter, and although it has been renovated several times in the last few decades, the property still has a strong traditional feel. Floors have been polished and varnished, walls repainted, and wood paneling has been added in some areas, but many of the building’s original architectural elements can still be found throughout, including stone walls made with heavy blocks, pillars with ornate capitals painted in golden hues, and exposed wooden beams. Walls are hung with tapestries and classic paintings with golden frames, and wood and marble finishes give the property an elegant feel. The atmosphere, however, is homey and relaxed, with common areas packed with comfy seating and cafe-style furniture. The majority of guests here are couples rather than families, as most rooms are too small to comfortably fit more than two guests.

Hotel Suizo is situated between two busy streets in the historic Gothic Quarter. There are dozens of cafes, bars, and shops within a couple of blocks of the hotel, and the area is always busy with tourists and locals alike. Many of Barcelona’s top attractions can be found within a five-minute walk of the hotel, including the Barcelona Cathedral, Santa Maria del Pi Basilica, Picasso Museum, and Santa Maria del Mar Basilica. Las Rambas and bohemian El Raval neighborhood are also less than 10 minutes away on foot, and Jaume I Metro station is right outside the hotel. The beach can be reached in about a 20-minute walk, while Sagrada Familia Basilica is a 20-minute Metro ride away. Taxis to El Prat International Airport take about 20 minutes. Alternatively, the Aerobus can be caught at Plaza Catalunya (a 10-minute walk away) and takes about 40 minutes to reach the airport.

The hotel’s 50 rooms are decorated in a simple, classic style that draws heavily on wood and yellow and green hues. Understated wooden furniture, golden touches, dark terrazzo floors, and heavy yellow curtains with green patterns combine to create traditional spaces, but some may find the overall look dated rather than classic. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and small flat-screen TVs, but safes are only available for a fee, and electric kettles and mini-fridges are not provided. All rooms have big windows and many feature small unfurnished balconies, but there have been reports of poor soundproofing. Most rooms are small and narrow, but a few have just about enough space to fit an extra cot or a single sofa bed for a third guest. Bathrooms are basic but clean, outfitted with shower/tub combos, marble-like countertops, and white tiles throughout. Older wall-mounted hairdryers and small sachets of basic toiletries are provided in all rooms. 

This hotel's central setting is its primary feature, and on-site amenities are limited. Guests who have booked the bed-and-breakfast rate are given vouchers for breakfast at a sister property located across the street. The morning spread is basic and many guests find it monotonous and bland. There is a small bar on-site, but it only serves a few tapas and drinks for lunch and dinner, and basic snacks can be purchased at the vending machines available on-site. The hotel offers special rates at a parking lot located a 15-minute walk away, but there are a few other parking garages closer to the property, including one that is two blocks away.