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NYT Likes the 360-Degree Views at the Barcelo Raval

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: Rambla del Raval, 17-21, Barcelona, Spain
June 8, 2009 at 8:47 AM | by | Comments (0)

Two things we love: Free Wi-Fi (duh) and a killer view. So naturally we're pretty excited about Barceló Raval, a hotel that opened last fall in Barcelona. Via the New York Times, we hear the hotel proffers 360-degree views from the roof terrace, which just so happens to also boast free Wi-Fi (offered throughout the rest of the hotel too). Um, yes please.

The Barcelo Raval is "meant to help anchor a bold urban revival program in Barcelona's famously seedy Raval neighborhood just west of the famous — and somewhat seedy itself — Rambla de Catalunya," reports the NYT, who also aads that a "bit of urban grit can be a good thing" in "bourgeois Barcelona." The 186-room hotel sits within walking distance of many of the city's attractions.

Highlights: The lobby has an open-plan that "works quite well at serving guests' needs," from meetings to nightcabs, in a casual setting. "A few well-placed walls and large sculptures help create a bit of mystery." Plus: "punchy colors, bold wallpaper and sexy, curvy furniture." Room decor is a mix of mod white furniture and plush fabrics, accents of acid green or hot pink. The room service menu is varied enough to be "worthy of one of Spain's gastronomic capitals," with quick service and reasonable rates. Rooms boast Nespresso coffee makers, and the gym is well-equipped with a sauna. Oh, and did we mention free Wi-Fi?

Lowlights: The bathroom is "more of a changing area with a wet zone." (Think vanity module with miror, closet nook, and frosted glass-walled shower booth.") The bed's headboard has a hot pink light glow that makes reading in bed feel "like reading in a nightclub."

Bottom line: "With rates that swing seasonally between 120 and 320 euros per night, the Barceló Raval offers a good bit of everything the city has to offer," the NYT concludes.

[Photo: Stefano Buonamici for The New York Times]

Hotels mentioned in this story

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