Neri Hotel

Boutique hotel in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, stylish and small in a brilliant location

Tucked away behind the commanding cathedral, the heart of Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic, is one of the quietest corners of this bustling district. Here, what was once a medieval cemetery is now the shady plaza Sant Felip Neri. Enclosed by its namesake baroque church, a primary boys school and a shoe museum (!) with a few ubiquitous gypsy guitarists snoozing under the large laburnam tree, this square could only get more eclectic if, say, a boutique hotel opened in it. And that’s exactly what Neri did.

It’s actually the hotel’s swish restaurant/bar that opens onto the square; the front entrance is off the narrow street of San Sever. Typical of the 18th century palace Neri was in its former life, its reception area is lofty, grand and made to impress. But not overly so, because the designers have shaken off the onerous formality of its haughty past and created a vibrant, polished and light-filled space that feels truly modern. With its chic interiors, 22 stylish rooms and upscale dining, the Neri is at the forefront of the hip, small hotels that have previously been so scarce in Barcelona.

Highs

• The suites are cool (the air conditioning is perfectly unobtrusive) and high-class
• The staff are friendly and helpful
• You'll find all the latest mod cons in the rooms, including plasma TVs, high-tech stereos and welcome chill-out CDs
• This is a great location, near the cathedral, the Ramblas and the city's nightlife
• The food in the restaurant is especially good
• The setting is surprisingly quiet for the Barri Gòtic

Lows

• It's in a pedestrian zone, so contact the hotel for luggage assistance for the final 200m
• This is the hub of Barcelona's pickpockets' haven, so keep an eye on your wallet
• You can hear the noise of school children during term time in the rooms facing the square
• Rooms are sometimes not made up until late afternoon