Serras Barcelona

Barcelona is no stranger to impressive boutique hotels, but even against stiff competition, Serras stands out. It’s rare here, or in any city for that matter, to find something that so effortlessly straddles the line between boutique chic and ultra-high-end luxury. It occupies a building of some distinction on the Passeig de Colom, where the Gothic Quarter meets Port Vell, which accounts for one of its most desirable attributes: the marina-facing rooftop pool deck, restaurant, and bar.

In its interiors the Serras confidently spans a century of architecture and design, and ends up feeling both timeless and completely up to date. The 28 rooms and suites start out cozy but quickly grow to generous proportions; the suites find space in their bedrooms for freestanding bathtubs. At all levels they’re furnished with thoughtful luxuries like Diptyque bath products, Nespresso machines, and ultra-comfortable Hypnos mattresses.

Equally important are Serras’ public spaces, from the chic Mezzanine Bar to the Rooftop restaurant and lounge, featuring a menu by chef Marc Gascons, who is also responsible for the hotel’s flagship restaurant, the modern-Catalan eatery Informal. Thee name sets a casual tone, but the cuisine is worth dressing up for.