PlanetEye

In the gothic part of the city Banys Orientals overlooks  Av. Argenteria, a cobblestone pedestrian street, lined with arty boutiques and equally unique restaurants. Fifteen years ago, this area of the city was somewhat run-down and dodgy. Now it's known as Barcelona's hippest neighborhood, and is especially popular with creative foreigners and cutting-edge Catalan designers and chefs. The Picasso Museum is located here, as is Maria Del Mar Church.

Attention to detail is of obvious importance at Banys Orientals and the entire hotel is decorated in a very modern, sleek style with cool modern perks, like Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions. Think 'old meets new...vintage meets modern'. Rooms in the back are queit while street-side rooms provide a bird's-eye-view of the area's nighlife, which is lively.

There's a fantastic restaurant on site, but be sure to make a reservation as it is popular with guests and non-guests alike. The restaurant's setting is over the top lovely, with wine red walls and crystal chandlers. The menu is fusion, with plenty of Spanish wines to choose from.

 Argentería 37, 08003

Barcelona, Spain

+93 26884 60

€82 - €98/ Suites €129 (plus tax)