Hotel Neri

This small, romantic boutique hotel – part of the Relais & Chateaux collection – occupies an enchanting 18th-century mansion on a quiet square near the Cathedral in the heart of Barcelona’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter.

Its original stone arches, wooden beams and carved doors are intact, providing a striking contrast with the bold contemporary artworks that brighten up the space.

The roof terrace bar with a small pool and pots of jasmine, bougainvillaea and hydrangeas provides a secret retreat from the city bustle below – but the highlight is the excellent restaurant, serving outstanding contemporary Catalan cuisine, with the option of dining outside in Placa Sant Felip Neri, one of Barcelona’s prettiest squares.

Because the hotel is in a pedestrian area, be aware taxis will drop you around 200 metres away.