On my recent travels around Spain, I spent a few days in Barcelona, both before and after attending TBEX Europe 2015 in Costa Brava. For my second stay in the city after the conference, I knew I wanted to base myself in Gracia, the city’s hippest neighborhood that is home to artists and, as many locals say, feels different from the rest of the city. Obviously, my curiosity was stoked. It sounded like Gracia was my kind of neighborhood and this time around, I had the pleasure of staying with Aparthotel Silver Barcelona. I must admit that it’s not often that I feel as spoilt as I did when staying at this lovely hotel apartment.
A warm welcome
Location
During my first few days in the city, I’d already seen the touristy sights and so it wasn’t a must for me to be within walking distance of the city center or the old town. In fact, this time I wanted to be somewhere that felt a lot more authentic, yet was well connected by the metro, which was my favorite way to get around Barcelona (other than walking, of course).
Aparthotel Silver was perfect because one, it’s in Gracia, which truly does feel different from the rest of the city, with its narrow alleys, walls splattered with street art, lively plazas and inviting little kitchen restaurants. Two, it really was a breeze getting around the city by metro, with the Fontana metro station being right down the street on which the hotel is located. From Parc Guell on one end, to the Plaza Espanya, which is quite far away, I got around the city by metro with zero problems or delays and at a very reasonable price.
The neighborhood is very safe and there are tons of some really great restaurants, cafés, bakeries (ooh bakeries!) and bars in the vicinity. If you like to shop, then you’ll love the boutiques selling cute vintage finds and really cool clothes, all just a few minutes’ walk away.
Street art in Gracia
Décor
Common area in the lobby
The décor of Aparthotel Silver is simple, classic and functional. It’s actually perfect for those looking for a super comfortable, cozy and quiet space to base themselves in. There’s a warmly lit common area next to the lobby that is great if you want to read or hang out for a while. There’s also a lovely little terrace garden where breakfast is served and it’s the perfect spot to begin your day in.
Terrace garden
Rooms
My room (Comfort Double) at 20 square meters was compact and functional with a super comfortable bed, a writing desk, a kitchenette and a window that opened into the terrace garden. The kitchenette was complete with a kettle, microwave and refrigerator. The room had satellite TV, a DVD player and free Wi-Fi, something that was obviously a must for me. The bathroom was very compact but had everything I needed, with a separate shower area. This category of economical, functional and well-planned rooms is ideal for single travelers or a couple.
Bathroom
Breakfast
Breakfast was a simple but pleasant affair on the terrace garden and was open until as late as 11.00am. It included the usual spread of cold cuts, salad, fruits, cereal and an assortment of breads, with tea, coffee and fresh juices.
Service & Benefits
The staff is very professional, patient and helpful, with some good recommendations of things to do in the area. They’re particularly good about accommodating last minute changes or requests. I had more than a few of those and I could tell they were genuinely trying to accommodate them.
The apartments are fully serviced everyday. If you book directly with them via their website, you get a complimentary bottle of cava (always welcome!). They also offer parking space- something that could be useful if you’re renting a car when in Barcelona.
Final Words
Would I stay again? Definitely. I’m not always looking for super social places such as hostels to stay in, especially when I know I need to work while I travel. Sometimes, I prefer peace and quiet and like to be left to my own devices (my laptop literally). Plus I’m not done exploring Gracia yet and do plan on staying in the area again whenever I’m in Barcelona next.
Aparthotel Silver is great a place to stay if:
- You want to base yourself in Gracia.
- You need a private and fully functional space all to yourself but at a reasonable price.
- You appreciate a kitchenette where you could sometimes cook your own meals.
- You’d like to get work done during your stay- it’s quiet and has free Wi-Fi.
- You’re not primarily looking to socialize or meet people during your stay.
- You like modern and practical accommodations.
If this sounds like your kind of hotel, you can book with them on their website and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
I was a guest of Aparthotel Silver, Barcelona and I’d like to thank them for their lovely hospitality. My opinion, as always, is independent and honest.
For general information to help you plan your travels to Spain and suggested itineraries (including off-the-beaten-path places like Palafrugell, Girona and Cap De Creus), check out my Spain Travel Blog. Alternatively, just get straight to the point and find out where to go for the best chocolate in Barcelona 😉