Hotel Miramar Barcelona

A bit removed from the city center, the Hotel Miramar is a 10-15 minute walk up a rather steep hill. The 1920s building was once a palace and was restored to its current state in 2006. Several stone steps lined with terra-cotta planters and a pale pink facade with arched windows and cut-out lettering of the hotel's name create a gorgeous entrance. Inside the courtyard-like lobby has various seating areas with modern furnishings like crushed velvet sofas, large works of abstract art and funky light fixtures. The grounds are pretty with orange trees and a water feature by the parking area. The hotel attracts primarily couples, but families and business travelers who want a quiet spot while still close to downtown will also appreciate the hotel.

Hotel Miramar is located on Montjuic hill, about a 15-minute walk to the city center of Barcelona. Its slightly removed location allows for a quieter spot away from the hustle and bustle of town, while still being within walking distance to many major sights. The hill is an easy walk down, but some guests may want to catch a taxi back up, which costs about 8 euros. Its location provides stunning views of the city and port from the outdoor terraces and some guest room balconies. A cable car to and from the popular Barceloneta beach is steps from the hotel. There's covered parking at the hotel, but it comes with a hefty daily fee to use.

Ranging from Deluxe Rooms to Gran Suites, all 75 rooms at Miramar feature the same modern furnishings and design scheme. Neutral tones permeate the spaces; a large wooden headboard with attached nightstand, white bedding with a cozy brown blanket and throw pillows, and a metal bench are standard. All rooms have desks, flat-screen TVs, and couches, but some suites have separate living areas. Bathrooms feature chic freestanding tubs with a caddy, separate sizable shower, plush robes and slippers, and one or two sinks. A bidet, L'Occitane toiletries, and heated towel rack are also in each room. Amenities like an iPod dock and well-stocked minibar are expected, but guests have to pay for water bottles and not all rooms have coffee/tea facilities. Every room has a furnished balcony (some are huge); those overlooking the port have significantly better views but are opposite the nearby firing range, which can be noisy. Rooms over the function rooms can also suffer from noise. Note that some room configurations are odd, putting the bathtub by the bed, which could pose a problem depending on your travel companion.

Although most travelers are out exploring the many sights of Barcelona, the hotel has a few features to keep guests busy. There's a very small outdoor pool with adjacent bar that serves snacks and tapas. There's several lounge chairs spread out on a pretty green lawn and a few tables to sit at. An indoor pool is part of the spa and it's quite narrow and shallow. The spa has a zen atmosphere and features a sauna, steam room, and a few treatment rooms, including one for couples. A spacious wooden fitness center has several cardio machines, free weights, and an Everlast punching bag.The Mediterranean-inspired Forestier Restaurant receives good reviews, but most guests choose to venture outside the hotel for meals; it's also closed on Sunday and Monday night. The lobby bar is a cozy area to grab a cocktail and catch live piano performances. A small business center with a few computers is off the lobby and there are several meeting and event spaces available.