Neri Hotel

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Boutique hotel in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, stylish and small in a brilliant location

Tucked away behind the commanding Catedral, the heart of Barcelona’s Barri Gotic, is one of the quietest corners in this bustling district. Here, what was once a medieval cemetery is now the shady plaza Sant Felip Neri – enclosed by its namesake baroque church, a primary boys school and a shoe museum (!) with a few ubiquitous gypsy guitarists snoozing under the large laburnam tree, this square could only get more eclectic if say, a boutique hotel opened in it. And that’s exactly what Neri did.

It’s actually the hotel’s swish restaurant/bar that opens onto the square; the front entrance is off the narrow street of San Sever. Typical of the 18th century palace Neri was in its former life, its reception area is lofty, grand and made to impress. But not overly so, because the designers have shaken off the onerous formality of its haughty past and created a vibrant, polished and light-filled space that feels truly modern. With its chic interiors, 22 stylish rooms and upscale dining, the Neri is in the forefront of the hip small hotels that have been so scarce in Barcelona.