Lonely Planet Review
If this hotel were anywhere else in Spain you might not give it a second look. Here in Barcelona, however, it's a unique choice, home to elegant Modernista touches, stained glass windows and dark wood panelling like that of a central Spanish comedor (dining room). The charming rooms and equally charming owners are other reasons why this place is so popular.
In each room, a different antique wooden bed head sets the tone, and some also have comfy old-style leather seats. The best (and most expensive) rooms are those with a large private terrace at the back, which is a great place to pass the hours writing postcards or sitting in the sun with a good book. The hotel's public areas are darker but brimming with character, from timeworn murals and heavy wooden furniture to more playful Gaudíesque window mouldings. The downstairs breakfast room is delightful, with outdoor tables in a tiled and leafy courtyard. While you ponder your croissants, ask the owner to show you the picture of him on the wall from his days as a bellboy of the hotel back in the '50s. It's that sort of place, with many reminders of the past and owners who've been looking after guests for five decades.
Review by author
Anthony Ham