Room Mate Carla

Room Mate Carla's classic 19th century facade is a striking contrast to its modern, cosmopolitan interior. The hotel underwent a major transformation when it got a total renovation and picked up a new name as a part of the design-conscious Room Mate chain. In the lobby, dark blue walls and carpeting pair with modern blue upholstered chairs, high ceilings, and angular modern wall accents and furnishings in white. The breakfast room is has bright green molded plastic walls and moody lighting, while rooms are minimalist white with pops of color in the form 60s-inspired mod wallpaper accents and rugs. While this property doesn't have all the amenities guests might expect from a higher-end hotel, the trendy style and exceptional location are enough to attract lots of tourists and occasionally business travelers.

This property is centrally located in the Eixample neighborhood, one of the most elegant areas in central Barcelona. The hotel's street, the tree-lined Calle Mallorca, comes out onto beautiful Passeig de Gracia (five-minute walk), where the most relevant Modernist buildings are. Casa Mila (also known as La Pedrera) and Casa Batllo, some of Gaudi's most famous works, are less than a 10-minute walk, and Sagrada Familia is a 13-minute walk. Plaza Catalunya, a picturesque city square, and the tree-lined promenade La Rambla can be reached in 20 minutes or less on foot. For sights farther out, several buses are in easy walking distance and the Barcelona-Passeig de Gracia train station is an eight-minute walk. Barcelona–El Prat Airport is about an hour away via public transit.

Rooms at Room Mate Carla are somewhat calmer than common area decor but still feel fresh and modern. White walls and furniture pair with wood floors, while bright pops of color and 60s Mod-inspired rugs and wallpaper (which sometimes extends onto the ceiling above the bed) add flair. Bathrooms are modern with stone gray tiling, basin sinks, free toiletries, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads (upgraded rooms might have baths) -- but they don't always have a door. Entry-level Basic Rooms are fairly small -- just over 170 square feet and half the size of the some of the more spacious Executive Rooms. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, electronic safes, free Wi-Fi, and generously stocked minibars, but there's not always coffee/tea supplies. Rooms are mostly doubles, but Triple Rooms are also available, and the suite is luxurious with molded ceilings and French doors. Upgraded rooms might add balconies, private terraces, and other extras.

The hotel lacks some amenities guest might expect from a high-end property -- there are no wellness facilities or full-service restaurant -- though the hotel is located close to plenty of restaurants and cafes. The reception area extends into a low-key lobby bar that also serves as a lounge space. Other common areas include small but stylish outdoor courtyard with a wood patio and umbrellaed seating and a few meeting rooms. A daily breakfast buffet, which has a nice array of hot and cold options, is served in a cool green room. While breakfast is not included in the room rate, guests tend to agree it's reasonably priced and note that it's served until late. There is no room service. The front desk is open 24 hours, and staff can assist with luggage storage, laundry service, and ticket assistance. Wi-Fi is free throughout.