Hotel Praktik Èssens, Barcelona

Pros

• Tucked down a hidden alleyway just off the buzzy Passeig de Gràcia, the location feels peaceful but close to the action.
• The hotel's entire theme is based around fragrance, with each floor offering a different twist on the olfactory pyramid. 
• Premium rooms include large terraces with sunbeds, waterfall showers, and tiled outdoor baths.
• The outdoor terrace is decked out with tables, sun loungers, and twinkly lights, and it features views over the world-renowned El Nacional restaurant.

Cons

• There's no on-site restaurant or bar, but you'll find complimentary coffee and pastries in the lounge each morning, and the hotel hosts an evening happy hour with drinks and snacks. 

Additional Notes From Yenyi

I visited a few Praktik Group hotels, but this one was by far my favorite. The location feels like a secret, down a little alley off the main street, and each room has such a good mix of minimalism and coziness. Personally, I'd go for one of the rooms with a private terrace and outdoor bath! Otherwise, I'd hang out in the lounge and enjoy the complimentary happy hour. 

Authenticity

Follow your nose down the small side street off Passeig de Gràcia to reach Hotel Praktik Essens, one of five boutique Praktik Group hotels dotted around Barcelona. Opened in 2019, this one's theme centers around olfactory memory (how smell can evoke memories), and the lobby doubles as a small perfumery, where you can pick up signature fragrance blends in the form of locally made candles, perfumes, and soaps. An award-winning architect converted the historic 19th-century building with neo-Arab arches and windows into stylish, airy spaces that preserve the original character, and there's a relaxed feel to the whole property, particularly during the evening happy hour on the terrace.

Location

An address on Passeig de Gràcia puts you in a fantastic location: the hotel feels tucked away in a quiet alley yet in the middle of all the action. You'll be steps away from the modernist mansions and ritzy boutiques of Passeig de Gràcia, and Gaudí's famous Casa Batlló is less than two blocks away. Plus, you're right next door to El Nacional, a world-famous eatery. Head one block in the other direction to find the Gothic Quarter, with your first stops being the central Plaça de Catalunya and the famous La Rambla. There's no on-site parking, but you'll find a public lot within a minute's walk. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 37 air-conditioned rooms all feature simple, minimalist decor with pale wood floors, whitewashed brick walls, and botanical-inspired art. Standard options overlook a small pedestrian walkway, so opt for a Superior for larger windows, more natural light, and a small seating area (the Superiors with a view of Paseo de Gràcia also include Juliet balconies). Premium rooms are the real standouts, with sunny private terraces complete with a double sunbed, a waterfall shower, and a built-in outdoor bathtub. The bathrooms are small but clean and modern, with moody royal-green tiling and rain-style showers. Some Standard rooms are wheelchair-accessible, and elevators provide access to the upper floors. 

Amenities

This is a smaller boutique property, so you won't find amenities like a pool or a spa, though the perfumery in the lobby is a fun feature—you can take home your favorite of the hotel's four signature fragrances. Another highlight is the lounge and outdoor terrace with comfy couches, sun loungers, and a coffee and tea station. There isn't a restaurant or bar on-site, but breakfast is offered at the restaurant next door, and you can grab complimentary coffee and pastries in the hotel lounge each morning. Don't miss the happy hour that happens every evening, with complimentary cava, wine, and savory snacks.

Family-Friendliness

Children of all ages are welcome, but the hotel caters more to adults, and kids ages three and up are charged as adults. Baby cribs are free, but extra beds (for kids ages four and up) cost extra. Premium rooms are best for families, with extra space and a sofa bed, but some Standard and Superior options also include sofa beds.