Melia Barcelona Sky

At almost 400
feet high, the Melia Barcelona Sky is one of the tallest -- and most recognized --
buildings in the city. Opened in 2008, this shimmering glass tower was designed
by French architect Dominique Perrault and soars to 29 floors, over which the
hotel's 258 rooms are spread. Its lobby is no less lofty and striking, with
clean contemporary lines, plush, designer furnishings, and sliding
candy-colored panels -- that all come together to create a scene that warrants the hotel's reputation as a hip and
popular nightspot destination. A quartet of polished chrome elevators ferry
guests to hallways decked out in neo-industrial brushed steel, as well to the
hotel's glamorous sixth-floor swimming pool. Actually two hotels in one, the Melia is also home to "TheLevel," a seriously upscale boutique hotel-within-a-hotel providing a
five-star experience for those willing to splurge on higher-level rooms featuring
some of Barcelona's most breathtaking views. 

The hotel is
located in the Poblenou district of Barcelona -- a once-industrial area that's now a
newly developed (and still developing) business district with some
of the city's most cutting-edge industries and nightlife. Just off the busy Avenida
Diagonal and close to the Ronda Litoral highway, it provides fairly easy access to the city center and main tourist attractions by car, which takes about 20 minutes. Nearer by, La
Rambla del Poblenou has bars and restaurants within walking distance and some
of Barcelona's best beaches are just beyond. The hotel's location in the north of the city
means relatively easy access to Girona Airport (home to numerous low-cost carriers), while Barcelona's El Prat Airport is about half an hour by car. 

The hotel's 258
rooms take their style lead from the hotel lobby with a blend of neutral tones
enlivened with splashes of color, eclectic contemporary design furnishings, and
a few quirky touches. Windows are floor-to-ceiling, and higher-floor rooms
provide some incredible city and sea views (especially The Level rooms), while
adjustable lighting helps set the mood. Standard amenities include free
high-speed Wi-Fi, particularly well-stocked minibars, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels (though they are few English-speaking options).
Bathrooms are clean and contemporary with Aveda products, walk-in rainfall
showers, and large windows that look into the bedrooms (they do have modesty blinds).
While most rooms provide enough space, some of the less expensive option are on the
small side. 

Just off the
lobby, a buffet-style breakfast is served in The Place restaurant -- a pleasant
and colorful eatery flooded with light from numerous rainbow-colored glass panels.
A menu of Mediterranean cooking is also served here for lunch and dinner,
though for finer dining (and views), the Dos Cielos restaurant providing
Michelin-starred eating with panoramic views from the 24th floor. An attractive
outdoor swimming pool is located on the sixth floor and is surrounded by a wooden deck,
sun loungers, and daybeds; guests should note that it's not heated. One of the hottest nightspots in town, Angels and
Kings, can be found on the same floor -- hotel guests can jump the queue and dance until late. The
hotel also features an excellent full-service spa with massage treatments,
small heated pool, sauna, and steam bath as well as an up-to-date fitness room.
Upgrading to "TheLevel" service means a host of perks including a private reception, personal
breakfast buffet, and in-room services including aromatherapy treatments. It
also means access to the 25th-floor lounge with an outdoor terrace where
guests can enjoy free drinks and snacks accompanied by sunset views.