Fashion House

With a name like “Fashion House,” it’s clear that this eight-room B&B has some pizzazz! Situated on the residential Carrer Bruc, this tastefully decorated hotel is near the center of the action and earns extra points for its nice owners and for having a lush patio garden.

The Fashion House feels like a “real” house with a cozy, laid-back vibe. The charismatic Italian owners have paid lots of attention to detail and cleanliness, and their hard work shows—the place is spotless! The location is in Eixample, a quiet, residential neighborhood that's only three blocks from Plaça Catalunya, the city’s central hub.

Rooms at the Fashion House are medium-sized, simple and tastefully decorated. The “less is more” rule applies here, leaving rooms uncluttered with just a table, lamp and maybe a wicker chair. The freshly painted walls are hung with framed sketches of Pharaohs and butterflies. The Fashion House offers double rooms with twin beds or a queen, plus double rooms with an extra bed. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and a television. Some have balconies (ask ahead for these). Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, but note that there are no safes to lock up your laptop.

Three average bathrooms are shared between seven guest rooms—so one bathroom to every two rooms. The suite has its own bathroom (not to mention a kitchen and private patio) and is by far the best room in the house.

Guests share a fabulous living and dining room area, which is outfitted with big armchairs and an intricate stone fireplace. But the best part about the Fashion House is its ample, flower-filled veranda, an oasis in the big city. It’s an ideal spot to chill after a busy day of shopping and exploring, and it’s also a lovely setting for a generous buffet-style breakfast spread with pastries, ham and cheese, toast, juices, fruit, yogurt and (of course!) café con leche. It’s available at an additional charge, but you’re likely to spend the same or more at a nearby bar.