El Born Archives - Love it There*

May 28, 2020August 22, 2022

Hotel Rec Barcelona

This new-build hotel near the Arc de Triomf is on my list for two reasons – it’s cheap by Barcelona standards, and because one of my favourite restaurants occupies half the ground floor.

Now, cheap and value may not actually equate. The Rec is not for you unless you don’t mind a small room. Standard rooms are only 15sqm. The Superior Deluxe rooms are better at 25sqm, but you’re paying more, obviously.

Still, the bigger rooms offer relative value. Plus, the Rec is an adults-only establishment, so if the pitter patter of little feet grate on you, this may be a good choice.

A rooftop terrace, with a pool, bar, and lounge round-out what is not a bad offering.

Book it here

What’s Nearby

Metro Arc de Triomf – 240m

Parc de la Ciutadella – 450m

Santa Caterina Market – 500m

Palau de la Música Catalana – 550m

El Born Cultural Centre – 600m

Picasso Museum – 650m

History Museum Plaça del Rei – 750m

Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar – 800m

Barcelona Cathedral – 850m

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May 26, 2020August 22, 2022

Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa

Lobby at the Yurbban Passage Hotel, Barcelona

Okay, it’s a bit of a cheat as an El Born hotel, as the Yurbban Passage fronts onto a street that is technically in the Eixample. The passage part refers to a public passage running under the hotel that takes you into El Born though, and that’s why we’re here.

This is actually an advantage – you have the convenience of the wider Eixample streets for your arrival, while the charms of both districts are at your doorstep.

Guest room at the Yurbban Passage Hotel & Spa

Rooms are fairly compact (21sqm) until you get to the suites (42sqm), and some face the interior – by which I mean they look out at the narrow passage – so for space and light you’re looking at Junior Suites and outward-facing rooms respectively.

There’s a cute little swimming pool on the rooftop, and a pretty funky-looking restaurant too (though I haven’t eaten there…)

Book it here.

What’s Nearby

Metro Urquinaona – 270m

Palau de la Música Catalana – 190m

Santa Caterina Market – 400m

Plaça de Catalunya – 550m

Barcelona Cathedral – 650m

History Museum Plaça del Rei – 650m

Picasso Museum – 750m

Parc de la Ciutadella – 850m

Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar – 850m

El Born Cultural Centre – 950m

Basílica de Santa Maria del Pi – 950m

Click here for more of Barcelona’s best hotels

Or here for Barcelona’s best bars and restaurants

Or here for the best things to see and do in Barcelona

May 26, 2020August 22, 2022

The Barcelona Edition

Famed hotelier Ian Schrager has an eye for on-trend cities and locations, and the newly-built Barcelona Edition hits both those nails on the head. Located right next to the fab Santa Caterina market, Edition is smack-bang in the middle of the Barcelona action.

With 100 rooms (which is at the edge of what I’d consider a boutique hotel) you get that feel that you’re more than a mere number here.

Rooms start at 24 sq m (258 sq ft), and are finished in neutral tones. You also get a Nespresso machine, and all the tech gadgetry you’d expect, including free Internet. Our pick would be the rooms with the Santa Caterina view, though the extra charge may be a bit much. Edition is hardly a budget option, though the location is hard to beat, and there are few new builds in this part of town.