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The unassuming entrance gives no hint to the gorgeous history meets modern design behind the giant carved wood doors in the Cotton House, a luxury 83 room boutique hotel in the heart of Barcelona. Built in 1879 for a Spanish family before being sold to the Cotton Textile Foundation, the first two floors retain their original design and are full of color and ornate detail. From the giant wall of framed mirrors that meets the marble floor of the reception, the calming effect of dining among the dozens of cotton bolts in different white hues in the Batuar restaurant to the rooftop pool and my personal favorite, the suspended spiral staircase – the Cotton House is one of the most beautiful and visually interesting hotels in Barcelona.
I arrived at 9:30am with no expectation of checking in but simply to store my luggage while I spent the day touring. However, between being offered bites of the chocolate-covered strawberries, the staff apologized for not having the room ready and offered to upgrade the room.

There are eight room grades and I ended up getting upgraded twice to the Cotton Room level complete with a balcony facing the terrace, king-size bed and huge walk-in shower and full bathtub. In contrast to the colorful opulence of the public areas the hotel room is elegantly simple with warm white tones covering the room, soft white leather chairs and headboard, impossibly soft bedding and backlit drawings of cotton that line the wall giving the room a warm feel.

This is the only hotel I took the stairs instead of the elevator every day. It was a joy winding my way around and looking up at the beautiful yellow globes of light that changed with the sun.

The staircase in the Cotton House Hotel is protected by the city of Barcelona as a historical architectural feat‬. Built in the 1960s it’s the first of its kind –  a hanging spiral staircase suspended by cables.

More beautiful spaces to be enjoyed:

The library where you can relax, read and enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea.

The rooftop pool has a view of the Sagrada Família and is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of touring – in the summer the crowd shows up around 2:30pm so plan accordingly to grab a chaise.

The L’Atelier “offers guests an artisanal tailor service provided by the professionals of Santa Eulalia, the most prestigious tailor establishment in Barcelona.”

The Gossypium is an “area we reinvent the traditional concierge service, by placing emphasis on offering each guest the information that is of most interest to him or her, whether it is cultural, artistic, about cuisine or practical.”

There is a gym, spa and beauty services offered.

The service is attentive and friendly, rooms are quiet at night, great music in the elevators and pool area and the temperature is kept at a comfortable level throughout the hotel. Located on the longest street in Catalonia, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, in the L’Eixample neighborhood Cotton House is close via foot, Metro and cab to major tourist destinations including Avinguda Gaudi, Rambla de Catalunya, Sagrada Família and Passeig de Gracia.

If you are a Marriott Elite member the delicious morning buffet is included in your room rate. Enjoy it inside the Bataur restaurant or on the terrace.