Hotel Praktik Èssens

Hotel · la Dreta de l'Eixample

1

@cntraveler

"What's the vibe?Most of Barcelona’s alleyway action happens in the Old Town, where passageways the width of a couple holding hands contain secret boutiques. But one of our favorite streets-with-a-treat can be found off Eixample’s Passeig de Gràcia. At the end, there’s the pink-walled El Nacional, a car park–turned–restaurant complex with stunning Art Deco interiors, an oyster bar, and a tapas joint where waiters sing the names of dishes and you order via a me-me-me hand wave. As of 2019, it also has a new neighbor: Hotel Praktik Èssens. The building is a respectful renovation of architect Domènec Bale’s 19th-century Neo-Arab design. Look for the simple black sign set between two olive trees. Give us the backstory on this place.Praktik Èssens is the fifth property from Praktik, a Barcelona boutique hotel brand. Each one boasts a different value proposition: Praktik Vinoteca offers wine tastings, for example, while Praktik Bakery has an in-house bread shop. Èssens is the first hotel-cum-perfumery. If you fail to spot its subtle sign, simply smell your way to check-in. What room category should we book?Get the Premium with Terrace. The other rooms may be great, but that terrace is a feat of beauty: 270 square feet of decking with a waterfall shower, a double day bed, and—squeal!—a teal-tiled outdoor bathtub. How's the Wi-Fi?There’s free wi-fi throughout. What's the dining and drinking scene like?What to do when you have no restaurant? Collaborate with the buzzy brunch spot up the street. Reception offers three packages, from simple croissants to fully cooked feasts. How did you find the service?There's always a risk that stunty details—say, that perfume element—could feel superfluous or forced. Here, though, as a means to personalize your stay, it lends a nice, elegant touch. On arrival, pick your favorite of three perfumes, and watch as all of your toiletries (hand soap, body lotion, shampoo, and conditioner) materialize in that scent. Who stays here?People smug about having scored one of the best—if not the best—hotel location in the city. And everyone smells nice, too. How's the neighborhood?A quiet alley, in the city center, within arm's reach of a gazillion major attractions and restaurants. You get the scene, but you can also get a perfect night's sleep. Win-win. Is there anything you'd change?The coffee area and terrace on the first floor is crying out for an honesty bar with booze. What's the bottom line?This hotel enjoys the ultimate location and has features that are easy on the eyes—and the nose." - Gemma Askham

Hotel Praktik Èssens
Courtesy Hotel Praktik Èssens

Pg. de Gràcia, 24, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain Get directions

hotelpraktikessens.com

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Bangkok Cafè

Thai restaurant · les Corts

This cozy gem in Les Corts serves up vibrant Thai dishes like spicy curries and spring rolls, all in a stylish atmosphere perfect for a quick bite.

1 Postcard

Santa Eulalia

Clothing store · la Dreta de l'Eixample

This chic 180-year-old boutique in Barcelona pairs exceptional customer service with an exclusive selection of high-end fashion, all set in a stylish atmosphere with a hidden bar and cozy garden.

3 Postcards

Numa | Roca Rooms & Apartments

Hotel · la Dreta de l'Eixample

Hip property offering retro-chic rooms & suites, plus a down-to-earth coffee shop. Occupying an art nouveau building in the high-end Eixample district, this hip hotel is a minute’s walk from Girona metro station, and 12 minutes from Gaudí’s 2 iconic houses, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. The retro-chic rooms are individually decorated with vintage furniture, and feature Wi-Fi and smart TVs. Upgraded rooms add balconies, some overlooking an internal courtyard, while suites add living rooms with pull-out sofas, as well as kitchenettes or full kitchens. There's a casual coffee shop with a terrace on the street. Breakfast is available.

0 Postcards

El Born Center for Culture and Memory

Cultural center · La Barceloneta

Discover the El Born Center for Culture and Memory, a vibrant space that melds a restored market with 1700s city ruins, free entry, and rich Barcelona history.

2 Postcards

Aparthotel Silver Barcelona

Hotel · la Vila de Gracia

Bright, sleek rooms offering Wi-Fi & kitchenettes, plus a lush, private garden with seating. A 2-minute walk from Antoni Gaudí's Casa Vicens, this unassuming apartment hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Gràcia metro station and 3 km from Catalunya Square. The bright, sleek rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and microwaves. Upgraded rooms add furnished balconies and/or sofas. A private garden has seating and a casual bar. Parking and continental breakfast are available.

0 Postcards

Mercat de la Barceloneta

Fresh food market · la Barceloneta

Dive into this vibrant 19th-century market filled with fresh seafood, lively tapas bars, and an array of local delights that are a must-try.

2 Postcards

CruiX

Restaurant · la Nova Esquerra de l'Eixample

Cruix is a cozy, brick-lined haven serving imaginative tapas and tasting menus that wow diners without breaking the bank—perfect for foodies on a budget.

4 Postcards

Hotel Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella

Hotel · el Parc i la Llacuna del Poblenou

Streamlined rooms in a cosmopolitan hotel featuring a trendy lobby lounge with a bar. Across from sprawling Parc de la Ciutadella, this modern hotel on a tree-lined thoroughfare is a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station and 2 km from the lively La Rambla pedestrian mall. Bright rooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as flat-screen TVs, rainfall showers and sitting areas. Upgraded rooms add terraces and/or city views. A breakfast buffet (surcharge) is served in an airy, trendy lobby lounge that has a bar.

2 Postcards

RíasKRU

Seafood restaurant · el Poble Sec

Dive into RíasKru in El Poble Sec, where fresh seafood and inventive Spanish dishes collide in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

2 Postcards

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hotel · la Barceloneta

Nestled in a sleek high-rise with stunning views, this luxe hotel offers refined accommodations, an exceptional breakfast buffet, and a top-notch spa.

7 Postcards