[HOTEL REVIEW] Melia Barcelona Sarria

The 333-room, upscale Melia Barcelona Sarria is designed with business travelers in mind, with a modern high-rise feel and fully equipped on-site convention center. Although the atmosphere is not intimate and lacks local color, modern guest rooms have every amenity, and some have great city views. The Level, an exclusive floor devoted to the finer things (think tapas and cocktails, panoramic views, and personal concierge service), is available for guests wanting a more luxurious experience. The on-site Yhi Wellness Spa is a serene place to relax after a long day of meetings, and the lovely fitness center is open 24 hours. The hotel is not in a popular tourist area, but cabs, buses, trolleys, and the metro are convenient and provide easy access to all Barcelona.

Pros

• Excellent for business travelers, with on-site convention center and ultra-modern business facilities
• Located 20 minutes from Barcelona Airport in the financial district, near luxury shopping
• Yhi Wellness Spa with indoor pool, sauna, Turkish hammam, and various treatments
• The Level, a floor with exclusive amenities, luxury freebies, and panoramic city views
• Modern rooms with dark wood and flat-screen TVs; some with city views
• Restaurante Ona serves Mediterranean cuisine and has extensive wine celler
• Breakfast buffet with gluten-free and celiac options (surcharge)
• 24-hour room service
• 24-hour fitness center is very clean, well-lit, and attractive with tile and wood
• Sustainable practices, from reduced energy use to selection of local food purveyors

 Cons

1. No free parking
2. Off the beaten track, 30-minute walk from Las Ramblas
3. Rooms are somewhat smal