Vrabac Guesthouse

This guesthouse is housed on three floors of a classic 19th-century building. Period details such as original woodwork and floors throughout give it historic charm, and it feels akin to staying in someone's home. However, there are no public spaces except for the breakfast room. Also keep in mind that there's no elevator, so guests must climb the marble stairs to their rooms. Much of the furniture in the house was hand-crafted by Catalan carpenters, and other pieces were bought at flea markets or vintage shops in different parts of the world. The guesthouse emphasizes eco-friendly practices such as changing linens and towels every three days, and it encourages guests to be mindful of their use of energy. With its excellent location and charming, quirky decor, this place attracts all sorts of tourists and some businesspeople, too. 

Location is key at the Vrabac, which has a prime spot in Barcelona's bustling and atmospheric Gothic Quarter. It's only a five-minute walk from Las Ramblas and seven minutes on foot from Plaza Cataluna. Shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars are all around, as well as attractions, including the cathedral, which is four minutes away on foot. La Boqueria -- the city's most famous (and colorful) public market -- is a three-minute walk from the proprty. Guests can walk along La Rambla and reach the port in 15 to 20 minutes. Otherwise, there are metro stations at Liceu and Plaza Cataluna. It will take about 20 to 25 minutes to reach Sagrada Familia by metro. Plan on 30 minutes to reach Barcelona-El Prat Airport by car, or 45 minutes by public transportation. 

Rooms are individually decorated and done in a variety of styles ranging from modern to classic. Floors are mostly tiled, and colors throughout the rooms are generally neutral, though vibrant gold accents pep up certain units. High ceilings make the rooms seem larger than they are, and lovely period molding adds character. We like the handsome antique-style Deluxe Rooms the best, which include details like hand-carved wooden furniture and decorative fireplaces. Standard features include air-conditioning, minibars, kettles for tea and coffee, and free Wi-Fi. TVs are absent. It's worth noting that only some rooms have en-suite bathrooms. Others have external private bathrooms, while the three cheapest rooms share a bathroom. Bathrooms have showers only and come with hairdryers and hand soap in large eco-friendly bottles (no other toiletries are provided). Some bathrooms have bidets. Most rooms look out onto adjacent buildings or into the interior courtyard, and a few rooms have small balconies overlooking the street and adjacent buildings. The rules list advises guests not to eat or drink in their rooms, although minibars have drinks and there are kettles for making tea and coffee. Linens and towels are changed every three days. Guests who'd like them changed more frequently can pay extra. Past guests have found noise to be an issue. 

The simple place offers a free breakfast, but little else. A continental buffet is served daily and consists of seasonal fruits and vegetables, yogurt, cereals, pastries, jams, breads, meats, and cheeses. Keep in mind that if guests take food that they do not eat, they are charged a fee. The breakfast room is a charming, sunny space with tile floors, high ceilings with period molding, stained-glass windows, and wooden tables and chairs. A bookcase holds books and magazines that guests can borrow. Wi-Fi is free throughout the house. Note: Credit cards aren't accepted, though the hotel does allow payments through PayPal.