Casa Bonay
There’s always a buzz at Casa Bonay: its chic bars, reasonably priced rooms and restaurants – just a stone’s throw from the city’s imposing Arc de Triomf – are a draw for both visitors and locals. With mosaic-tiled floors, statement sliding doors and floods of natural light, sleeping quarters here are an oasis of cool and calm, complete with Mubi streaming and yoga mats. The rooftop is split between a seasonal dining space and guest-only urban garden, while downstairs there’s a restaurant, coffee shop and bustling cocktail bar serving into the early hours. Plus, bikes to explore the city are free of charge.
Rooms from £117, casabonay.com
Hotel Brummell
Over in the lively Poble Sec neighbourhood, away from the tourist crowds, 20-room Brummell is an intimate affair. Its Sri-Lankan-meets-Scandi interiors are cool and casual, while the sprawling garden is complete with 24-hour sauna and plunge pool. Yoga classes are free for guests. From its high vantage point, many rooms have sweeping views over Barcelona, or across to the lush Parc de Montjuïc. Take the nearby Telefèric de Montjuïc cable car up to the summit, then descend on foot past the 19th-century cemetery and 1992 Olympic park to the Joan Miró Foundation, where the excellent Miró-Picasso exhibition runs until late February (visitbarcelona.com).
Rooms from £90, hotelbrummell.brummellprojects.com
Hotel Casa Sagnier
Once the family home and studio of iconic Catalan architect Enric Sagnier, this 51-room boutique hotel on Rambla de Catalunya pays tribute to his life and legacy. The building is steeped in history, but bedrooms are bright and contemporary with parquet flooring and modern furniture. Ask for a room with a terrace or balcony with views over the busy street. Enjoy the welcome drink with tapas on arrival, and on the private sun-trap rooftop you’ll find a fridge full of complimentary drinks and snacks. Grab an outdoor table at on-site restaurant Cafè de l’Arquitecte and people-watch for hours.
Rooms from £174, hotelcasasagnier.com
Hotel Pulitzer
Squarely in the city centre off the throbbing Plaça de Catalunya, stepping inside Hotel Pulitzer offers a lofty and stylish calm. Balcony rooms offer a bird’s-eye view of the bustle; upstairs, there’s a popular roof terrace and bar. There are no shortage of restaurant options on your doorstep, and the food at La Esquina, just a few doors down, is well worth tasting. Definitely book a table at Bandinis and make the 20-minute walk towards Sant Antoni, where Swedish chef Povel serves up delicious sharing plates with Scandi and Catalan influences, alongside friendly service, natural wines and a vibrant crowd.
Rooms from £101, hotelpulitzer.es
Poblenou B&B
Once the city’s industrial zone, the Poblenou area is now one of Barcelona’s most popular, and Hostal Poblenou makes an ideal spot from which to explore both urban areas and coastal corners. Advantageously priced rooms are neat, bright and airy in this 1930s building with high ceilings, not that you’ll be spending much time inside: the beach is just a three-minute walk away. Towels available from reception. Walk along the promenade towards the city centre, then squeeze into La Plata, a small bar in the Gothic Quarter, which serves wine from barrels, bottled beers and the best pescaditos fritos (fried fish) in town.
Rooms from £65, hostalpoblenou.com
Destination BCN
If an apartment appeals, book with Destination BCN, which has 20 stylish properties across three central sites. The majority are housed in a building conveniently located by the Universitat metro station, each individually named and stylishly decked out. Check out the one-bedroom Naoko, with its spacious private outdoor terrace living area, and cosy bathtub to lay back and unwind in. To make use of the kitchen, which conveniently comes stocked with basic ingredients, explore the delicious offerings of nearby Mercado de La Boqueria just a 10-minute walk away. Any questions? The company offices are located onsite.
Apartments from £160, minimum 2 nights, destinationbcn.com
Almanac Barcelona
Searching for city-centre luxury? Look no further than Almanac’s 91 rooms and suites with elegant interiors and city views. Just off Passeig de Gràcia in the exclusive Eixample neighbourhood, there are restaurants and shops in abundance, plus some of Antoni Gaudí’s most iconic modernist buildings. Once ready to relax, grab a spot in the rooftop garden (bar open until after midnight), where the breathtaking Sagrada Família is in full view. For a change from tapas, treat yourself to a table at downstairs restaurant Virens, where Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle lets vegetables take centre stage.
Rooms from £254, almanachotels.com
Antiga Casa Buenavista
This impressive building on the gritty Ronda de Sant Antoni used to be a family-owned restaurant. Today, the proprietor’s descendants run this newly opened boutique hotel. Original features meet modern design in both the 43 guest rooms and public areas, with floods of natural light coming from large windows. There’s a small pool for the summer months. Peckish? Meander through Mercat de Sant Antoni and grab a snack, then head to newly Señora Dolores, where Parisian chef Matthieu dishes up a mixture of innovative fried and raw delights. You’ll be dreaming of potato churros for weeks to follow.
Rooms from £140, hotelcasabuenavista.com
Yurbban Trafalgar
One of three offerings from Barcelona-based Yurbban, at the Trafalgar outpost bright and modern rooms have an industrial edge. Buffet breakfast is served at the sister restaurant just next door, and ask reception for wine and cheese hour timings, where there’s complimentary vino for guests in the lobby every evening. Sights including the Picasso museum, Barcelona Cathedral and Moco museum are all within walking distance, plus there’s plenty more to explore in El Born. When you get peckish, head to newly opened Bar Pimentel, where traditional tapas is elevated with modern touches, top-class ingredients and knowledgable, welcoming staff.
Rooms from £95, yurbbantrafalgar.com
Casa Gàrcia
With 146 rooms, Casa Gàrcia has a social feel; its combination of dormitories, rooms and apartments catering to all budgets make it a great option for solo guests looking to meet fellow travellers, or groups needing somewhere that can cater for a crowd. Rooms are neatly appointed, while communal spaces including the library, terrace and lounge have a relaxed, laid-back feel. There are free yoga classes weekday mornings at 9am, and walking tours from reception at 10am all through the week. Step out to see Gaudí’s masterpiece, La Pedrera-Casa Milà, just a few hundred yards down the street.
Dorms from £15 and rooms from £48, casagraciabcn.com.
