Mercer Hotel Barcelona

"How often do you get to walk down an ancient cobblestoned alley to reach your hotel? Needless to say, the architecture is a rare treat for history buffs, and the location oozes charm. The narrow, winding path to the Mercer, through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, is partially built into the city’s ancient Roman wall, which dates back to the fourth century AD. Rooms at the Mercer are bright, spacious, and impeccably laid out; some have even been built into an ancient Roman defense tower, which means walls of gorgeous, centuries-old brickwork. The food here is superior, without being stuffy—you’ll find foie gras and caviar, yes, but also patatas bravas and beer. It's pricey here, but worth it. If you want an intimate, secluded, five-star boutique hotel—and you’re willing to splash the cash—there’s no better spot in Barcelona than the Mercer." - Gemma Askham, Isabelle Kliger

"Crossing the threshold of the Mercer is an emotional experience: you feel immediately that you’re stepping into a history that dates back over 2,000 years." - The MICHELIN Guide

"Walking the halls of the Mercer Hotel Barcelona is a bit like hanging out in a forward-thinking gallery of modern design, where the exhibits never close and management lets you stay the night." - Mark Fedeli

"This small, charming, well-located hotel is tucked away in the Gothic Quarter. With just 28 rooms, it occupies a sensitively restored building, retaining features from the first century to the 19th century, and it balances those original (and recovered) features with modern elements—as evidenced by the spectacular patio, filled with fragrant orange trees, that greets guests upon arrival. History creeps into the rooms, where original wooden ceilings and stone walls are beautifully blended with modern coffee-and-cream color schemes, flat-screen TVs, and rain showers. There’s also a library and rooftop terrace with a plunge pool—all of which, coupled with the excellent service, make this a fine destination hotel."