Negresco Princess Hotel

Opened in late 2015, this modern hotel is housed in a seven-story 1970s former office building that was converted to a hotel. Its facade is completely covered with dark glass, and it stands in contrast to the historic buildings in the posh Eixample neighborhood. Guests climb a few steps from the street and enter through revolving glass doors to find a spacious, bright, and modern interior. The gleaming white front desk is off to the left side, and guests are welcomed with a free glass of cava -- setting the upmarket tone for a stay here. A restaurant and lounge is on the opposite side, offering lots of comfy seating where guests can hang out. Large windows and the triangular-shaped atrium with a skylight above provide ample natural light during the daytime. The hotel draws tourists of all ages, mostly couples, but also families, groups, and individuals. Businesspeople frequent the hotel in the fall and winter, and during events. 

This hotel is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, just a few minutes' walk from the city center. It is surrounded by many shops, bars, and restaurants, and there also are several metro stations nearby. The closest, Urquinaona, is just three minutes away on foot. Plaza Catalunya is about a six-minute walk from the hotel, and the historic neighborhoods -- El Raval and Barri Gotic -- are within a five- to 15-minute walk depending on the destination. For instance, both the Picasso Museum and MACBA can be reached in 15 minutes on foot, albeit in different directions. It will take about 15 minutes by metro to reach Sagrada Familia. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is about 20 minutes away by car or 45 minutes by public transportation. 

Rooms are modern and minimalist, with soothing neutral color schemes of beige, brown, and cream, highlighted by splashes of fuchsia on chairs and night stands. Floors are tiled, and furniture is clean-lined contemporary, making the most of the compact spaces. Artwork on walls consists of large-scale city scenes, and mirrored walls also make the rooms appear larger than they are. Basic and Standard Rooms are interior-facing, with views of the courtyard. Some Superior Rooms have courtyard views, and others look out onto the city. Deluxe Rooms add furnished balconies with spectacular city views. Standard features include flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee makers (Nespresso machines in higher-category rooms), safes, and minibars. The latter are free with some bookings, so check ahead. Compact black-and-white modern bathrooms come with hairdryers, toiletries, and robes and slippers. Walk-in showers have rainfall showerheads. 

Guests can start their day with a breakfast buffet served in the modern breakfast room on the lower level. Large city scenes cover the walls to compensate for the lack of windows. The rooftop La Terrazza, on the other hand, offers spectacular panoramic views of the city. White umbrellas shade the black-and-white tables and chairs, and there are also white sectionals for lounging in the hip space. Live music plays there on the weekends, and a tiny pool is adjacent to the bar. The Corner by Princess restaurant and bar is on the lower level next to reception. It's a casual space with plenty of sofas and chairs for hanging out, plus tables and chairs for dining. Large windows look out onto the street. The rooftop pool is small and narrow, but it offers beautiful views of the city. Unfortunately, there's not much space on the deck surrounding the pool for lounge chairs or other seating, but chairs are available in the bar area. The fitness center also is small and has limited equipment, with just a couple of cardio machines and a weight-training station, plus a sauna. Water and towels are provided. Although there is no full-service spa on-site, massage services are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.