Sant Cugat H&R

Sant Cugat, the town, is an upscale suburb a few miles north and west of Barcelona proper; here, in a curvaceous modern building, is where you’ll find the Sant Cugat Hotel & Restaurant. Located adjacent to the cathedral, overlooking a park in the heart of the town, it’s in truth more business hotel than boutique. But don’t hold that against it — what a better world it would be if more business hotels were like this one.

For one thing, unlike most new purpose-built hotels, the Sant Cugat is full of striking architectural moments, from the sharp-edged almond-shaped atrium that rises through the center of the building, to the courtyard sheltered by the back side of the building’s curve. And despite the office-like facade, with rows of darkened windows looking out of a heavy stone bunker, the interiors are cheerful and airy — behind those windows lie 97 open-plan guest rooms decorated in a crisp minimal style, the gray-and-white palette livened by judiciously applied warm tones.

Though probably not the best option for soaking up the sights of central Barcelona, the Sant Cugat is convenient enough; you’re a short drive from the city, and a half-kilometer from the train station, which is linked to the city by both subway and surface lines.