BARCELONA

Since being thrust into the spotlight when it hosted the 1992 Summer Olympics, Barcelona has become of the world's most charismatic cities. Its hotel scene has witnessed a similar rise, characterised by design-minded properties that range from high-end luxury pads to chic, affordable boltholes. Not that you have to head miles out of town to bag a bargain - most hotels are concentrated around the Gothic Quarter and the famous promenade Las Ramblas, or the Eixample, a neighbourhood of tree-lined avenues, chic boutiques, and some of Europe's most show-stopping architecture to boot.

- EDDI FIEGEL

Best for beach-lovers

HOTEL ARTS

One of Barcelona's greatest assets is its beach, and there's nowhere better to enjoy it than the city's original 'design' hotel, which opened in 1994 just a pebble's throw from the sand. Inside this landmark, 44-storey tower is contemporary glamour wherever you look, from the oversized chandeliers and marble floors in the lobby to the rooms with their quietly sophisticated taupe and ivory decor, Asprey bathroom products, and breathtaking views of the Med. Tuck into two-Michelin-starred fare at the restaurant or unwind in the superb rooftop spa. Bored of the beach? No problem - choose from the hotel's two outdoor pools instead.

ROOMS: From €330 (£274).

hotelartsbarcelona.com

Best for romantics

THE NERI

Hidden away down a narrow lane in Barcelona's historic Gothic Quarter, there's such a rarefied sense of hush and intimacy at this classy, converted 12th-century townhouse that it's hard to believe you're less than five minutes from the hubbub of Las Ramblas. The lobby sets a stylish tone on arrival, with contemporary lighting glowing against a wood-paneled ceiling and a sweeping, medieval stone staircase. The hotel's 22 rooms have a relaxed, modern feel with ivory walls, vibrant red rugs and luxurious bathrooms, and you'll find a plunge pool and loungers on the small rooftop terrace. The restaurant, meanwhile, serves up a mean line in Asian fusion fine dining, so there's no rush to leave the hotel when you get peckish.

ROOMS: From €270 (£224), room only.

hotelneri.com

Best for culture vultures

HOTEL CLARIS