The Wittmore
Riudarenes, 7, Barcelona, Catalonia 08002, Spain
Why We Like It
This refined hotel is classy all the way and from the moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered an old British men’s club where scotch and cigars are always on order. Minus the cigars, the rest of the place is an ode to England and provides its guests with a classical high level of service. The no kids policy is a welcome respite for tired parents or younger couples who can’t be bothered and helps create an adult environment in every hidden corner of the hotel. The location is also excellent as you’re close to the very center of the city but also right by the water which gives you ample opportunities to explore all Barcelona has to offer.
Fodor's Expert Review
If you want some Great Britain in your Barcelona stay, then you’ve come to the right place as this tiny boutique is dripping in United Kingdom accoutrements. Hidden in the alleyways of the Gothic Quarter, The Wittmore is a 22-room hotel that is quiet, refined, and oh-so-proper. Argyle is everywhere (because of course it is) as are lush red curtains that cover up the multiple secret nooks throughout the property. Secretive and cool, high-minded travelers will find lots to love.
You Should Know This is an adult’s only hotel. They might make an exception for a brooding teenager, but leave your babies and toddlers at home.
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Room
Rooms are broken into categories like Tiny, Small, Small Plus, Large, X Large, and Suites. As you enter, you’ll be hit by argyle carpets, red walls and couches, and sleek hanging Edison lights. Every room comes with a king-sized bed and they all face the inner courtyard with its extended vertical living wall. Other touches here are free water, fresh fruit, and a curated mini-bar with pre-made cocktails that are worth the splurge.
Bathroom
Subway tiles line the bathroom walls which have black floors, spacious counter tops, marble sinks, and shaving mirrors. Most rooms are shower only, but suites also come with tubs. Dr. Harris & Co. bath products are standard and plentiful.
Lobby
The British essence truly comes out in the lobby with giant red curtains, hardwood floors, oriental rugs, and floral print wallpaper. Ghirlanda chandeliers hang from the ceiling, as do Edison lights. As you circle around the closed off spaces, you’ll find a library, a back bar, and a fireplace that gets roaring in the winter.
Pool
A small rooftop pool is open year-round from 9am-10:30 pm. Surrounding the watering hole are orange and white striped loungers and couches atop black wood slats. The views are truly spectacular up here as you get 360-degree vistas of the entire city. At night, hanging lights create a romantic vibe and you can always order food and drinks to help liven the mood.
Tip Bring your computer up here to work – you’ll find outlets right in the couches.
Dining
Behind the red curtains on the main floor is The Witty, the hotel’s main restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and serves a mix of Mediterranean cuisine and British favorites like Beef Wellington. At the back you’ll discover the vertical living wall that extends to the roof of the hotel.
Drinking
Also on the main floor is The Library. Open from 5pm-1/2am, you’ll appropriately find shelves lined with books, red and argyle couches, board games, and a fire place that’s great for chilly winter nights.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The Gothic Quarter is a really interesting area to walk around in with tons of hidden alleys with small restaurants, boutique shops, and tapas bars. The hotel is also close to the water and the Barceloneta Beach and metro stop are only 6-minutes away.
Restaurants
Down at the water is The Serras Hotel and inside is Informal (2-minute walk), a lovely Catalan-style restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Marc Gascons. If you want to try something other than Spanish, walk along the boardwalk to the Soho House, where inside is Cecconi’s (5-minute walk), a decadent Italian restaurant with a sceney vibe.
Bars
One of the strangest (creepiest) bars in Barcelona is El Bosc de les Fades (9-minute walk) where inside, mannequins of fairies stare you down while you drink. For historic sips, don’t miss out on a stop at El Xampanyet (6-minute walk) one of the oldest and best cava spots in the city.
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