Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection

"Smart hotels in this city often hew to a certain mod-minimal, design-agency template. The Cotton House in Eixample, though, is very different—a riot of neoclassical joy in a 19th-century cotton guild, which makes me smile every time. Interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán is well known for his designs across Barcelona, including the Edition—but it’s hard to think he’s ever had more fun than with the Belle Epoque features here, from its old parquet floors to the wood-paneled ceilings and grand spiraling staircases. The cotton theme runs through the orb-shaped chandeliers, like cotton flowers; the 300-thread Egyptian-cotton sheets in the more minimal rooms; and the fact that guests can order candy-colored, hand-stitched shirts from the very sharp concierge desk, which is known as the Gossypium (the Latin name for the genus of plants that produce cotton). The style is grown-up, but a chintzy wink is never far away." - Gemma Askham, Isabelle Kliger

"Authentic neoclassical details, like parquet flooring and a marble staircase, set the tone for this impeccably designed hotel. Located in the 19th-century headquarters of the city’s Cotton Guild, the hotel was refurbished and transformed into a modern boutique hotel in 2015 with a small gym, in-room Nespresso machines, and a rooftop pool with an incredible view of the Sagrada Familia." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"How did it strike you on arrival?Cotton House Hotel is set in a historic building that dates back to the 19th century, and was first built as a private palace before being converted into the headquarters of the Cotton Textile Foundation. Once a meeting point for the leaders of the city's prosperous textile industry, the building has been magnificently restored by Barcelona’s most famous interior designer, Lázaro Rosa-Violán, who is best known for his ability to blend historic detail and modern design in perfect harmony. Cotton House Hotel might just be his best work to date. What’s the crowd like?Cotton House seldom attracts business travelers; instead, it appeals almost exclusively to leisure guests. The dress code is casual during the day and more formal at night, although Barcelona is generally a very laid-back city, and few places require guests to dress up even in the evening. Tell us about your room.Cotton House Hotel has 83 rooms, five of which are spacious suites. Its Cotton rooms are bright and quiet, overlooking one of the typical block patios of Barcelona’s modernist Eixample district, as well as the hotel’s delightful interior courtyard. Rooms have king-size beds and fairly spacious bathrooms with both shower and bathtub. The finishing touch is a pleasant terrace where you can enjoy your morning café cortado like a true Barcelonan. Some of the rooms on the upper floors even have a peekaboo sea view. How are the beds?The comfy beds and fresh, crisp bed linens ensure a perfect night's sleep. How are the bathrooms?Most rooms feature both a shower and bathtub and also come with luxe towels, honeycomb bathrobes, and slippers by the local Bassols label. Bathroom products are made with 100-percent-natural Mediterranean ingredients by Sicilian brand Ortigia. Is there Wi-Fi?Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel for guests and visitors. Room service: Worth it?Room service is available 24/7, starting with breakfast on through to the late-night snacks menu, which has everything from sandwiches to hearty full meals. Anything stand out about other services and features?The Cotton House has a charming interior patio with lush vegetation, where meals from the Batuar Bar & Restaurant are served (weather permitting). Some weekends, the patio also houses a market where local designers display their wares. The library invites hotel guests to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax over a traditional English afternoon tea (or cocktail, if you need something stronger). The hotel continues to honor the building's textile history, offering guests an alterations service provided by the professionals at Santa Eulalia, the most prestigious tailors in Barcelona. At the in-house atelier, the tailors take your measurements, help you select fabrics, and make the desired garments to your exact specifications. What was most memorable about your stay?The Cotton House checks just about every box on the list: an impeccably designed, modern hotel in a splendid historic setting, offering comfortable rooms, and superb common spaces, both indoors and out. Bottom line: worth it?Service here isn’t the quickest in town but the overall comfort and beauty of your surroundings more than make up for it – providing you don’t have a plane to catch! Room rates start around $350 in the low season—a good deal for a hotel of this caliber." - Isabelle Kliger