Housed in the former headquarters of the city’s cotton guild, the splendid Cotton House Hotel, which is part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, has honoured its origins in various ways. As well as the many original features and pieces of furniture that grace its high-ceilinged spaces, you’ll see huge cotton-plant sprays, rooms with names like ‘Taffeta’, ‘Damask’ and ‘Ottoman’, and L’Atelier, a small salon with displays of cotton bolts where you can have your very own shirt made to measure.
Location
7/10
Although it’s a favourite with smart hotels, the Gran Via doesn’t have a great deal going for it in terms of neighbourhood appeal, shops or restaurants. It’s well connected for public transport, however, and a taxi can whisk you from here to anywhere in the city in a matter of minutes.
Style/character
10/10
As with so many of Barcelona’s new breed of design hotels, interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán has worked his magic over the Cotton House, combining the grace of the original building with modern artworks and bold colours. The result really is stunning.
Service
8/10
Considering that the staff at this ultra-new hotel are still cutting their teeth, they do a good job of welcoming guests, remembering names and providing everything they might need.
Rooms
8/10
The standard rooms are decently sized, immaculate and all-white, save the odd cotton-themed botanic print. Beds are huge, as are the shower cubicles (with rain shower).
Food & drink
8/10
The Batuar restaurant serves updated Catalan dishes all day long, and also doubles as the breakfast room (you can take breakfast out on the terrace if the weather is good). The cocktail bar sits within the dining room, but if you’re not eating, the loveliest place to drink is the library, still stacked high with original books.
Value for money
9/10
Doubles run from €196 (£142), excluding the lavish breakfast from €18 per person (£13). Wi-Fi free. It really is excellent value.
Access for guests with disabilities?
There are four bedrooms adapted for the disabled and a ramp for the swimming pool.
Family-friendly?
All but the lowest-priced rooms have sofa beds, and children under 12 stay for free.
