Centrally

Centrally
located, cute and “curated”, Hotel Pulitzer is a great
affordable option when in Barcelona.
Despite being pegged just off busy La Rambla, tourist trapping this
not – only discerning travellers need apply (or rather, book). If
you’re after something that is both design-conscious and
pocket-friendly, Pulitzer’s arty feel (a nod to the city’s outputs)
is sure to appeal.

Check in at the ornate front desk, reclaimed from gilt-edged
panels taken from a Sicilian
church, and eye up the Brompton bikes for rent while you half
listen to the friendly staff’s rundown of breakfast – what time is
cut off again? In any event, with
tapas restaurants and trattorias lining the surrounding avenues
you won’t go hungry. But just to be clear, breakfast ends at
11am-ish.

Bedrooms

Minimalist with a focus on wood and graphics, framed prints fill
the walls of these (on the whole) well-sized rooms – book the
Pulitzer View room or above for
a little extra space. The Pulitzer Signature is very compact – if
you’re okay with shoeboxes this one’s for you. Room specs aside,
beds are comfortable, bathrooms are turquoise tiled and bath
products are from Malin + Goetz.

What’s for breakfast?

The Greenhouse is positively viridescent thanks to low-hanging
plants, potted succulents and plenty of table toppers. If you’re a
morning person, why not take a seat at the communal table? If you
run out of conversation quicker than they can replace the freshly
baked pastries, hover by the selection of cereals, fresh fruits and
cured meats until a) your table partner has vacated their seat or
b) the pastries are back in the barrel and you can ram them down
double time to avoid painful small talk. Better still? Take one to
go and skedaddle.

How about lunch and dinner?

Fancy dining in a gardener’s potting shed? If you’re a creature
of habit you won’t mind eating multiple meals in the same dining
space, and The Greenhouse plates up market-fresh produce
accompanied by organic wines. Open for lunch, with a weekly
changing menu featuring dishes like roasted pork loin with hazelnut
vinaigrette and prawn ravioli.

Is there a bar?

On balmy nights, head to the Pulitzer Terrace along with half of
your hotel, the city’s fashion set and a rotating selection of DJs.
Not quite rooftop weather? The sixth-floor Pulitzer Vermut terrace
serves up cocktails, music and a mucho impressivo tapas selection
of Catalan-style plates. For something more sedate, the Lobby Bar’s
couches are calling out. Have a cocktail or a cup of coffee with a
slab of cake and chill.

Amenities

Rent a Brompton bike from reception, book an in-room spa or
beauty treatment or schlep down to the nearby Holmes Place Fitness
Centre (guests can access facilities for a small fee). There’s
enough to explore in the city – having limited options at your
hotel is almost refreshing.

Things you should know

Don’t expect complete quiet at night – considering your central
location, the noise isn’t really something within the hotel’s
control. Dog lovers rejoice – the Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona is
pet-friendly, with one dog (weighing a maximum of 5kg) permitted
in-room at a surcharge of €25 per night.

Within a short walk you’ll find…

Stock up for a Catalan picnic at Mercat de la Boquería. Just off
La Rambla, it’s probably the most celebrated of Barcelona’s food
markets. Be sure to load up on jamon iberico and manchego
cheese.