The best boutique hotels in Barcelona

If what you want is to stay right in the centre of Barcelona in a lovely boutique hotel, the Mercer could be your dream come true. Set in an ancient stone building in the Gothic Quarter, the motif is carried throughout the 28 rooms of the hotel with stone walls adding that extra touch of character and charm. The three-story Mercer was built in 2012, so you've also got very modern and up-to-date facilities contrasting beautifully with the ruins of Roman surrounding it. Relax on the rooftop terrace with a drink from the bar or a dip in the pool. And with major monuments just outside your door, you've got plenty to explore when you head out.

Set in the Poble-sec neighbourhood near Montjuïc, the Brummell grants you easy access to both the city centre and the seaside mountain's museums and gardens. You might find yourself mingling with locals for a relaxing snack or drink at the hotel's inviting garden patio. If you're looking for a wow factor, splurge for the Penthouse among the 20 designer rooms, and take a plunge in the private outdoor bathtub with warm water and foam! All guests enjoy full access to the sauna and swimming pool, and you get free yoga classes (there's even a courtesy mat in your room).

The name of this one tells you a lot about it. It's in a small (by palace standards) former palace that dates to the 19th century, it's very close to the famous Boqueria Market on La Rambla, and it boasts a lovely private courtyard and garden – with trees that are a century old. With a dozen different room types, everyone's invited to feel welcome, whether you're travelling on your own or in a group of six, whether you need no more than a small double or if you're after an apartment duplex. Ask about bicycle rental, romance packs or other special offers to suit you.

Right on the beautiful, historical, and incredibly central Plaça Reial that's just off La Rambla, you'll find this five-star hotel that looks big enough to house more than the intimate 18 rooms it's got. That translates into spacious rooms and common areas for you. If attention to detail and free extras are what you're into, the DO's got them: breakfast, a welcome drink, an hour’s free access to the spa, free non-alcoholic mini bar, free snacks and fruit every day, and pillow and aroma menus are some of the items on the list. If you can swing it, treat yourself to the rooftop room, El Terrat, with its own private terrace and pool. Lush!

The Ohla stands on enviable real estate between the historic Barri Gòtic and the lively Born neighbourhoods. You're practically opposite the famous Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall, and just down the road from the Barcelona Cathedral and La Rambla. When you're ready to rest, head up to the stunning rooftop terrace for drinks at the bar or a dip in the pool, weather permitting, as you take in incredible views of the Old City and beyond. For an extra special stay, definitely look into the Experiences packages: the staff will help you set up a romantic proposal, plan a memorable birthday celebration, provide you with a bath butler (we like the sound of this!), or even make sure you've got everything you can dream of for a perfect night's sleep

From the designer furniture to the promotion of slow food and the plant-lined rooftop terrace hosting DJs and aperitif sessions, the Pulitzer is hip with a capital H. The bedrooms are light and have a cosy European loft vibe, with fittings made from natural materials and elements in bright colours to keep things interesting. As it's cunningly located on a small street that gives onto Plaça Catalunya, you can enjoy the buzz of being in the city centre but slip away from the serious crowds to get to the hotel. If you enjoy staying in places that focus on comfort, design and living well, the Pulitzer fits the bill.

Anna, Emma, Pau, Carla and Gerard are your Room Mates in Barcelona. They all live fairly near each other, and have a lot in common. Today we're introducing you to Anna. A bit farther out of the central hub, Anna's in the fashionable Eixample district, just off Passeig de Gràcia, where you can satisfy all your shopping needs, visit architectural monuments and stroll all the way to Plaça Catalunya, La Rambla and beyond. Anna's rooms are not shy, with bolder versions of colours found in nature: lilac, avocado, lemon and sunset. The plunge pool on the terrace's wooden deck is small but chic, and surrounded by zebra-striped sofas for lounging about. Bonus: breakfast is served until noon!

So close to the Sagrada Família that the views are slightly intimidating, the four-star Ayre is exactly where you want to be to admire Antoni Gaudí's life's work at all times of the day and night. When you can peel your eyes away from the basilica, you'll be happy to see you're in a stylish room with a modern, stripped-down design. There's no swimming pool on the chill rooftop terrace, but who cares ­­– have you seen that view? Be sure to stroll up the pleasant Av. de Gaudí, lined with restaurants, bars and shops, which leads straight to another modernista treasure, the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site.

That iconic corner building on Av. Diagonal in the uptown area of Sarrià-Sant Gervasi is home to the 52 soundproofed, contemporary rooms that make up the Wilson Boutique Hotel. The roomy accommodations are flooded with natural light thanks to those fantastic windows, and you get a private balcony to ooh and ahh over city views no matter which room you choose. Take advantage of the location to explore more of Barcelona outside the city centre: this side of the Eixample has some of the city's best restaurants, and neighbouring Gràcia is great for hopping from square to square, taking time to sip a drink and do some serious people watching.

A design hotel that’s popular with cosmopolitan, image-conscious party people, the Axel’s main clientele is the gay crowd but it’s also hetero-friendly. Rooms are comfortable and elegant in calming neutral tones. King-size beds come as standard, as does erotic artwork. The hotel is a great place to hang out – thanks to the Sky Bar's rooftop pool, hot tub and chill-out area, a Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, and an extensive spa that offers massages, a thermal circuit, more fitness machines than in your average city gym, and personal trainers in a gorgeously designed space. When you’re in the mood for a big night out without having to stray too far from your home away from home, the Axel hosts regular club nights and live music performances.