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At Barcelona’s heart, surrounding the city’s incredible cathedral is its Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, the old, medieval town with its narrow cobbled streets between tall buildings. It’s not all Gothic though. Here you’ll find remnants of Barcelona’s Roman wall, and many of the landmark ‘Gothic’ buildings actually date from the 19th and 20th centuries, which is probably a good thing when you consider that some of them have been converted into some of the best hotels in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, and they’re probably more comfortable for it. Along with the location: central, just off Las Ramblas, our Gurus favour this part of town because of the choice of bars, cafes and restaurants, and the way its labyrinthine layout leads you on to new discoveries all the time, even if you think you know it well. Plus Picasso and Miró both lived and worked here. And our recommendations for 11 of the best hotels in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter are some of our favourite places to stay in Barcelona.
For a hotel with a view
- Right on Passeig de Colom, the Hotel Duquesa de Cardona is a chic townhouse hotel converted from a 16th century nobleman’s house, with 64 rooms and suites and a fantastic roof terrace with views of Barcelona’s port. As well as having two small pools, the roof terrace also has a lively Catalan restaurant and bar. Inside the decor is stylish and contemporary, with neutral tones and lots of natural materials. And downstairs there’s a smart cocktail lounge, decorated in black and white, and an elegant restaurant.
- The Serras is another elegant option overlooking the marina and the city beyond. A contemporary style, five star hotel with 28 rooms, and decor that cleverly blends modern minimalism with traditional Catalan elements. This is a great choice for anyone who appreciates great design as well as great views. The best views are from the roof terrace again, and they also have a pool and bar up there, while downstairs in the restaurant they recommend the Catalan tasting menus concocted by Michelin-starred chef, Marc Gascons. This building is famous for being where Picasso started his career as an artist, and you’re just ten minutes stroll from the Picasso Museum and about two miles from the Sagrada Familia.
The Most Romantic Hotels in the Gothic Quarter
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- The Hotel DO Placa Reial is both romantic and historic, a neoclassical building in a wonderful spot, with wonderful views from its stepped terraces. Inside there are just 16 rooms and suites, decorated with parquet flooring and four-poster beds. Some of the grander rooms even have their own plunge pools. And there are two restaurants, a spa and a roof terrace with an incredible view.
The Best Hotels for Foodies
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- Dripping with romance and elegance, and at the end of a tiny dead-end street, The Wittmore is perfect if you’re looking for a discreet haven, close to many of Barcelona’s main sights, but hidden away. Inside the hotel is a bit like a club, its 22 rooms and suites decorated for style and comfort, with furniture you’d welcome into your own home. There’s a rooftop pool and terrace with stunning views and the restaurant, run by local legend, chef Albert Ventura, is a huge deal locally as well as with visitors and guests.
- The Ohla Hotel is a sleek, modernist style five star hotel in a gorgeous Gothic building in the heart of the Barri Gòtic. There are 74 rooms and suites, many with stunning city views, and all with parquet flooring and stand alone bathtubs. There’s a rooftop terrace with a pool and bar, a comprehensive spa and the restaurant, Sauc, has a Michelin star.
For a city break
- Built in an historic defence tower in the Gothic Quarter, the Mercer Hotel is now quite modern and minimal inside, with simple wood flooring and white walls to complement the original stone walls and pillars. There are 27 rooms and suites, all with simple but well shaped wooden furniture — four-poster beds in some of the rooms, simple rugs, and elegant artworks. Plus a roof terrace and a very minimally decorated restaurant.
- The Hotel Neri also occupies a centrally located, and historic building, this time one a rather imposing 17th century palace. The designers have made use of the grand scale, and accessorised a contemporary style with deep velvets and bright silks, and gold and silver leaf, to give a luxurious effect. There are 22 rooms and suites and a fashionable restaurant and bar, plus a solarium and a roof terrace.
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- Modern in that wonderful 1950s/60s sense where the shapes are a bit futuristic, but there are plenty of natural materials in the mix, the H10 Cubik is an hotel with that contemporary stackable facade and some really stylish public spaces which have an industrial, steam-punk-y feel. The rooms have big windows, and many have great views, but the best views are from poolside on the roof terrace. There are two bars, both of them chic, and a restaurant. And it’s very reasonably priced too.
For great value
- The Hotel Barcelona Catedral is a fantastic value hotel just minutes from the cathedral and the Plaza de Catalunya. It’s got 80 rooms, so scale is how it does so much for such a reasonable room rate. It has a fantastic pool and roof terrace, pictured above, and has a gym and fitness centre, its own fleet of bikes to hire, and a great restaurant where you can also take cooking classes or wine tastings.
- The Hotel Denit Barcelona is a peaceful place to stay, with just 36 rooms, all whitewashed and crisp and simple, with elegant furniture and details. The location is excellent, and although there’s no restaurant you’re close to lots of wonderful places to eat and drink, and breakfast is included in the room rate.
If you haven’t found your idea of the best hotels in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter on our Guru’s list you could: