For a modern, spacious place to stay that's a short walk from the beach, one of Barcelona's favourite streets, and shops and restaurants new and old, check in to the Ilunion Barcelona.
Ilunion Barcelona is a modern, spacious hotel that lets you stay close to the beach and numerous amenities while making it easy to get out and about to see all you want to of Barcelona. All the bedrooms have a minimalist but comfortable design, with large windows to let in the light and provide views of the surrounding area. For business travellers, the hotel offers corporate single rooms that include a desk and twin beds, while nine bedrooms have been adapted to be fully accessible to all and that include turning room for wheelchairs, a wireless emergency button and alarm clock with vibration/light system. Triple rooms and junior suites (which include a private balcony, living-room and work area) are also available if you need/want more space. Among the services on offer, highlights include the rooftop pool from where you can relax with views of both city and sea, the restaurant serving a buffet breakfast and à la carte meals, a gym with the latest machines to help you stay in shape, and the opportunity to rent bikes to explore Barcelona at your own pace.
Location: Situated in the Poblenou neighbourhood of the city, you’re in a place where old and new come together to create an area of traditions and innovation. It's about 10 minutes from the beach, and there are also two shopping centres nearby, while just round the corner is the charming Rambla del Poblenou street, lined with cafés, shops and restaurants. The chimneys of the old factories that were once the focus of this working-class area tower in between modern apartment and office blocks, many of which are occupied by up-and-coming technology companies. Plentiful public transport options mean you can easily reach the rest of the city.
Nearby:
Belgious: Barcelona is pretty much a year-round ice cream destination. With its mild to scorching climate, there aren’t many days that you won’t fancy a cone brimming with delicious 'gelat'. For both classic and innovative flavours, head to Belgious on the semi-pedestrianised Rambla del Poblenou (which has been voted the best street in town by readers of Time Out Barcelona in recent times). Alongside vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, you’ll find mango made using fruit from Goa, pistachio with Iranian nuts, and even cannabis flavour.
Timesburg Poblenou: Premium burgers have become a Barcelona favourite in the past few years, and Timesburg has been at the forefront of giving this favourite food a do-over. Its first restaurant was opened in 2012 and today there are eight Timesburg eateries in the city as well as one in Madrid. With top-class ingredients including organic meat and veggie options, hand-cut chips fried in olive oil and a welcoming atmosphere, eating at Timesburg will make you appreciate how good a gourmet burger can be.
Brava Fabrics: Forget about boring white, blue and grey shirts and blouses, and instead pick up one of Brava Fabric’s eco-friendly pieces that feature prints such as watermelon slices, rubber ducks and even food trucks. Essential for the wardrobe of any true hipster as well as anyone who likes a bit of fun in their fashion.
Xiringuito Escribà: Staying at Ilunion, you’re just minutes from the beach. If you’re heading there and want somewhere special for a drink and something to eat, this beach bar ('xiringuito' in Catalan) is an excellent choice. Opened, interestingly, by the Escribà family of award-winning confectioners, you’ll find a lot more than just the typical tapas and sandwiches. The specialities are seafood and rice dishes, while the desserts are, of course, worth saving space for.
Good for: Both leisure and business travellers thanks to its location close to both shops, offices and the beach. As it’s a fully accessible hotel, it’s also ideal for any visitors with physical disabilities. If you’re looking for a different kind of place to stay, away from the crowds in the centre and with the chance to discover a more down-to-earth part of the city, while still being within easy reach of the unmissable landmarks, Ilunion is a great choice for you.
Amenities: Restaurant, Pool, Gym, Free WiFi, Work centre, Bike rental, Minibar, Bar, Room service (breakfast).
Time Out tip: Discover some local history with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Heart (Pere IV, 398). Selected as one of the loveliest 20 places in the city by Time Out Barcelona, it shows that there’s more to the city’s churches than the Sagrada Família and the Cathedral. While the spire looks like somewhere vampires might like to hole up, the rest of the building is a lesson in the art of tranquil, inspiring architecture. Just opposite is La Escocesa, one of the many former factories in the area, which has now become a centre for visual artists.