Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella, Barcelona, Spain

The hotel enjoys a great location in the El Born district, with its charming medieval lanes. The Arc de Triomf metro and train station is just 400 metres away, ideal for exploring further afield. The Passeig del Born, with its upmarket cafés, restaurants, bars and shops, is nearby too. Barcelona Zoo is within Ciutadella Park and the 14th-century Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and Picasso Museum are all within a five-minute walk, with the Gothic Quarter about ten minutes away.

By plane: Fly to El Prat from London and Bristol (2 hours 5 mins) and Edinburgh (2 hours 40 mins). The hotel is a 20-minute drive away. Parking costs €20 per day. Book flights to Barcelona.

The hotel's design was inspired by its location near the Parc de la Ciutadella, from which it took its name. So motifs of its flora and fauna are present around the hotel's floors, walls, and ceilings. The contemporary Catalan décor includes wallpapers by illustrator Lara Costafreda and furniture by designer Patricia Urquiola.

The staff are friendly and welcoming. This hotel is quite low on facilities, but that is easily offset by the low room rates. There's a patio, a rooftop terrace and a very pleasant lounge bar, which also has a workspace area. There's no restaurant, but a limited menu for room service is available until late. There are also vending machines, parking is available for a fee and there's a 24-hour front desk with tourist assistance.

• Roof terrace
• Bar
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms are small but well-designed, with very comfortable beds and great showers. Some rooms have Juliet balconies. They have desks, interactive TVs and mini-fridges.

Room types: Double Room, Double Room with view

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

The hotel has no restaurant but offers a limited menu for room service until late, and a breakfast buffet which includes regional meats and cheeses. The food and drink area is made up of loungers, bar stools and long tables.

One Lounge: Drinks and snacks