Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel, Barcelona

Pros

• Relax at the rooftop pool, bar, and lounge area, considered one of the top five rooftop terraces in the city.
• The hotel self-describes its breakfast buffet as "just like the olden days," with comforting and healthy options.
• The on-site restaurant offers "daring" options, private dining experiences, and creative cooking workshops.
• Guests can head to the fitness center or rent a vintage-looking Finna Barcelona bike or longboard for some exercise.
• As an eco-friendly hotel, the property earned a ​​Class A Building Certification thanks to its efficiency in energy, air-conditioning, and thermal insulation.

Cons

• Though cozy, the rooms are simple and don't seem to match the rest of the hotel's hip style and vibe.
• The swimming pool is small and gets busy quickly.
• The rooftop bar is open to the public, and you might have to wait in line at peak times.
• Children under 15 years old are not permitted.

Additional Notes From Ash

Is it possible to fall in love with a hotel? This place does everything right, from its relaxed reception (you'll sit down with a staff member to check in and discuss your stay) to its focus on local living and community support. I had dinner at the restaurant—yum—and a drink on the rooftop (one of the city's best), but I mostly wished I was staying at the hotel to rent one of the vintage Finna bikes! 

Authenticity

Yurbban Trafalgar's motto is "live as a native," and the hotel strives to provide a local experience for guests. You'll find regional products throughout the hotel, including in its shop, decor, dining, and city maps featuring local businesses, green spaces, and tips on being a "visitor" rather than a tourist. The hotel also supports several community projects, such as planting olive trees and donating to programs assisting the youth and elderly.

Location

Set next door to its sister hotel, Yurbban Trafalgar is near the historic merchants' passage with the lodging's adorable flower market. You'll be equidistant from the Arc de Triomf and Plaça de Catalunya and within walking distance of sites like La Rambla, Mercat de la Boqueria, Passeig de Gràcia, and Barcelona Cathedral. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

If you're looking for more style and sophistication in your room choices, we suggest staying at the hotel's sister property next door, Yurbban Passage. Here at Yurbban Trafalgar, the rooms feel a bit generic, considering the hotel's overall modern style and amenities. Still, all units are spacious and comfortable, some offering seating areas and private terraces. Bathrooms provide all you might need, though they feel more like what you'd find at a standard hotel.

Amenities

The main highlight at Yurbban Trafalgar is its rooftop terrace, one of the top five in the city, with a pool, bar, and lounge, plus some of the best views in the city. There's no spa on-site, but you can book spa treatments at the hotel's sister property next door. To get around the city, consider renting a longboard or Finna Barcelona bike right from the property. The hotel also provides free portable WiFi hotspot devices for travelers to use while sightseeing around Barcelona. The hotel has a fitness center with built-in music that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Family-Friendliness

Children over the age of 15 are welcome at the Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel, and they're charged the same as adults. It's not possible to stay here with young kids. Some rooms work best for those traveling with older teenagers, as they sleep three people, like the Yurbban Triple or the Junior Suite. No extra beds are available at the property.

Other Highlights

Guests can enjoy the hotel's homey Catalan-style breakfast buffet and on-site restaurant offering creative dishes, private dining experiences, and workshops. Lunch isn't served at the hotel, but dinner is, and a good selection of vegetarian dishes is on offer. The hotel has a full bar: in the summer, it's a rooftop cocktail bar, while in the winter, it's a lobby bar.