Hotel Neri

Located within a pedestrian-only zone in the Gothic Quarter overlooking the historic Plaza Sant Felip Neri, Hotel Neri boasts a beautifully restored 18th-century exterior, which gives way to a luxurious interior of stone floors and walls, velvet couches and crystal chandeliers.

• The setting on Plaza Sant Felip Neri, one of the most charming squares in the Gothic Quarter (the setting for Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall’s en terrace lunch in Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
• The eclectic design aesthetic, which mixes elements from the building’s 18th century architecture and contemporary design flourishes.
• Soaking in the sun (or napping in the shade) on the verdant and tranquil rooftop garden

This intimate four-star hotel, 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 22 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. Neri’s “library,” decorated with velvet couches and glass chandeliers, is a groovy place to relax and peruse a selection of art books, novels, and travel magazines. Make sure to have at least one meal in the hotel’s tiny restaurant where the talented chef Sergio Ruiz successfully mixes traditional ingredients with modern techniques.

Those looking for accommodations in Barcelona’s historic district—the hotel is located on the picturesque Plaza Sant Felip Neri and overlooks a 12th-century stone wall—while enjoying simple, but comfortably designed contemporary interiors. Keep in mind that the Gothic Quarter is a popular nightlife destination so streets can be noisy late into the evening.