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This modernisme two-star hotel is over the top, completely embodying early twentieth-century Barcelona. While rooms are modern and have all the necessities—air conditioning, telephone, and satellite television—the hotel's old charm has been preserved in its entire ornate splendor. About one short block off the main tourist vein, Las Ramblas, Hotel España is also well situated in the heart of old-town Barcelona, with many important sights within walking distance.
Hotel España's glory days have passed and it is neither hip nor modern. Nonetheless, it's hard to forget that the hotel was once awarded a prize for its imaginative decoration by the city and owes its perhaps faded beauty to big name Catalan artists such as Ramón Casas and Domènech i Montaner.
The hotel's restaurant is worth a peek even if you don't stay to eat a very reasonably-priced meal. The restaurant walls are tiled with nude sea nymphs, jellyfish, and other wonderful sea-creatures, creating a bizarre yet intriguing dining environment. In addition, there's a lovely inner patio garden with tables and leather sofas. Some rooms have a view of the patio, and others have pleasant French balconies over the street.
The only thing we liked more than the interior design was the España staff. Everyone we chatted with was friendly and efficient, with a relaxed attitude that comes from experience.
One of the hotel's unfortunate drawbacks is its location. Sure, it's extremely central with all sorts of sites—including the Teatre Liceu Opera House—seconds from its doors. That said, it's the better part of wisdom to keep a tight hold on hand bags and cameras when heading down calle Sant Pau at night as you walk into the Raval and away from Las Ramblas. Nonetheless, Hotel España is a real gem which will appeal to those with an appreciation for art and architecture from the last century.
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