Ohla Barcelona, Barcelona

Pros

• The hotel is in Barcelona's old town, just five minutes from Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Eixample and Barceloneta are also nearby.
• The rooftop infinity pool offers panoramic city views and is exclusive to hotel guests from 8 am to 6 pm, with a bar serving Spanish dishes and cocktails.
• The hotel's distinctive design combines modern Barcelona with Catalan Gothic architecture, with quirky touches such as the surrealist ceramic eyes set into the neoclassical building.
• Rooms feature hardwood floors, cushioned headboards, and minimalist decorations, offering comfort with a selection of sheets and pillows.
• Three on-site restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Caelis, offer numerous dining options.
• The small spa offers various treatments, including massages and facials, and has a sauna and hair salon.

Cons

• The hotel's central location on Via Laietana can mean lower-floor rooms get street noise.
• Cleanliness could be improved. Some travelers report dirty showers and toilets, dusty larger rooms, and debris and grime in the rooftop pool area.

Authenticity

Ohla Barcelona occupies a renovated 1920s department store and blends modern and historical elements. It features some eccentric design touches from artist Frederic Amat, such as the surrealist ceramic eyes looking out from the neoclassical facade, explaining the nickname "the hotel with eyes." The interior features wooden floors and white linens contrasting with black bathroom walls and floors. The hotel opened in 2011 following extensive renovations by architect Daniel Isern, whose design reflects a dialogue between modern Barcelona and Catalan Gothic architecture.

Location

The hotel's location in Barri Gòtic in Barcelona's old town makes Ohla Barcelona perfectly positioned for exploring the city's key attractions. It's a five-minute walk from Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, with Eixample and Barceloneta nearby. Sant Miquel Beach is a 10-minute car ride or a 15-minute bus ride. The nearest metro station, Urquinaona, is just a two-minute walk away. Ohla Barcelona resides on the busy Via Laietana, putting travelers at the center of the tourist action, with shopping, restaurants, and bars steps away.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The rooms at Ohla Barcelona feature a mix of black and white tones, cushioned headboards, hardwood floors, and a design that combines minimalism with a cozy vibe. Essential Rooms offer views of the landscaped courtyard, while Design and Deluxe Rooms feature open floor plans and glass-enclosed bathrooms with natural light from large windows. Junior Suites and Deluxe Junior Suites provide spacious living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views. The Dome Suite is a penthouse with two floors, a private terrace, and luxurious decor, including blue velvet furniture and contemporary art.

Amenities

The hotel has a small, unheated rooftop infinity pool on the eighth floor overlooking the city. The area around the pool has lounge chairs and cabanas, and between 8 am and 6 pm is exclusive to hotel guests. The rooftop bar serves a full menu of Spanish dishes to share and cocktails, making it a popular nightlife spot with live music. Ohla Barcelona also has a small spa with a sauna, a treatment room, and a hair salon. Dining options include the Michelin-starred Caelis, the creative tapas bar La Plassohla, and the Rooftop bar.

Family-Friendliness

Although Ohla Barcelona caters more to adult travelers, families with small children are welcome. Children up to age three stay for free, with baby cribs provided. Deluxe or Junior Suites are best for families due to their spacious layouts. While no specific activities or menus exist for kids, the hotel is stroller-friendly, with elevators accessing the upper floors.