Barcelona: Where to Stay: Boutique: Hotel Neri

Hotel Neri

This intimate four-star, hidden in the Jewish quarter of the Barri Gòtic, is housed in a small 18th-century palace. Since it’s located within a pedestrian-only zone, guests must be dropped off at Plaça d’Antoni Maura and walk a few minutes to get there. Once you arrive, however, you’ll forgive the nuisance. The Neri’s beautifully restored exterior contains a luxurious interior: stone floors and walls, velvet couches and crystal chandeliers. The twenty-two rooms have dramatic silk drapes and all-glass shower stalls. The thick stones walls keep out most noise, but the most peaceful room is 305. Make sure to have at least one meal in the hotel’s tiny restaurant. Like the hotel itself, talented chef Sergio Ruiz successfully mixes traditional ingredients with modern techniques. Rooms from $400.