Barcelona, SpainHorta-Guinardo
Hotel Ohla
Ceramic-eyed neoclassical conversion
Horta-Guinardo Barcelona, Spain
Opened
2011
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe SocialOutside the door
The house
Ohla Boutique HotelsCeramic-eyed neoclassical conversion
A former 1920s department store trades period nostalgia for avant-garde spirit, with sleek minimalist spaces and a buzzy rooftop terrace.
“Strenuously fashionable, from the strangely eyeball-like orbs that cascade over the facade, to the all-black lobby, to the rooftop terrace.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Frederic Amat ceramic eyes stud the neoclassical facade above minimalist oak-floored rooms.
Listed
A rooftop terrace bar wraps around a glass-walled pool overlooking the Gothic Quarter.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Ohla Barcelona brings ultra-personalized service and impeccable design to one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, the Gothic Quarter.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
The Gothic Quarter spreads out from the front door, and Palau de la Música Catalana is a five-minute walk away.
The rooms
Rooms keep a spare monochrome look on oak floors, with clear-glass rain showers standing open to the bedroom.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Swimmers look straight through transparent glass walls across the timber deck toward the cathedral spire.
The spa and gym
A quiet spa hosts aromatic candle massages and a sauna, and a fitness curator designs custom workouts in the gym.
At the table
Michelin-starred Caelis serves tasting menus from an open kitchen, and La Plassohla prepares Catalan tapas on the ground floor.
How it began
The neoclassical building opened in 1926 as Casa Vilardell, one of Barcelona's first department stores, on the site of a medieval palace.
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.