Hotel The Serras

This stylish luxury hotel opened in 2015 in a building that dates back to 1846. Modern designer touches make the lobby an elegant and memorable space. Plush yellow and blue upholstered furniture and lovely plank-wood floors are framed by white walls, black columns, and large black-framed windows and doors. The classy mezzanine bar hangs low above a sitting area, creating a cozy spot in the midst of the bright, two-story lobby. The fine-dining restaurant skips white tablecloths for square pedestal tables and bench seating under huge windows that overlook the busy, palm-lined street. The rooftop terrace has a bar and small pool with spectacular views and DJ music on weekends. From bottom to top, this chic hotel attracts discerning travelers seeking a luxurious boutique experience. 

The hotel is located on a palm-lined street near Port Vell on the waterfront, in one of the Gothic Quarter’s most popular areas. It’s a great walking district with narrow streets lined with restaurants, bars, and shops that are within a few minutes’ walk. A subway station near the Basilica de la Mercé is a two-minute walk, providing convenient links throughout the city. About an eight-minute walk away are popular attractions including Port Vell, Las Ramblas, El Born district, Liceu Opera House, Placa Sant Felip Neri, Picasso Museum, and Cathedral Barcelona de la Seu. Barcelona's landmark cathedral, the Sagrada Familia, is a 12 minute drive or 25 minutes via public transportation. The aerobus artery at Plaça Catalunya is a 15-minute walk or seven minutes by public transit, and Barcelona Airport is about an hour away via public transit or a 15- to 30-minute drive. 

Guest rooms at the Hotel The Serras exude a pristine, spa-like ambiance thanks to the airy white-on-white decor that's accented with dashes of black. Everything is modern and chic: white walls are paired with light wood floors, while recessed lighting runs along the ceiling, emitting a warm glow. The white bedding is accented by black bed skirts and throw pillows. Drapes are a solid dark color, and matching upholstered armchairs and sofas are bright yellow or blue-green. Perhaps the most striking feature is the dark-smoke, frosted glass doors with black-framed squares that separate the bedrooms from the bathrooms. Spacious bathrooms continue the striking white decor, with white walls and roomy vanities. Some vanities have double sinks, and all of them have round mirrors suspended from the ceiling. Luxurious walk-in shower feature rainfall showerheads (some with built-in lightbulbs) and clear glass doors; some suites also have separate whirlpool tubs. All suites feature separate living areas and sleeper sofas, and some suites have two bedrooms and three full bathrooms. Each room has at least one balcony overlooking either the harbor or city, although some views are nothing more than neighboring buildings. Standard amenities include comfortable Hypnos mattresses, smart TVs, minibars, Nespresso coffeemakers, 24-hour room service, robes, slippers, media hubs at the desks, and free Wi-Fi. Magnifying mirrors and Malin + Goetz toiletries are standard in bathrooms.  

Though it's small in size, the Hotel The Serras manages to pack in the luxury features. Guests rave about the food at Informal, the hotel’s upscale restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is not included in room rates, but it's available in some packages. The restaurant has private dining facilities, and the hotel provides room service 24 hours a day. It also offers outdoor dining, as does the rooftop terrace bar that has covered tables. Drinks, salads, and small plates are served there from lunch through dinner, and a DJ plays music on the weekends. The lovely terrace affords spectacular sea and city views and also has a small dipping pool and comfortable lounge chairs. The classy and cozy Le Nine mezzanine bar is open 24-hours for drinks only, and it also hosts DJs on some evenings. One tony touch guests say they appreciate is the free glass of Champagne upon check-in. Concierge services are available including valet laundry and in-room massage treatments -- but the hotel lacks a full spa. Private airport transportation is offered for a fee. There is no parking on-site, and area parking is limited. The small fitness center has LifeFitness cardio machines and free weights. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Only service animals are allowed in the hotel.