Barcelona, SpainEl Raval
Le Méridien Barcelona
Mid-century neoclassical tower
El Raval Barcelona, Spain
Renovated
2008
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
The house
MarriottMid-century neoclassical tower
The 1950s tower fronts La Rambla directly, swapping its formal stone facade for colorful spaces plugged into the local art scene.
What it’s good at
Listed
Mid-century neoclassical architecture outside meets colorful contemporary lobby spaces and frosted-glass bathrooms.
Listed
Artist-designed keycards grant complimentary admission to nearby contemporary art galleries and Gaudí landmarks.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
While most hotels of this caliber play it safe with grays, whites, and beiges, the lobby of Le Méridien is awash with color.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
La Boqueria market sits steps away, and the contemporary galleries of El Raval are a five-minute walk west.
The rooms
Rooms have backlit leather headboards and bold red armchairs, with bathrooms set behind sliding frosted-glass doors.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
The spa and terrace
The sixth-floor terrace has a heated vitality pool with bubble waterbeds, set steps from a hemlock Finnish sauna.
Restaurant
CentOnze
Floor-to-ceiling windows look onto La Rambla, and tables fill for morning buffets and seasonal Mediterranean dishes.
At the table
Teal velvet barstools line the sleek black counter, where bartenders mix sparkling cocktails against illuminated liquor shelves.
How it began
The building opened in 1957 as the Gran Hotel Manila and soon became a favorite lodging for Liceu opera stars.
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.