Hotel Villa Emilia, Barcelona

Pros

• You'll be placed in the left of the Eixample neighborhood, known for its block architecture and walkable boulevards, just a 2-minute walk from the Gran Vía.
• Rooms are spacious, soundproofed, and feature large windows, letting in plenty of natural light, though draped with blackout curtains for privacy if needed.
• The rooftop La Terrassa is a great spot to sip a gin cocktail and take in the wraparound views of the neighborhood.
• You'll have your choice of several dining options, including Bistrot's breakfast buffet and a la carte lunch and dinner offerings, as well as lighter fare from Zinc Bar and La Terrassa.
• If you visit on a Thursday or Saturday, La Terrassa features a made-to-order barbecue menu, straight from their rooftop grills.
• Past kimkim guests commend the staff for being exceptionally friendly and helpful.
• Across the street is a fruit stand with Spanish produce, great for picking up healthy snacks for a day of exploration.

Cons

• While there isn't an on-site spa, you can request an in-room massage.
• There's no on-site parking, but a nearby garage offers discounts, and the hotel provides bicycle rentals.

Authenticity

Originally a residential building the proprietor's grandmother, Emilia, lived in, this hotel was transformed in 2007 into the boutique space it is today. The design reflects a deep appreciation for furniture and craftsmanship (the owner's grandfather ran a carpentry shop nearby), mixing contemporary furnishings with antique and classic architectural elements like exposed brick walls and original wood floors. The decor is moody and playful with velvet furniture, stylized lighting fixtures, and heaps of artworks. This attention to detail showcases owners Katja and Antoine's commitment to creating a space that feels both personal and connected to the local culture. You'll also find a small gift-type shop space selling curated Barcelona-made items.

Location

Tucked a block away from the busy Gran Vía in the Eixample district, Villa Emilia is ideally located to explore the neighborhood—known for its block architecture and walkable boulevards filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants—on foot. You'll be in a quieter residential area. Yet, it's only 10 minutes on foot to Plaça d'Espanya, about 20 minutes to reach the Magic Fountain of Montjuïca, and just a 2-minute walk to access the Rocafort metro station, making it easy to explore farther afield. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

Rooms follow the moody vibe of the hotel's common spaces, keeping to an autumnal palette (mostly in the wallpapered feature wall and velvet furnishings and/or textiles). You'll find wood floors and contemporary furniture, artwork, mood lighting, and large windows that flood the rooms with natural light, while blackout curtains (and added soundproofing) ensure a restful night's sleep. Egyptian cotton sheets and L'Occitane toiletries add a nice touch. Most bathrooms, save the corner units (they have bathtubs), have a walk-in shower. Room categories include standard Double, Premium Double, standard Triple, and Premium Triple, with options for connecting rooms and city views from the upper floors.

Amenities

One of the hotel's highlights is its rooftop terrace, La Terrassa, with lounge seating and high-top tables interspersed by tropical plants and umbrellas, offering stunning views of the surrounding neighborhood. La Terrassa also serves wine, cocktails, and gourmet snacks, with special barbecue nights on Thursdays and Saturdays. Bistrot has a menu of fresh, seasonal dishes, and Zinc Bar features nightly live music and a cocktail menu with over 20 premium gins. You can indulge in in-room massages and facials, rent a bike from the front desk, and borrow an umbrella when it's raining or a Panama hat when you need that added sun protection.

Family-Friendliness

Although Hotel Villa Emilia is family-friendly, it offers limited amenities specifically for children. However, connecting rooms are available for larger groups, while the triple room offerings (premium and standard) sleep three guests, and cribs can be requested. An elevator ensures easy stroller access to all floors, and bicycles are available for rent.