Hotel Catalonia Gran Via BCN

This 10-story property is housed in a building that's an example of classic Eixample architecture, complete with Juliet balconies and tall shuttered windows. All of this has been restored and converted into a contemporary hotel in recent years -- with interiors that are a drastic change from the first impression on gets standing on the street. Partially owned by Spain's funky budget airline, Vueling, the hotel has a quirky travel theme and will appeal to those who enjoy really immersing themselves in escape. The reception desk is styled to look like an airport check-in desk, complete with luggage conveyor belt and a "Welcome on board" sign. There are airport and airplane details throughout the rest of the property too, as well as the airline’s signature bright yellow and soft gray colors. Despite verging on kitsch -- and sometimes gleefully embracing it -- things are still fresh, contemporary, and even stylish here. The hotel attracts tourists of all ages and nationalities, though most are couples, and it's also a pet-friendly property. 

Located on the Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, the hotel is set within Barcelona's Eixample neighborhood. There are a wide range of shops, bars, and restaurants within a short walk of the hotel, as well as many of the city's top tourist attractions. It's a 10-minute walk to Plaza Catalunya, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), and the famous Las Ramblas semi-pedestrianized shopping boulevard. Casa Batllo, one of Gaudi's masterpieces on Passeig de Gracia, is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Urgell Metro station is just two minutes away on foot, and other sights like the Sagrada Familia and Ciutadella Park can be reached in around 15 minutes by metro. Barcelona El Prat International Airport is around a 20-minute drive from the property, or about 50 minutes by metro. Additionally, the AeroBus -- the city's dedicated airport express bus -- stops next to the hotel and makes the trip in about 30 minutes.

Each of the 63 guest rooms at the Hotel Vueling BCN by HC is themed around air travel or a different landmark from around the world. Guests can expect to see a large image of their designated sight on the wall behind the bed. The photo murals include iconic vistas like Florence's Duomo and Barcelona's own Parc Guell. The rest of the decor is tastefully done in the hotel's signature yellow and gray color scheme -- there's even a bit of shimmer in satin throw pillows in some rooms. Rooms have trendy ash-colored wood-laminate flooring, contemporary furniture with retro silhouettes, and lots of natural light due to the floor to ceiling windows. Some of the rooms are on the small side though, and have little floor space. 

Rooms are available in several categories, and include Junior Suites with separate living rooms as well as a Suite with private pool. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, minibars, safes, iPod docks, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Lower category rooms come with electric kettles, while higher-category rooms have proper Krups coffeemakers. Rooms with furnished terraces are also available, with stunning views of the Barcelona rooftops and mountains.

Although small, the bathrooms are well designed and have modern touches like wall-hung toilets, vessel sinks, contemporary fixtures, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, and stylish gray tiling. A hairdryer and toiletries are provided. The rooms are well soundproofed, and despite being in a busy area with lots of traffic the noise does not filter into the rooms.

Despite its Eixample location, this hotel has a surprising number of features not often found in central Barcelona -- especially in a boutique hotel. There's a small outdoor pool and sundeck, surrounded by loungers, potted plants, and a vending machine. It also has a compact fitness center with a handful of modern weight training circuit, treadmills, exercise bikes, and elliptical machines. La Terminal restaurant serves a buffet breakfast daily -- offerings go well beyond the standard continental fare and include eggs and pancakes that are well-liked by guests. The space has large images of Barcelona's airport on the walls and is bright and cheerful. Breakfast is not included in the room rate though. For dinner and light meals, the Gourmet A320 restaurant is open daily and serves a range of international dishes. Guests can also have a drink at the bar which resembles a retro aircraft cabin. The property also offers a business center, dry cleaning, and free Wi-Fi.