Fashion House

With a name like “Fashion House,” it’s clear this eight-room B&B has some pizzazz! Situated on the residential Carrer Bruc, the Fashion House is near the center of the action and has lots of tasteful flare.

Quick read

Pros: Residential, non-touristy neighborhood. Lush patio garden. Tastefully decorated. Nice owners.

Cons: Shared bathrooms. Not much nightlife in the area. Small. Limited reception hours.

Rooms

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.

Bathrooms

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

Hotel

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! 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 big-city Barcelona. It’s an ideal spot to chill after a busy day of shopping and exploring, and it’s also a lovely setting for breakfast.

Although Fashion House is classified as a B&B, breakfast is not included in the room rate—but a generous breakfast is available for purchase. For just €6 per person per day, guests can enjoy a buffet-style continental breakfast spread of pastries, ham and cheese, toast, juices, fruit, yogurt and (of course!) café con leche. This is a pretty good deal—you’re likely to spend the same or more to have a similar breakfast at a nearby bar.

One drawback to the Fashion House is its “morning-only” hours. Guests have keys and can come and go as they please, but reception hours are limited. Reception is open from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. After that time, guests can check in until midnight by appointment only—it’s advisable to contact the hotel with an estimated arrival time, and to make them aware of any delays.

Location

The Fashion House is located about two blocks from the Metro station Urquinaona (on the Yellow Line) and about three blocks from Plaça Catalunya, the city’s central hub. This area on the right side of Eixample is a quiet, residential and popular with well-to-do and upper-middle class families.

Don’t expect a lot in the way of bars and restaurants here, and there’s almost nothing going on as far as nightlife. The neighborhood is perfect for travelers who are not interested in partying all night, or second-time visitors who know their way around and are confident with a map and Metro schedule.

While the Fashion House is off the tourist track, it is near Passeig de Gracia (where Gaudí’s many wondrous buildings are located) and the Sagrada Familia. It’s also an easy walk from Palau de la Música and the Gothic Quarter. Another perk? You’re less likely to get pickpocketed here, as the thieves congregate in touristy parts of the city.

Transportation

Subway: The Fashion House is located just a short block from the Urquinaona Metro stop, which is serviced by both the Red Line/L1 and the Yellow Line/L4 (one of the best lines in the system).

From the Airport: To reach the Fashion House, your easiest bet is to take the Areobús to Plaça Catalunya. It's about a 10-minute walk from there.