Seventy Barcelona

"In short: Worth it? Why? Hotel Seventy is a visual wow. Built to blur the line between place-for-tourists and place-for-locals, colossal windows thaw the barrier with local life outside. Once those doors close behind you, however, you will gasp. The ceilings stretch higher than a supermodel’s legs, walls are made entirely of books, its tropical plants could rival Jack’s beanstalk for size, and, oh my gosh, all that light. This four-star’s impact goes to a galaxy way above.Set the scene: Why did the hotel catch your attention? The first thing that catches your eye from the street is that there are so many people in it. Is it a bar? A café? A workspace? The Seventy opened during the peak co-working craze of 2019, and it understandably wanted in on the action. So, with the check-in desk cleverly tucked away to the right, the lobby—an area so often relegated to dead space—is completely alive. Friends catch-up on sofas, work meetings take place from leather armchairs around marble coffee tables, visitors study Google Maps at the circular cocktail bar. The Seventy is abuzz, and that feels wonderful.What's the backstory? The Seventy is part of a cult Barcelona hotel family, with siblings in Hotel 1898 on Las Ramblas and the Hotel Rec, a buzzy three-star by Arc de Triomf that houses the excellent Fismuler restaurant. How are the rooms? The 152 rooms span six categories, from a cosy House Room to the ultra-braggable duo of Duplex Suites, which sit splendidly on the sixth floor, all outrageous views, king-size beds and unique perks, such as access to exclusive wines. But the standard specs aren’t a case of settling. Dark blue walls, bright-white linens and monochrome bathrooms create fresh, modern sleep spaces that feel larger than they are. That the décor still has that irresistible fresh gleam of a new launch is a bonus, too. Food and drink: What's on offer? There are two spaces to eat, both serving the same menu, and, boy, are they attractive. Outside, the Patio is a Mediterranean-infused oasis of olive trees, water features, and patterned floor tiles; inside, Kitchen & Timeless has living walls of plants and gets a stream of late-lunch sun. The menu is simple, but done well: wild mushroom croquettes, truffle risotto, and a daily fish special. Any other hotel features worth noting? Perks await on the upper and lower levels. The seventh-floor pool terrace offers satiation in the form of cooling dips and waiter service—for your pressing cava-and-olive needs—between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Downstairs, a vegan spa boasts another pool, a sauna and a steam room. Maximum vacation glow comes via the Seventy Lifting Facial, where organic cosmetics by local brand Scens are massaged in using skin-perking Kobido techniques. What about the neighborhood? The Seventy’s location is a selling point alone. It’s on the border of village-like Gràcia, with old-time plazas and hole-in-the-wall vermouth joints, and the fancier Eixample, which houses architectural bit-hitters such as La Sagrada Familia (just 20 minutes’ stroll away). And you’re only one block from Barcelona’s main shopping street, Passeig de Gràcia. There are local-approved eateries aplenty: tiny La Pepita across the street for tapas; Café Godot for caffeine top-ups; Ramen Yo Hiro for ramen accessed via a legendary down-the-street queue; Lo Pinyol for wine and a bite. How is the service? Service is decent, get-the-job-done stuff. The team in the spa, and the pro bartenders—who’ll happily whip up boozy and non-boozy cocktails to your taste preferences—get a particular nod. What's on offer for sustainability? It’s nice to see a ban on plastic water bottles here, as well as a car-sharing service. Anything else we should know? One last thing: Desperate to see a big sports event on TV while you’re away? The cinema room will screen can’t-miss events, such as international sport, on request." - Gemma Askham