Barcelona’s grande dame has been welcoming guests since 1919 and in its former life as a Ritz saw everyone from Salvador Dali (who famously ordered a white horse to paint in his room) to Ronnie Wood through its door - now both have suites named after them. It’s old-school luxury at its finest here from the doormen in top hats to the Louis XIV-inspired interiors and a seafood restaurant masterminded by El Bulli’s former head chef.

To experience Poblenou, an industrial area with a creative spirit handily located by the city’s best beaches, the London hotel chain’s first Spain outpost is the place to be. The Hoxton’s design was inspired by the nearby studio of late architect, Ricardo Bofill and his use of materials like ceramic tiles, terracotta and concrete as well as colourful geometric forms. Rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, locally sourced handcrafted tapestries and The Hoxton’s signature statement headboards.

The upscale neighbourhood of Sarrià at the foot of the Collserola park is an excellent location for getting away from the hustle and bustle. This 30 bed boutique address feels more like a luxurious home away from home with spacious communal areas and welcoming touches like the honesty bar. Rooms are all individually decorated with a mixture of design-led and antique furniture while the bougainvillaea-filled garden with its kidney-shaped pool is a real blessing - especially in the summer months.

On a handsome wide street in Eixample, this hotel is a local-loved destination in its own right. The exciting agenda of in-hotel events and the Nomad coffee at TosTao, luxe cocktails at Libertine and elegant tapas at Bar Bodega all bring in a creative and cool crowd. Rooms fuse modern design with heritage details like the hydraulic mosaic tiles and guests can also enjoy the rooftop terrace too.

Miiro’s second boutique opening has brought a breath of fresh air into the El Born hotel scene. Right by Ciutadella park, the majority of rooms overlook this expanse of green giving a calm and retreat-like feeling despite being close to the action of the city centre. Interiors from London-based Thurstan Studio have a member's club feel but nods to the local area via artist and designer collaborations mean it’s anything but cookie cutter.

Hidden down a very narrow street in the heart of the Gothic quarter, you won’t just stumble across Wittmore and that’s part of its charm. Decor is a sleek take on country house: think chequered carpets and patterned wallpaper up against leather chairs and mid century sideboards. In its green-walled courtyard you’ll find with Contraban, an in the know dining destination, while there’s an excellent a cocktail bar with weekend DJ sets and a lovely little rooftop with a plunge pool.

Lovers of Modernisme, the Catalan take of Art Nouveau, will appreciate this building’s backstory as it was designed by famed architect Enric Sagnier in 1892 as his family home and studio. The 51 room hotel on swish shopping and dining destination Rambla Catalunya (not to be confused with Las Ramblas itself) has stylish dark interiors throughout and a roof terrace ideal for laying out lizard-like on the comfortable beds.

Located on a quiet street in Poble Sec on the edge of the city’s sprawling hillside park Montjuic (home to the Miró museum and MNAC), at Hotel Brummell you also have a crop of excellent eating and drinking options on your doorstep. This boutique bolthole has a modern tropical aesthetic and a lovely little rooftop complete with plunge pool. Nice touches like the hotel’s daily ‘Brummell News’ inform guests on the best goings on in the city.