Arts is a large hotel with 400 or so rooms which, although a little larger than the ones we usually suggest, still maintains excellent quality and a personable service. It is by the sea and faces the Barceloneta beach, the urban escape for locals that gets really crowded in high season. From Arts you have splendid panoramic views of the city, and what we liked the most, Frank Gehry’s Golden Fish sculpture. The hotel displays an exclusive collection of Spanish contemporary art (hence its name) and is a stone’s throw to the Olympic Port, the Ciutadella Park, and a short walk to one of our favorite areas in town, El Born, a lively region full of restaurants, tapas bars and cafes. If you are a keen foodie, Hotel Arts is home to the two Michelin star Enoteca restaurant, as well as famous Arola restaurant by the chef of the same name, among others. A contemporary designer decor blends well with the cool and modern atmosphere in the region, an ample and stylish lobby, fancy furniture and inviting outdoor tables and bars. We found the rooms quite spacious (actually larger than most) yet frugal with pastel tones and regular furniture. If you want to indulge, try one of the suites with amazing sea views. We feel the rooms are almost too plain for the prices, but the location, hotel facilities and views are quite superb for beach, food and night scene seekers.