Neri Hotel & Restaurant, Barcelona, Spain

Tucked away in the heart of Barcelona's Barri Gotic, the Neri Hotel & Restaurant stands out as one of the Barcelona’s best boutique hotels. Originally built as a private home in the 18th century, the boutique hotel oozes history and romance. Its location is enviable - a stone's throw from the Cathedral but delightfully secluded in the Plaza Sant Felip Neri.

Typical of buildings from this era, the front entrance was made to impress and it remains a grand and lofty space.

Inside, though, the Neri hotel’s designers have created an unabashedly vibrant and welcoming modern space. The front lounge is decorated in rich velvets of brown and red, with low lighting and dark corners, intimate but not at all brazen. Eclectic pieces of art breathe new life into the palace’s ancient stone walls, and the enormous glass and metalwork entryway is a masterpiece.

The facilities

If you can resist the urge to draw the drapes and sink into your bed while sipping champagne, pry yourself up and head to the boutique hotel’s rooftop terrace. Nestled among the ancient rooftops of the Barri Gotic, there is surely no better spot in Barcelona to enjoy a Spanish sunset. And as the city starts to come alive, migrate downstairs and enjoy delicious food and cool cocktails at Neri Restaurante.

The rooms

All of the Hotel Neri’s rooms are slightly different, providing a one of a kind experience every time you stay. The style of the boutique hotel is unique – perhaps best described as Neri chic, the perfect escape from the bustling world outside your window. Lots of attention has been paid to detail in this boutique hotel and it shows: everything is perfect and in its right place. Some of the rooms overlook the Plaza below, and the view only adds to the romance. If the budget allows, splurge on the junior suites, which all boast a sitting area and large, handsome granite bathrooms with double sinks and walk-in showers. In a word: fabulous.