PRESS

Insider review: Have will-power issues? You probably want to find somewhere else to stay. That's because this welcoming little Eixample hotel incorporates arguably the city's best bakery, Baluard, with irresistible smells permeating every inch of the premises. There are 74 rooms, which are intimate, but not so compact as to rule out the odd stylistic flourish (you'll be sizing up the tentacle-style reading lamps for your own pad), and you're unlikely to dwell on the absence of a bath, so refreshing are the oversized rainfall showers. Given the salivating masses queuing for the breads and pastries at all hours downstairs (the lemon slices and chocolate-flavoured croissants are house favourites), the rooms are also remarkably quiet. Reception sits at the end of the counter, along with a lounge/cafe space where breakfast is served until 10.30am. No prizes for guessing the origins of much of what is served here. The affordability of the rooms belies the prime setting, just off Passeig de Gracia, and a block from Gaudi's giant, chess board-roofed creation, La Pedrera. http://www.hotelpraktikbakery.com/