The One Barcelona
"How did it strike you on arrival?A bright, welcoming lobby combines cream and teal shades with warm fabrics and strikes just the right balance between contemporary and classic. What’s the crowd like?Well-traveled couples who prioritize a central location and first-rate service. Tell us about your room.You'd think a room labeled Cosy would be cramped, but I was pleasantly surprised by the sense of space. The One’s smallest room class is unconventionally expansive, with a large bathroom and king-size bed, to boot. With rates starting around $320 in low season, it's not a bad deal. If your taste veers more luxurious, the Terrace Suite Sagrada Família has its own private terrace, complete with a hot tub, chaises lounges, outdoor shower, and spectacular views of Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. It is also priced accordingly, starting from $1,600. How are the beds?The king-size bed comes with pure Egyptian-cotton sheets, high-end mattress with a soft feather topper, and a choice of goose-down or hypoallergenic pillows. You'll wake up feeling like a million euros. How are the in-room amenities?Tech is a priority here: Chromecast is installed on the flat-screen TVs, and bedside controls to open and close the blinds and activate the do-not-disturb sign. As for the minibar, don’t miss the local snack of choice: potato chips with Espinaler. Salty chips covered in this spicy, tangy sauce are a classic Barcelonan pre-dinner nibble, and should be sampled at least once during your stay. What's the bathroom like?The huge marble bathrooms all have spacious double washbasins and separate rain showers and toilet. The products are from Natura Bissé, a Barcelona brand. Is there Wi-Fi?Yes, free, strong Wi-Fi throughout. How's the service?The staff is smiley, and everyone goes out of their way to be helpful. It's clear this is a great place to work. Anything stand out about other services and features?All room rates include access to the elegant, relaxing Despacio spa. Somni Restaurant, led by chef Miguel Muñoz. Muñoz offers Mediterranean cuisine with an international twist, focusing on high-quality, local ingredients, Tuesday through Saturday. Guests can also eat and outside on the lovely roof terrace that is open year-round for lunch, dinner and drinks. And speaking of the roof terrace, plush lounge chairs, a plunge pool, and picture-perfect views of the city complete the five-star experience at the One. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The Cosy room probably has the best price-quality ratio of any five-star hotel room, anywhere in Barcelona." - Isabelle Kliger
