An urban oasis founded by friends, Hotel Brummel is a mishmash of inspiration. Its aesthetic is dominated by references to the founders' numerous travels to Sri Lanka and their passion for Geoffrey Bawa's tropical modernism (think wide-open spaces and a focus on local resources). Once here, enjoy a leisurely meal, a swim, a drink and a sauna or just retreat to your room.

Rooms from £131

Located in Gràcia, a meeting point for grumpy grandpas and wealthy hipsters, Casa Gracia feels more like a house than a hotel (the clue is in the name). Great for groups and solo travellers, it offers a series of room types ranging from single or superior to dorm and apartment. In the summer, hang out in hammocks or chill on the sun-dappled terrace and when temperatures drop, make use of the private yoga room and library.

Rooms from £61

Centrally located, cute and "curated", Hotel Pulitzer is a great affordable option. Despite being pegged just off busy La Rambla, tourist trapping this not. Both design-conscious and pocket-friendly, Pulitzer's arty feel (a nod to the city's outputs) appeals. 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 as you wait for your room key.

Rooms from £150

Scattered all around downtown Barcelona, Room Mate's modern abodes are decked out with loud decor and quirky designs. If rainbow-hued curtains and lacquered surfaces aren't your vibe, we suggest giving Room Mate Hotels a miss. The collection does offer some more subdued options, but where's the fun in that? This is the land of Gaudí after all.

Rooms from £87

Thanks to Casa Bonay's cosy living-room feel, come evening you're just as likely to find one of the hotel's 70-year-old neighbours dancing on a sofa to DJ-spun tunes as you are a millennial tourist. It's a hotel but there's also a juice bar, coffee roaster, independent book store, 24-hour shop and a two-in-one restaurant all under one roof - so expect a lot of day guests. In contrast to Casa Bonay's shared spaces, bedrooms are minimalist and modest.

Rooms from £121

This former furniture warehouse has had quite the makeover. Simple, box-style rooms are given a lift with works by local and up-and-coming artists positioned on most walls, while The Salon in the lobby begs guests to linger (the free coffee helps too). The Duplex Loft sleeps up to four people (draw straws for who sleeps on the sofa bed) and adds up to one of the most affordable (while still design-forward) hotel options in town.

Rooms from £125

We really hope you like the colour red; there's lashings of it at Casa Camper. Situated in the El Raval area, Casa Camper is your launchpad into a neighbourhood full of galleries, local restaurants and wine bars. Inside, rooms are paired back, letting the downstairs Michelin-starred Dos Palillos take centre stage. Enjoy your fill of oriental cuisine and Spanish tapas prepared by Albert Raurich, former chef de cuisine at El Bulli.

Rooms from £130