29 March, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.