More Than a Place to Rest Your Head: 7 of the Best Hotels in Barcelona
Best Bed and Breakfast: Barcino 147
One of the most popular B&Bs in Barcelona, the Barcino 147 is just a five-minute walk from famous La Rambla street along with a host of restaurants and bars. It has a comfortable, modern-meets-historic vibe, and is owned by a Barcelona-native artist and collector who studied at the same school as Picasso and who happily provides a wealth of information about the city and its art.
Elegant rooms feature antique furnishings, original oil paintings, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs. Some include a private balcony, while suites add a living area. There are also one- and two-bedroom apartments that come with kitchens for those occasional nights you want to dine in.
Best City Center Hotel: Hotel 1898
Set right along La Rambla, it doesn’t get more central than Hotel 1898. Only a minute’s walk from the major transport hub of Placa Catalunya, it features a fabulous mix of grand architecture with a colonial feel and colorful, quirky decor. It has a popular rooftop pool with an alfresco bar that’s ideal for hanging out in the summer, and an indoor pool for swimming during the chillier months of the year.
Classic movies are shown in the lobby (or on the roof when weather permits) and there’s also a gym and spa. Select from a range of rooms, with smaller options facing an interior patio. Head up another level and you’ll get a view of La Rambla, while the most luxurious rooms come with their own private terrace.
Hotel 1898 also hosts the El Indo restaurant, which services Mediterranean-fusion fare, and an excellent cocktail bar in the lobby, complete with live music on weekends.
Malta tourism is full of diving, hiking and exploring ancient ruins. Despite being such a tiny island, there is plenty to see and do on this lovely oasis.
Best Hotel Near the Gothic Quarter: Mercer Hotel Barcelona
Nestled along the winding, narrow alleyways of the Gothic Quarter, the Mercer Hotel Barcelona provides a blend of historic and modern, set in a restored heritage building with origins dating to the first century. The ancient walls house lots of luxuries and stylish decor, with suites on the highest floor providing views of the Gothic streets and 14th-century archaeological ruins.
There’s also an impressive plunge pool where one can admire the city’s rooftops while enjoying a refreshing swim. Enjoy casual dining at Le Bouchon on tapas and local specialties, or fine dining at the Mercer Restaurant.
