Casp, 31, Barcelona, Spain | (888) 989-6591
Excellent Eixample location walking distance to sights and public transit
Charming, intimate boutique housed in a handsome, neoclassical building
Lively and sophisticated design used throughout interiors
Stylish rooms, some with balconies or terraces
In-room perks include flat-screen TVs and minibars
Comfort Room category features whirlpool bathtubs
Possible add-ons include day trips and sporting events
Light breakfast of coffee and pastries included
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Short on features: no restaurant, bar, gym, or business room
Tea/coffeemakers and iPhone docks missing in some rooms
Past guests have put this little, low-key boutique hotel in the “hidden gem” category, and it’s easy to see why. After all, the upper-middle-range Vasanta has a lot to recommend it -- including an enviable Eixample address near popular sights, a handsome neoclassical facade, top-notch service, plus 16 classic-meets-contemporary rooms. The last of these, all individually decorated, come equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and, in some cases, private balconies or terraces. A light breakfast (coffee and pastries) is included in the room rate, too. That said, there is a dearth of facilities here, which is typical for small-scale boutiques. If you can’t do without an on-site bar, gym, or meeting room, but want to remain in the neighborhood and pearl category, try the bigger Hotel America Barcelona instead.
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Scene
A boutique hotel for low-key, style-conscious vacationers
Like so many of the buildings in this neighborhood, the five-story Vasanta is a balcony-adorned, neoclassical beauty erected in the early 20th century, yet its interior definitely gives tradition a twist. Take the narrow, street-level lobby, where a coffered ceiling, paneled walls and tufted seating all offer hip takes on historic styles; ditto for the suspended bare-bulb lights (which replace the expected chandeliers) and the oversized art (which substitutes Asian figures for Spanish ones). Despite the eye-catching look, though, you might be more impressed by the staff as they have scored high marks from past guests. The savvy sightseeing travelers who typically check in here appreciate their free advice -- and the option of booking interesting add-ons that cover anything from shopping tours and guided excursions to soccer tickets and interpreters.
Location
In the Eixample, just minutes from Plaça de Catalunya
Set on a leafy, centrally located street in the Eixample district, this hotel appeals to vacationers of every stripe. Shoppers, for instance, can walk to the exclusive boutiques of Passeig de Gracia in just 12 minutes, history buffs can hit the gorgeous Gothic Quarter (anchored by Plaça del Rei) in 13, and people-watchers can reach the Rambla even faster. Architecture aficionados are well positioned, too, because 15 minutes on foot takes you to a trio of buildings by the inimitable Antoni Gaudí (the closest, Casa Calvet, is literally a minute away); moreover, those eager to ogle his famously unfinished Sagrada Familia can get there easily via the city’s efficient public transit system. Plaça de Catalunya -- both a major square and a civic transport hub, served by FGC trains, subways, and airport buses -- is only about three blocks from the hotel. If you would rather travel by car, personal drivers and private parking can be arranged through the hotel at an extra charge. - One-minute walk to Casa Calvet
Rooms
Well-equipped rooms offering contemporary style in a heritage setting
High ceilings and hardwood floors provide a classic backdrop for the Vasanta’s 16 individually decorated rooms. Although each is unique, all share a common style that marries floral-motif wallpapers, bright white bed linens and other classic design elements with contemporary details (say a Lucite side table, a blingy mirror or, perhaps, a piece of abstract art). In terms of amenities all rooms include air-conditioning, minibars, digital safes, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free-Wi-Fi and, in most cases, iPhone docks and tea/coffee-making equipment (though a few rooms are missing these). Attractive earth-tone bathrooms feature walk-in rainfall showers, and appreciated extras (such as magnifying mirrors and cozy robes) are also standard issue. But it’s worth noting certain important in-room amenities do differ -- even within the same category. Some have sofa beds, others come with whirlpool baths, and still others boast balconies or terraces. So it’s worth checking the room-by-room breakdown on the hotel’s own website before making your decision.
Features
Expect pleasant, professional service but few facilities.
Because it's a tiny hotel in a heritage building, the Vasanta is understandably short on common areas and features. There is, for example, no business center, fitness room, bar, or restaurant here. Nor is there a breakfast room per se, though coffee, tea, and pastries are laid out each morning in the welcoming reception area. Other amenities include a round-the-clock front desk with friendly, multilingual staffers, and comprehensive concierge capabilities; little library-like lounge areas; laundry/dry-cleaning and basic business services (e.g. fax/photocopying); and free Wi-Fi throughout.
