Hotel Cortes

With 44 rooms and two stars, the Hotel Cortes is a no-fuss place—where rates, rooms, service and breakfast are just fine. It's a convenient option, located just off the city’s main old town drag, Las Ramblas.

Rooms at the Cortes are clean and spacious. Renovations replaced colorful accent walls of bright turquoise or grape purple and peach-colored curtains with modern decor in shades of gray. Some rooms offer views of a lovely interior courtyard. The decoration is sparse, with nothing more than the occasional canvas of mountains or birds.

All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, phone, mini-fridge and safe. Ten have small French balconies and a couple has terraces with tables and chairs (we suggest asking for these, as it’s a treat to have a sunny terrace in Barcelona). Rooms in the back of the hotel are the quietest.

The bathrooms, all private, are renovated and tiled in grey. Toiletries are provided, as are large mirrors and ample counter space. In addition, bathrooms have nice extras like hair dryers and bathtubs.

Downstairs, the cheery lobby doubles as a small lounge with a few couches and a free Internet station. Large meeting rooms are available for groups.

Breakfast is included, and the café-bar offers a daily lunch and dinner menu for €10.00 (a fabulous value). Wi-Fi is free throughout.

Location

Tucked away on Carrer Santa Anna, a precious pedestrian street beside Las Ramblas, the Hotel Cortes provides easy access to most of Barcelona’s old town sights. There’s plenty to do and see in the Barri Gotic—and plenty to buy! The hotel is close to Portal del Angel, Barcelona’s popular retail district, where Zara and Mango reign supreme.

Additionally, the Cortes is located near the Metro, and a hop, skip and a sip from Pl. Catalunya, the city’s main transportation hub. Many major sights are also nearby, including the Cathedral, Plaça Reial and La Boqueria Market. The Picasso Museum is within a 15-minute walk.

When it comes time to eat, you’ll want to avoid the tourist traps on Las Ramblas. Fortunately, there are many excellent restaurants and bars hidden in the alleys around the Cortes. Take in a tipple or a show or both at Antic Teatre (c/ Verdaguer i Callís 12), which has one of the best outdoor terraces in Barcelona.

Transportation

Subway: The Hotel Cortes is located on the Green Line/L3, just around the corner from the Plaça Catalunya stop.

From the Airport: Take the Areobús to Plaça Catalunya, and the Hotel Cortes is an easy walk from there.