Ohla Eixample

Ohla Eixample opened in 2016, and has a fresh, urban feel, with minimalist-chic decor and airy spaces. The lobby has on-trend modular seating dotted with pastel throw pillows, and there's a sleek lounge area with mod red armchairs and a fireplace. Guests can often be seen gathering on sofas, or sitting at wood tables in Eames-inspired chairs working on laptops. In warm weather, people migrate to the outdoor patio, and to the hotel's impressive rooftop, where there's an alluring lap pool and deck with sunbeds. It's a prime spot to take in views of the city, and in summer, the poolside bar is open all day, with candles and a romantic vibe in the evening. Ohla Eixample draws design-savvy leisure travelers seeking a stay with an upscale atmosphere, and the hotel also sees its share of business travelers. 

The hotel is situated in central Barcelona in the northern part of the Eixample district, in an area filled with modernist architecture known as the Quadrat d'Or (Golden Square). Restaurants, bars, and cafes are all within a short walk. The property is close to public transportation, too, with the Provenca and Diagonal metro stations within a five-minute walk, and Diagonal-Balmes bus stop just three minutes on foot. It also takes roughly three minutes to walk to luxury shopping at Passeig de Gracia, which has several Gaudi buildings. Casa Mila is a seven-minute stroll, and Casa Batllo is about a 12-minute walk. Taking public transit, it's a five-minute ride to The Placa de Catalunya, and to the north end of La Rambla, while La Sagrada Familia cathedral takes 20 minutes by metro. Barcelona-Passeig de Gracia train and metro station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Driving to Barcelona-El Prat Airport, takes 15 minutes, or 45 minutes by metro.

The minimalist-chic aesthetic carries over to guest rooms and suites, though their palette is a touch softer. There's streamline, light-wood furniture, walls covered in cool shades of gray, and pale blue and lavender accents relegated to throw pillows and headboards. A mix of texture and subtle pattern throughout completes the look. All units have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the city, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, well-stocked minibars with gourmet treats and a full selection of liquors, electric kettles for instant coffee and tea, and free Wi-Fi, and some have private balconies. Beds come with turndown service and feature padded mattresses, but some double beds are two singles pushed together. Suites add living rooms, and higher-category units have dining rooms. Bathrooms are sleek and attractive, with wide, wall-hung vanities, basin or inset sinks, and posh globe lighting fixtures. They have walk-in showers with removable showerheads, and are stocked with hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, bathrobes, and slippers. Upgraded rooms have separate soaking tubs and toilets, and en-suite vanities. Rooms start at a spacious 269 square feet. 

Upscale amenities at this boutique hotel are top-notch, and the property gets high marks for its heated rooftop lap pool -- roughly 50 feet long -- and its Michelin-starred restaurant. The rooftop offers skyline views, and there's a wide deck with sun loungers, and a bar open in summer. Xerta Restaurant features Catalonian cuisine from the Terres de l’Ebre region, with a focus on meat and fish. There's a breakfast buffet for a fee, with a generous spread of cooked-to-order eggs, jamon iberico, cheeses, breads, locally made cakes, and cava. Gluten-free items are available, and there's a limited room service menu. For wellness, there's a full-service spa with several rooms for massages, body wraps and scrubs, and beauty treatments. There's also a fitness center with up-to-date equipment, and natural light that streams through tall windows.  The concierge is a member of the prestigious Les Clef d'Or association. The hotel also has a lobby bar, 24-hour front desk, meeting rooms with catering, and personal shopping services and valet parking for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.