Ohla Hotel

The swanky, 74-room Ohla Hotel is located on Via Laietana, one of Barcelona’s grand 20th-century thoroughfares, within easy walking distance of upscale shopping and dining on the Passeig de Gracia as well as hip restaurants, bars, and shops in the trendy Born neighborhood.

• The glass-sided rooftop pool where guests can take a dip while soaking in the Barcelona skyline
• Bathrooms stocked with Prija products, which are made in Italy from all natural materials and come in rustic-chic recycled packaging
• The bartender at the intimate Boutique Bar who was named best barman in Spain in 2012 – and his cocktails that reflect his skill

The slick and modern interior design of Ohla Hotel contrasts dark accessories with glass and light wood furnishings. From the black marble floors in the lobby, to the “eyes” decorating the buildings’ exterior (a striking artwork by Frederic Amat), to the see-through shower stalls that take center stage in some of the guest rooms, Ohla’s vibe is fun, young, and sexy. Though the décor is trendy, the rooms and the public spaces (which include a glass-sided rooftop pool, a boutique cocktail bar and the Michelin-starred Sauc restaurant) are ultimately elegant, upscale and comfortable. The ground level is split between three spaces: an intimate lobby with a few comfortable black arm chairs and a sleek concierge desk (the main reception area is one flight up the circular white staircase, on level .5); the Ohla Gastrobar’s large sunlit open-kitchen dining room; and the sultry Boutique Bar, which opens at 5pm for drinks and bar snacks.

Ohla’s guestrooms feature high ceilings, large window and décor in shades of gray. Minimalist suede sectionals create a nice sitting area and, in certain rooms, the wooden desk stretches into the bathroom so that the same piece of light-colored wood becomes the platform for twin white ceramic sink basins. Many of the bathrooms are open in this way, giving the rooms a loft-like airiness. Those who prefer more privacy, however, should request a room with an enclosed bathroom—lest you be surprised to find a glass shower-stall in the middle of your bedroom.

In addition to its two great restaurants and hip cocktail bar, the hotel’s best feature is its rooftop terrace, which centers on a dramatic glass-sided pool and is furnished with lounge chairs and four-poster daybeds. This so-called “Chill-out Terrace” is perfect for exactly that. Thankfully, this is not a party spot with a DJ and dancing, but rather a lovely spot for a drink or to curl up with a book. Non-guests can enjoy the view and the bar too, but only after 7pm, which means that afternoons up on the roof are quiet and calm.

Those looking for a posh experience that includes the latest trends in design, food and drink.