Room Mate Anna

Room Mate Anna is housed in a traditional building with iron balconies -- yet through the glass doors, the deep blue velvet curtains and marble pillars hint at what's to come, and stepping into the hotel lobby, the striking decor envelops you completely. Dark walls and port-hole style mirrors, coupled with contemporary chairs in red geometric patterns create an intimate vibe similar to that of an underground club. The Room Mate hotels are known for their bold design details, and this one is the vision of top Spanish interior designer Lorenzo Castillo. The eye-catching colors and patterns continue throughout the hotel, with corridors papered in quirky fish pictures, and a restaurant like a golden cavern, with shimmering walls and ceilings against a monochrome-striped floor. It's playful and cheery, with an exclusive feel, and guests tend to be young couples or small family groups. After all, while we love it, the design won't be everyone's cup of tea.

Room Mate Anna is located on Carrer d'Arago, a two-minute walk to Gaudi's striking Casa Batllo as well as Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona's top shopping strips. It's a 10-minute walk down the road to Placa de Catalunya and the beginning of bustling Las Ramblas. Passeig de Gracia Metro is a seven-minute walk away, for connections throughout the city, reaching Sagrada Familia in 15 minutes, the Catalan History Museum in about 20 minutes, and Gaudi's enchanting Parc Guell in 30 minutes door-to-door. There are also several bus routes within a five-minute walk, and Barcelona Passeig de Gracia mainline station too for easy transits to destinations outside the city, like Sitges (a 70-minute trip). There's also a direct train route to the airport, taking about 30 minutes. Alternatively, the trip takes 15 to 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. 

The 81 rooms at Room Mate Anna are done in bold decor that literally covers every surface, often including the ceiling. Each features a single color scheme in its stripes, patterns, and painted furniture, making a sharp and whimsical statement with a combination of sleek contemporary pieces, kitschy details, and retro flair. All include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, slippers, free Wi-Fi, and -- a bit unusual for Spain -- tea/coffee facilities. Configurations include single rooms, connecting family rooms and fully accessible rooms. They are compact, especially Basic Rooms, so it's worth upgrading to a Deluxe Room for a bit more space and French windows -- many opening onto small balconies. Junior Suites add living areas and larger terraces. The modern bathrooms have a monochrome finish, with black brick-effect tiling in the rainfall showers plus toiletries and hairdryers. Some entry-level rooms lack separate bathrooms, they instead have basins within the room, and doors to showers and toilets. Previous guests have noted the bathroom and main room lights are linked, making it impractical during the night.

Room Mate Anna has a rooftop terrace that's a great place to kick back, with beanbag loungers and superb city views, though it lacks a bar or much atmosphere. The flat roof can be reached by elevators, making it accessible to all, which is a plus. There's a circular rooftop plunge pool, surrounded by sofas and cushions, which also has assisted access but closes for winter. The restaurant serves a well-received breakfast buffet, including both hot and cold options until relatively late, and then switches to a menu of light snacks available for room service during the day. There is a stylish event room, suitable for private parties or meetings, and internet access in the lobby. Iced lemon water is another welcome addition in the lobby, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.