Hotel Actual, Eixample, Barcelona, Spain - Explore & Book
"Just round the corner from - and with views of - Gaudí’s famous La Pedrera building, Hotel Actual is refreshingly simple and efficient, catering to business people during the week and visitors during the weekends. Owned by the trendy interiors shop Gimeno 102 on Passeig de Gràcia, it's full of stylish touches, from the beautiful flower arrangements to the mellow jazz music played in the lobby. Bedrooms are identikit-cool - modern, minimalistic and two-tone - but with enough comforts to feel welcoming. Junior Suites provide a dash of exuberance, with intricately painted ceilings and the odd chandelier. Reception staff add to that with excellent English and handy tips on tapas and tourism, as well as free maps. There's an excellent buffet breakfast, and more cafés plus a metro stop around the corner. If staying in, head up to the roof where you'll find a terracotta-tiled terrace and seats primed for admiring one of Gaudi's best works, minus the crowds. Highs Location, location, location - this is a fantastic setting for sightseeing and shopping The rooms at the back have views over the amazing chimney stacks of La Pedrera Soak up the sunshine on the roof terrace while admiring the magnificent La Pedrera The reception desk staff were very helpful when we stayed Offers good value in the centre of the city Lows Mixed feedback recently, especially regarding service The rooms aren't huge and most have twin rather than double beds There's some internal noise and occasional street noise - light sleepers beware You may feel the metro rumbling beneath the building every now and then, but it wasn't enough to disturb us Some rooms don't have views, but cheaper rates compensate for this" - Laila Ram
