BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel

With a four-story blue curved exterior behind an enormous red dome, it's hard to miss BAH Barcelona Airport Hotel. Inside, the avant-garde architecture continues. The domed lobby has slanted wooden walls cut with glass display cases showcasing framed abstract art. Metal screens and glass elevators divide seating sections clustered with modern red and black leather sofas and armless chairs. Pendant lighting and a black domed ceiling dotted with LED lights look futuristic. And the hotel displays up-to-the minute flight information in the lobby. Most of the guests (including flight crews) are looking for a comfortable place to spend the night before an early flight.

As its name implies, Barcelona-El Prat Airport is located within a five-minute drive of the airport. But with all the convenience of avoiding traffic while catching a flight comes the tradeoff of staying in the mostly industrial neighborhood of Mas Blau. The hotel's nearest neighbors are corporate offices and businesses, with some blasé restaurants and bars catering to the area. It's about a 20-minute drive to Barcelona. There's a free shuttle to the airport and a minimal charge for parking.

There are 257 rooms divided into Classic, Elite, and Suite categories. All of the rooms feel bright and airy with natural light from large windows, light wooden furniture, and white walls. A glass desk and ergonomic desk chair look stylish. Beds get high marks for comfort, but the maroon striped bed runners and bed skirts look a little drab. Modern comforts include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and empty mini-fridges. Most rooms have hardwood floors. Marble floors and stainless steel sinks jazz up the otherwise basic (but clean) bathrooms with shower/tub combinations. Elite Rooms are larger, but the carpeting in these units is less luxe than the hardwood floors found in cheaper rooms. Some past guests have complained of indoor noise. Views overlooking the swimming pool are the most scenic.

At this price point, it's rare to find a hotel with so many free perks and convenient features. Wi-Fi, shuttle service to the airport, and breakfast are all included with the price of a room. La Sal Marina restaurants does Mediterranean cuisine and seafood via buffet or a la carte, while Alabastro Bar serves tapas and cocktails -- along with a fun virtual pianist. There's a large outdoor swimming pool set on an artificial grass terrace with sun loungers and water fountains. Late arrivals and early risers will appreciate the grab-and-go market for toiletries and packaged sandwiches, plus wine. Room service is available with limited hours. The fitness center has several pieces of modern Technogym equipment and strength-training machines. A water cooler and paper cups are provided. Guests can print boarding passes or surf the web in the small business center in the lobby.