Ranjan P.
Yelp
Hotel Neri--In the Gothic area of Barcelona (walking distance to Las Ramblas, though with the nature of its hard partying touristy vibe, not sure if this is a selling point), an intimate boutique hotel oozing history, a restaurant and bar area from the 12th century; gorgeous, minimalist, and chic, decor, contemporary pops of color on each floor, blazing fuschia or poppy red, vibrant citron yellow or chartreuse, striped royal purple rugs and deep plaited coral cushions--I love those unafraid and unapologetic about color. Upon checking in, we were offered drinks and espresso, fresh baked cookies in the welcoming lobby, textile loveseats and chairs. The customer service personalized and caring, attention to detail everywhere, e.g. in our room they'd placed an anniversary welcome basket with sweets, chocolate, and wine. Every morning we'd go down for breakfast, which would be Catalan toasted tomato bread with assorted fresh fruits and prosciutto, yogurts and daily baked pastries, also hot eggs cooked to order, pancakes, french toast and the like. The most heavenly cappuccino, whipped with frothy milk, strong espresso based. The service warm and informal, eager to please. Because the weather was warm, we'd often sit in their courtyard, which because it was such a historical place of interest, was a tourist attraction. The little yard was brick laden from hundreds of years ago, and was the backyard of a cathedral. We'd get up late and saunter down by 10:am, where tourists were in full swing, serious cameras strapped on, ready to take photos. It was surreal to sit and eat where others were coming to take in the specific historical sight. The hotel is tucked away in a tiny little alley, cobblestones, almost impossible to find, and were it not for the kind gentleman who picked us up from the airport, we'd have been permanently lost. Despite the ancient history of the location, the exterior of the place is surprisingly modern, all glass from floor to ceiling, which they lock for safety and buzz you in. Our room was cozy, with all modern conveniences, marble bathroom and tiling, twin sinks, bathtub and shower. But the real luxury was we had a suite on the penthouse with a private balcony, foliage and greenery, vines running up the walls for privacy, glorious flowers dotting the landscape, and wait for it ... a huge bathtub for two with jets and a massive rain shower outside on wooden planks! My husband couldn't resist that rain shower, though I don't get the appeal of water running into my face, pelting me, not my thing. Very romantic room, it felt like an indoor/outdoor sort of thing, but with gobs of privacy. Love it, and high recommend. It was well worth the extra $$. The hotel was kind enough to send the guy, who regaled us with stories on the drive to the hotel. Naturally, when we landed on September 22, it was Día Sin Coches or "no car" day in Barcelona, which meant many roads were closed to traffic ... so there we were with our big honker of an S Class black Mercedes driving down little alleys, passers-by turning to stare into the windows, truly it was the ultimate pimp mobile, and pretty funny, our driver negotiating all sorts of hair raising turns with shouting and yelling at cops ... no better intro to Barcelona :-)