Spanning from the Sagrada Familia to the foothills of the Montjuïc, Eixample is Barcelona’s largest district and is home to some of its most iconic modernist masterpieces. With size comes choice and in terms of places to stay Eixample is home to everything from pet-friendly villas to designer suites and Michelin-starred hotel restaurants. Here’s our pick of the ten best boutique hotels in up-market Eixample.
The Pulitzer
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
The roof terrace of the Pulitzer hotel | Courtesy of the Pulitzer
This stylish boutique hotel will leave you feeling right at home in the center of Barcelona, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Plaça Catalunya and the Rambla. An oasis of peace in an otherwise hectic part of town, the Pulitzer Hotel is a stylish, modern hotel that prides itself on its tailor-made services and resourceful staff that know all the best recommendations in town. And for those who like music, their famous rooftop terrace hosts live DJs every weekend which attract the local in-crowd.
One of the hottest newcomers in Barcelona, Casa Bonay opened its doors in 2015 and is fast establishing itself as one of the trendiest places in the city. Eager to attract hip locals as well as travelers, the hotel has partnered with some of the most loved names on the local foodie scene such as Satan’s Cofee Corner or Mother Juices, as well as having its own gourmet restaurant. This elegantly restored period building combines the splendor of classic Catalan architecture with a stylish modern edge.
This chic 3-star hotel is located just off the iconic Passeig de Gracià – home to the city’s best designer shops – and is the perfect pied-à-terre for anyone looking to do some serious window-shopping. The rooms at Hotel Actual are simple yet stylish, providing all the modern conveniences you would expect with designer touches giving a sleek overall appearance, with views over the Passeig de Gracià or famous Gaudí monument La Pedrera.
Looking for the comfort and luxury of a top-end hotel with the convenience and homy feel of an apartment? Then look no further than El Palauet – meaning ‘little palace’ in Catalan – with its spacious four person suites, tastefully designed and with all the modern conveniences you could dream of (including high-tech Japanese toilets). The rooftop terrace and bar offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and staff are on hand 24 hours a day if you need them.
Located in the far corner of Eixample, on the edge of stylish Sant Antoni, this designer 4-star hotel is the personal project of owners Katja and Antoine who have strived to create a space for both locals and travelers. The popular Zinc Bar hosts live music throughout the week and serves a modern bistro cuisine inspired by the markets. The rooms at Villa Emilia ooze style and elegance as the furniture appears to have been handpicked for each guest – that even includes your little furry friends, seeing as the hotel has a ‘pet-friendly’ policy and can provide pet beds on request.
If to you boutique means stylish, unique and tailor-made, and luxury sometimes means less not more, then the Regina is the hotel for you. Located just off the Plaça Catalunya, this elegantly designed hotel boasts hand-picked furnishings with a vintage feel and rooms that each have their own unique personality where a stripped-back feel equals functionality and comfort. Elegant, understated and modern – the Regina is a hidden gem in the heart of the city center.
This carefully restored 1920s appartment building has been converted into a precious boutique hotel where gastronomy and art take center stage. Born of the owner Maria’s desire to offer guests the warm welcome and personal touches you can expect in a B&B, with the functionality of a modern hotel. The layout of Ca La Maria Hotel stays true to the original building’s layout, with large communal spaces in which guests are made to feel right at home, along with cosy rooms seamlessly blending the old and the new.
Stylish, simple and sleek, the ALMA Hotel is a modern hotel which does justice to its name (Spanish for ‘soul’). Old leather, unstained wood and polished concrete give an urban feel to the rooms, where luxury and simplicity are one and the same. While the outdoor terrace is an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the busy Passeig de Gracià, where the hotel is located, and the rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the city’s iconic landscape.
Located just around the corner to Barcelona’s stunning Sant Antoni market, Market Hotel is the perfect place to stay for those looking to escape the beaten track and indulge in an authentic foodie experience here in Barcelona. Aside from the fantastic fresh food stalls in the undercover market, you also have the trendy Parlament street on your doorstep, home to Barcelona’s ‘brunch scene’. The hotel is modern and stylish, with a spacious lobby area and a cosy outdoor terrace that serves breakfast, as well as the hotel’s own gourmet restaurant.
