Discover the City of Counts: 4 Charming Historic Hotels in Barcelona

Discover the City of Counts: 4 Charming Historic Hotels in Barcelona

From the enchanting medieval Old Town to the romantic Gothic Quarter, Barcelona is home to a diverse collection of historic hotels. Be it fully-redesigned office buildings or minimally-restored palaces, there’s always something that catches your eye.

If you're not sure where to begin, fear not. We’re here to help.

Here are 4 of the most charming historic hotels in Barcelona that would delight first-time and repeat visitors alike.

Hotel Casa Bonay

Casa Bonay feels like a home away from home. Set in a 19th-century Neoclassical residential building, vestiges of a bygone era and modern furnishing blend harmoniously within the newly restored hotel. Upon arriving at the hotel, you are greeted by a gorgeous vaulted, cobblestoned courtyard that sits between the reception and the busy street. Spotting traditional Catalan tiles alongside geometric elements, guests are invited to reminisce the past and enjoy the hotel’s characterful design as they spend the night.

The in-room amenities and activities clue to the types of individuals drawn to the Casa Bonay. All rooms come with yoga kits, a minibar filled with local booze and snacks, and MUBI movie-streaming service tempting every art-house-film freak to spend their entire vacation in the hotel room. For guests looking to get a good stretch, sign up for yoga and pilates classes often held on the rooftop and in different spots within the hotel.

Looking for a hearty breakfast to start the day? Satan’s Coffee Corner brews a wicked cup of coffee along with some fresh baked goods. For a slow afternoon, grab a lime mojito from the Libertine Bar before frolicking in the sun on sunbeds located at the rooftop space reserved for hotel guests. To end a long day, book a table at Bodega Bonay, a swanky upscale restaurant that prides itself on its natural wines and innovative sharing plates. Be sure to order the popular sticky eel with cauliflower which will have you licking it right off the plate. You’ve been warned.

Address | Hotel Casa Bonay, Gran Via De Les Corts Catalanes 700, Barcelona, Spain

Click here to book.

Cotton House Hotel Autograph Collection

Set in a historic building dating back to the 19th century, the Cotton House Hotel was once a private palace and a key meeting point for leaders of the city’s textile industry. Meticulously restored by Barcelona’s famous designer, Lazaro Rosa-Violan, the colonial hotel is an architectural tapestry of Spanish history and modern design.

The hotel comprises 83 rooms, five of which are luxurious suites for guests looking to splurge on an upscale experience. Bright, cosy, and overlooking the block patios of Barcelona’s modernist Eixample district, each room is completed with a fluffy king-size bed and a spacious bathroom. Oh, did we mention bathroom products made with natural Mediterranean ingredients by Sicilian Ortigia? Time for some self-care. If you’re travelling for work, the hotel has a fully-equipped business centre suited for squeezing out that urgent report. On top of that, each room comes with a laptop-compatible safe and a comfortable work desk for those looking to get some work done with minimal distraction.

If you're into arts and culture, the Casa Calvet and Tivoli Theatre are just minutes away. Located in the heart of Downtown Barcelona where everything happens, the Cotton House Hotel might just be the perfect stay you’re hoping for. 

Address | Cotton House Hotel Autograph Collection, Gran Via De Les Corts Catalanes 670, Barcelona, Spain

Click here to book.

Mercer Hotel Barcelona

Nestled in the atmospheric Gothic Quarter, Mercer Hotel Barcelona weaves together medieval elements and contemporary styling. Incorporating the city’s ancient Roman wall and defence tower as part of its design, the palatial property exudes a historic charm unlike any other. The hotel offers 28 exclusive rooms of varied shapes and styles, many of which feature lightwood flooring and original brickwork of the defence tower. Talk about a piece of history! Each room is completed with handpicked designer furniture, handpicked artworks, a well-stocked minibar, and a much-appreciated Nespresso machine. When it comes to facilities, no stay is complete without a dip in the plunge pool that overlooks the ancient rooftops of the Gothic Quarter.

While tucked away in a secluded cobblestone alley, the hotel is within walking distance of many top attractions and restaurants in the city. For the best seafood meal, head over to Estimar (5-min walk), a family-run restaurant with over 100 years of history in the fish trade. 

Address | Mercer Hotel Barcelona, Carrer Dels Lledo 7, Barcelona, Spain

Click here to book.

The Barcelona Edition

Perched on the edge of El Born District, The Barcelona Edition is conveniently located within walking distance of top attractions such as the Barcelona Cathedral, Picasso Museum, Santa Caterina Market, and the city’s buzzing F&B scene. Raised to new life by Carlos Ferrater Studio, the rundown office building turned luxury hotel features 100 tech-forward guest rooms completed with custom-made amenities and a minibar.

Best of all, bordering the city’s medieval Old Town and the Modernist Eixample neighbourhood, guests are afforded a spectacular view of the cultural mosaic of Barcelona. If you have some cash to splash, go straight for the Loft Suite. The panoramic shower and bathtub overlooking Santa Catarina market and the rooftops of El Borne are a treat in themselves. For a lovely dinner, you can’t go wrong with a couple of insane pork sandwiches and a cold beer at Bar Brutal.

Address | The Barcelona Edition, Avinguda De Francesc Cambo 14, Barcelona, Spain

Click here to book.

---