Best for shopaholics
£ CATALONIA PORTAL DE L’ÀNGEL
Barcelona is a wonderland for shoppers, and this
converted 19 th-century palacio sits right on one of
the city’s most central, pedestrianised shopping
streets. The building’s centrepiece is its magnificent
marble staircase, and the 84 rooms are roomy with
chic, contemporary decor in grey and black, and
black-and-white photos of the city printed onto the
glass bathroom doors. After some retail therapy,
lie back and luxuriate in the spacious hotel patio
garden or cool down in the outdoor pool.
ROOMS: From €1 10 (£91), B&B. cataloniahotels.comBest for retro fans
£ ROOM MATE EMMA
Amid Eixample’s elegant streets and Gaudi’s
masterpieces on Passeig de Gràcia, RoomMate Emma
stands out from the crowd. Step inside and you’ll
find its 56 rooms are similarly striking, like something
from a 1 960s James Bond set — think white walls,
pod-style tables and bold magenta carpets.
They’re all geared up for remote working, too,
with wi-fi and USB ports. Beds are supremely
comfy and the bathroom products come in
recycled plastic pump dispensers.
ROOMS: From €1 19 (£99). room-matehotels.comBest for city sophisticates
££ HOTEL 1898
This 19th-century former tobacco factory on Las
Ramblas has been transformed in a truly grand stay.
There’s a serious, grown-up vibe throughout, from
the marble-pillared entrance hall — stuccoed ceiling
and all — to the bar, with its parquet flooring and
gentleman’s club-style armchairs. Rooms are similarly
plush in dark crimson hues and mahogany-toned
wooden floors, but it’s the hotel’s two pools that might
just win you over — one on the rooftop with views of
the Barcelona skyline and another in the chic spa.
IMAGE: ROOMS: From€1 20 (£100). hotel1898.com
YURBBAN
PAS
SAGE
HOTEL
Best for urbanites
££ YURBBAN PASSAGE
Less than 10 minutes’ walk from Las Ramblas
and the Gothic Quarter, this 19 th-century
former textiles factory has been given a new
lease of life as buzzing place to stay. There’s a
relaxed, party vibe with a shuffleboard table
and photo booth in the lounge and a subtle
New York feel to the rooms, with white walls
and deluxe white cotton bedding. Yoga mats,
eco-friendly bathroom products and recycled
cardboard clothes hangers are all a given.
There’s also a vegan spa, a rooftop terrace
with plunge-pool and bar, and don’t miss the
delicious breakfast buffet.
ROOMS: From €13 5 (£112), B&B.
yurbbanpassasge.com