Barcelona, SpainGothic Quarter
Hotel Arai
Restored palace apartments
Gothic Quarter Barcelona, Spain
Opened
2013
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
The house
Derby Hotels CollectionRestored palace apartments
The eighteenth-century palace functions as independent apartments, pairing private kitchenettes with archaeological artifacts collected by its owners.
“The beautiful hotel Arai is housed in an 18th century building in Barcelona that was once used as a palace.”
What it’s good at
Notable
An eighteenth-century palace conversion with original facade sgraffito depicting four world rivers.
Listed
Balconies overlook Placa de la Veronica beside Catalan market tapas from neighbouring Palosanto.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
The hotel’s 31 guest rooms are simpatico with the public spaces, in that the original building materials come through in a natural way, without overpowering the modern flourishes.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Plaça de George Orwell sits just steps away, and the Gothic Quarter's medieval alleys lead straight toward Las Ramblas.
The rooms
Rooms keep their original masonry and high timbered ceilings, framed by tall windows that open onto the Gothic Quarter.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An unheated plunge pool sits on the wooden rooftop deck, flanked by terracotta chimneys with views over the Gothic Quarter.
Gym and sauna
Cardio machines and a built-in dry sauna sit against historic stone masonry walls on the lower level.
At the table
Palosanto serves Catalan tapas from a tiled counter, with outdoor tables set directly on Plaça de George Orwell.
How it began
Merchant Antoni Nadal completed the palace in 1779, long before it housed Barcelona's decorative arts guild in the 1920s.
Barcelona
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.