Cuatro Naciones

The two-star Hotel Cuatro Naciones has been providing basic rooms on Las Ramblas for more than 250 years. Turn-of-the-last-century style unfolds in a lobby decked out with high crown molding, wrought ironwork and marble galore, all in a low-key environment.

Against Barcelona's new wave of boutique hotels, the Cuatro Naciones is a tame and basic option. That said, it has a fascinating history and an appealing style of its own—and rooms are spotlessly clean.

A marble staircase leads to 54 simple rooms with white walls and restrained pink bedspreads and curtains. Rooms are a bit dated but rather spacious and quite clean. Floors are smooth stone mosaic.

All rooms at the Hotel Cuatro Naciones are equipped with air conditioning, a television, phone, safe and free Wi-Fi. Fourteen of them offer sweeping views of Las Ramblas, along with tiny balconies. (We'd expect these to be quite noisy and suggest that those who value deep sleep request back-facing rooms.)

The private bathrooms are basic but clean. All have bathtubs except those which have been modified for people with disabilities.

It may be simple and unassuming today, but the Hotel Cuatro Naciones has a long and storied history. It was founded in the early 18th century (by, it is said, the Italian family who introduced coffee shops to Spain), provided a refuge for those fleeing the French Revolution, and became a playground of the glitterati during the Romantic period (the mid-1800s).

The first-floor salon is a must-see, as it features hotel-related news clippings through the ages, as well as signed photos and memorabilia from the most famous guests of the Cuatro Naciones. This fancy guest history includes Stendahl, Frederic-Francois Chopin, Ulysses S. Grant, Buffalo Bill and Albert Einstein.

Breakfast is included in the room rate.

Location

Many Barcelona “musts” are near the Hotel Cuatro Naciones, including as Plaça Reial, the Cathedral, La Boqueria Market and of course all the entertainment that is Las Ramblas. The beach is an easy walk from the hotel (15-20 minutes).

To dine like a local, don’t eat on Las Ramblas. Instead, venture into the Gothic Quarter for dinner at El Salon (Hostal d’en Sol 6-8) or drinks at Milk Bar (Gignas 21).

This is also an excellent area to find live music and bohemian/hipster bars. Polaroid (Codols 29) is fun, or try the clubs and concert halls on Plaça Reial for live music most nights, and Harlem Jazz Club for live shows every night.

Transportation

Subway: The Hotel Cuatro Naciones is located on the Green Line/L3. You can get off at either Drassanes or Liceu (which is named for the Opera House across the street—well worth seeing).

From the Airport: To reach the Cuatro Naciones from the airport, take the RENFE Cercanías train (departs about every 20 minutes from T2) to Passeig de Gracia, and then transfer to the Green Line/L3 Metro to Liceu.