Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel

The Catalan capital is no stranger to design-oriented boutique hotels — maybe only Buenos Aires has more, on a per capita basis. But Barcelona’s stylish yet relatively understated Yurbban Trafalgar has something not many of its competitors can match: a pint-sized roof terrace, complete with plunge pool, offering far-ranging views of a city that’s more commonly seen from street level.

Open air is especially welcome if you’re staying in one of the Tiny rooms — their words, not ours — though, to be fair, these Tiny rooms are efficiently laid out, and feel more cozy than cramped. There’s always the option of upgrading of course, and the Junior Suites are relatively expansive. All are outfitted in the same eye-catching gray-and-yellow scheme, and at every level there’s the option of a terrace, for just a little more outdoor space.

Grab a bite at the sandwich bar, have a cocktail on the rooftop, or check out a bike and explore the city. When it comes to services, it’s clear Yurbban Trafalgar has the youth market in mind. This is the demographic, after all, that scoffs at paying for wi-fi — and for whom a free self-service laundry machine is worth its weight in gold.