Sant Pere Mes Baix, 62, Barcelona, Spain | 34 932-225544
Prime Gothic Quarter location near restaurants, shops, and attractions
Modern rooms feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and audio systems
Cafe and bar open 24/7, with room service available
Buffet breakfast available for a fee
Communal TV room with gas fireplace plus open-air patio
Assistance with tours and tickets at 24/7 front desk
Bicycle and beach towel rentals available
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Wi-Fi can be spotty
Breakfast is not included in the rates
No tea/coffee makers in rooms
Some rooms can be noisy at times
The 23-room Musik Boutique Hotel is a lovely little three-pearl hotel with a great spot right in the Gothic Quarter. It's within walking distance of seemingly limitless shops, bars, restaurants, and attractions, and three metro stations are within a five- to 10-minute walk. Although it's housed in an 18th-century building, interiors are modern, with dramatic mood lighting and a white-on-white pallette. Rooms are attractive and stylish, and come with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and audio systems. Some have balconies, and the ones in the Junior Suites are furnished. The small cafe and bar are open 24/7, and a communal TV room is a cozy place to hang out. As an alternative, the nearby Catalonia Born is a similarly priced hotel, and adds a rooftop pool and terrace.
Scene
Modern hotel in historic building, with a music theme throughout
Although its interiors are modern and stylish, this hotel is housed in a five-story 18th-century stone building with wrought-iron balconies across the facade. It's a look that blends the best of Barcelona, by making a classic first impression, though delivering on contemporary comforts. The mostly white lobby is dramatic and hip, with purple mood lighting on the small reception desk and adjacent bar. Tall potted plants flank the front door, and a tall canister holds umbrellas for guests to use. Several bar stools at the bar and a few tables provide seating where guests can hang out and have a drink. Artwork throughout the hotel is musically themed, though it's subtle enough to feel upmarket rather than tacky. The hotel mostly attracts couples, but all sorts of guests are seen here.
Location
Excellent Gothic Quarter setting, close to dining, nightlife, shops, and attractions
This hotel is located on a narrow street in the Gothic Quarter, surrounded by charming streets filled with shops, bars, and restaurants. While it's scenic, that prime setting does mean it will be a little busy in the area throughout most of the day. Among the attractions within a five- to 15-minute walk are the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Picasso Museum, Plaza Catalunya, Paseo de Gracia, and Las Ramblas. The buzzy El Born area is also less than 10 minutes away on foot. Public transit is convenient, as there are multiple metro stations nearby, though Urquinaona is the closest (around five minutes on foot). By using the metro, it's about 20 minutes door-to-door to reach Sagrada Familia. Barcelona El Prat Airport is 30 minutes away by car, or 40 minutes by public transportation.
Rooms
Attractive rooms with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and audio systems, some with balconies
Rooms and suites are stylish and modern, with neutral beige color schemes, rugs atop tile floors, upholstered headboards, and black-and-white modern art on the walls. Purple accent pillows on the beds add a splash of color, and some headboards have the words "besame mucho" written on them, for a quirky, slightly romantic little touch. White furniture is sleek and clean-lined. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and audio systems. Bottled water is provided for free. Bathrooms also are modern and come with hairdryers, upscale toiletries, and slippers. Some bathrooms have showers only and others have shower/tub combos. Upgraded rooms feature small balconies with views of the city or the neighboring buildings and street below. Junior Suites add more space, purple sofas, and larger balconies with tables and chairs.
Features
Cafe and bar, room service, bike and beach towel rentals, and free Wi-Fi
The hotel's simple cafe and lobby bar are open 24/7, with a breakfast buffet available each morning for a fee. Mirrors on the wall display musical notes and a music-themed quote from Shakespeare. Guests can dine alfresco on the patio in nice weather. An adjacent TV room and lounge offers cushy sofas and chairs, plus a large flat-screen TV above a gas fireplace. A purple rug on the floor and a red arm chair, along with mood lighting, add drama. An Apple MacBook is available for guests to use. Bicycles and beach towels can be rented at the front desk, as well as laptops. The front desk also can arrange tickets for tours and attractions. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.