The Big Six: Stylish sleeps in Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental, Eixample

Leading designer Patricia Urquiola is responsible for the highly stylised interior of this elegant mid-20th-century building, near Gaudí's Casa Batlló. She has given the hotel a fresh, chic look by means of clean lines and skylights alongside modern Chesterfields, tartan carpets and wardrobes inspired by Chinese lacquer boxes. Room balconies overlook either the Passeig de Gràcia or the hotel's mimosa garden.

Mandarin Oriental, 38-40 Passeig de Gràcia (00 34 93 151 8888; mandarinoriental.com). Doubles start at €325, room only.

W Barcelona, Barceloneta

Piling up over 26 floors, the sail-shaped glass monolith of the W hotel makes a bold statement on Barcelona's coastline. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer dazzling sea and city views, which are bettered only by those from the top floor cocktail lounge, Eclipse. Closer to ground level, the pool – surrounded by white daybeds – overlooks Sant Sebastià beach, while the restaurant, Bravo, is overseen by Barcelona-born star chef Carles Abellán.

W Barcelona, 1 Plaça de la Rosa del Vents (00 34 93 295 2800; w-barcelona.com). Doubles start at €295, room only.

Hotel Murmuri, Plaça de Catalunya

Designed by Kelly Hoppen, the Murmuri is all neutral hues and understated elegance. However, things get more adventurous in the Asian-Mediterranean fusion restaurant, where dishes such as veal with green curry are served to a well-heeled crowd. Sun-seekers will be gratified by the roof terrace, with its absorbing city views. In addition to the 53 guestrooms, there is also a small collection of serviced apartments.

Hotel Murmuri, 104 Rambla de Catalunya (00 34 935 500 600; murmuri.com). Doubles start at €200, room only.

Ohla Hotel, Gothic quarter

Built on the site of the palace of the first Count of Barcelona, Ohla is a new addition to the city. A façade covered in "eyeball" security cameras, a 24-hour restaurant and rooftop pool show off the hotel's sense of fun. Rooms mix oak flooring with gunmetal, aubergine and cream furnishings.

Ohla hotel, 49 Via Laietana (00 34 933 415 050; ohlahotel.com/en). Doubles start at €240, room only.

El Palauet Living, Gràcia

Original 1906 modernista architecture and décor are manifest throughout this listed building, which now houses luxury apartments. Design classics by Van der Rohe, Starck, Eames and Jacobsen contrast stylishly with the classic interiors. A chef is also available and there's a rooftop spa.

El Palauet, 113 Passeig de Gràcia (00 34 932 18 0050; eplivingbarcelona.es). Apartments start at €660 per night.

Hostal Gat, Xino Raval

For budget-conscious travellers, Gat Xino, in the cosmopolitan Raval neighbourhood, delivers on style, price and location. Its whitewashed rooms are livened up with lime green panels and lightboxes emblazoned with contemporary art. There is also a rooftop terrace, and bicycles are available to hire.

Hostal Gat Xino, 155 Carrer Hospital (00 34 93 324 88 33; gatrooms.es). Doubles start at €76, including breakfast.