Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
use of the kitchens (there's one on each floor), while those staying in the “superior rooms”
(€20-30morepernight)haveaccesstothepenthouseterrace.Smallbreakfastinclude
d,tw
o-
night minimum, advance reservations essential (contact for directions), over-18s only.
€90
Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya
Av. de Roma 2-4 936 006 966,
torrecatalunya.com
;
the surrounding buildings, which means that the large, light, elegant rooms have sweeping
views from all sides (the pricier rooms - from €150 - above the twelfth floor are considered
“superior”). Breakfast on the 23rd floor is a buzz; there's a panoramic restaurant, too, plus
spa with indoor pool,
whi
le during the warmer months guests can also use the nearby
Expo
hotel's outdoor pool.
€125
Hotel Axel
c/d'Aribau 33 933 239 393,
axelhotels.com
; Universitat;
map
.
Central to
the self-image of the city's gay quarter, the Gaixample, the
Axel
's snazzy “heterofriendly”
boutique stylings are a real hit with gay visitors. It's a hip but relaxed space with designer
rooms (featuring complimentary beauty products), suites with private terraces, a bar and res-
taurant that are part of the local scene, plus a fabulous terrace pool and “Skybar” for posing
and preening, ex
celle
nt spa and fitness facilities, and a full range of massage and other treat-
ments available.
€170
Hotel Inglaterra
c/de Pelai 14 934 922 244,
hotel-inglaterra.com
;
Universitat;
map
.
Theboutiquelittlethree-starsistertotheDreta's
Majestic
hasanexcellentlocation,harmoni-
ously toned rooms and snazzy bathrooms. Space is at a premium, but some rooms have cute
private terraces, others street-side balconies, while best of all is the rom
anti
c roof terrace,
where you can take a dip in the recently added pool and sip on a cocktail.
€133
Room Mate Emma
c/del Rosselló 205 932 385 606,
emma.room-matehotels.com
;
you're a marketing construct, not a real person), and get beyond the
Battlestar Galactica
-
style lobby, and you're left with
Emma
's undeniably appealing barebones-chic rooms and
suites at realistic uptown prices. It's part of a Spanish chain with a fr
esh,
fun vibe and an ac-
commodating air, from free fruit at reception to breakfast until noon.
€130
Somnio Barcelona
c/de la Diputació 251 932 725 308,
somniohostels.com
. Pas-
right into their upscale
pensión
, with handy “tips for the day” left in the common room
each morning. Simple but smart rooms with wood-block floors cater for singles, couples and
friends (it's especially welcoming for women visitors), and there are two six-bed, single-sex
dorms. You'll pay another €10 for an en-suite room, while there's slightly more inexpen
sive
shared
bud
getaccommodationattheirnewsisterhostel,Duo,inthesamedistrict.Dorms
€22
,
rooms
€78