You’ve seen the photos of those massive, glass-walled hotels near the Barceloneta beach. They look great on Instagram, sure. But if you actually want to live like a local—or at least feel like you aren't just another tourist in a sea of selfie sticks—you head to Eixample. Specifically, you find yourself at the corner of Carrer de Mallorca and Rambla de Catalunya. This is where Alexandra Barcelona a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel (now often recognized under the Curio Collection banner, but still that classic Hilton mainstay) hides in plain sight.
It’s an 18th-century building that somehow doesn't feel like a museum. It’s got that heavy, historic Barcelona soul but with mid-century furniture that makes you want to redecorate your entire apartment. Honestly, the first thing you notice isn't the lobby. It’s the smell of coffee and the quiet hum of the neighborhood.
The Eixample Vibe Nobody Tells You About
Most people gravitate toward the Gothic Quarter. Mistake. The Gothic Quarter is beautiful, but it's a labyrinth of narrow alleys that can feel a bit claustrophobic after two days. Eixample is different. It’s wide. It’s airy. It’s filled with those iconic octagonal blocks that make the city look like a honeycomb from above.
Staying at Alexandra Barcelona a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel puts you right in the middle of this. You’re literally two blocks from Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. You can walk there in five minutes, take your photos before the crowds arrive, and be back for breakfast while everyone else is still fighting for a spot on the metro.
The hotel itself is a bit of a chameleon. It started as a DoubleTree, and while it transitioned toward the Curio Collection to lean into its boutique identity, it kept the Hilton reliability. You get the warm cookie. You get the points. But you also get original 19th-century mosaic floors in some of the rooms. That’s the real win here—the blend of corporate consistency and local grit.
Rooms: From Cozy to "I Never Want to Leave"
Let’s be real for a second. European hotel rooms can be tiny. Like, "can't-open-your-suitcase-all-the-way" tiny. Alexandra has some of those, particularly the entry-level guest rooms. If you’re just using the room to crash after a night of vermouth and tapas, it’s fine. But if you want the actual experience, you have to look at the Junior Suites or the "Collection" rooms.
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Some of these rooms have private terraces. Imagine sitting out there at 11:00 PM with a bottle of Priorat, watching the lights of the city. No sirens, just the distant sound of people laughing at a bistro downstairs.
The design is intentional. We’re talking:
- Restored modernist tiles (the kind you see in Pinterest mood boards).
- Parquet floors that actually feel warm under your feet.
- Soundproofed windows because, let's face it, Barcelona is a loud city.
- Massive soaking tubs in the higher-tier suites.
A weird quirk? The elevators. Because the hotel spans multiple historic buildings, the elevator system is a bit of a puzzle. One goes to the pool, another to the upper floors, another to the lower. It’s kinda charming once you figure it out, but don't be surprised if you end up on the wrong floor your first time.
The Meat-Heavy Magic of Solomillo
Hotel restaurants are usually an afterthought. You eat there because you're tired, not because you want to. Alexandra Barcelona a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel flips that script. Their flagship restaurant, Solomillo, is actually a destination for locals.
The concept is deceptively simple: meat by weight. You choose the breed, the cut, the weight, and how you want it cooked. Then you pick your sauces and sides. It’s a brasserie style that feels sophisticated but totally lacks the pretension of a Michelin-starred joint. They even have their own vegetable garden.
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If you aren't in the mood for a full steak, La Barra (formerly the Charcutería) is the move. It’s more informal. Think local cold cuts, cheeses that smell "interesting" in the best way possible, and tapas that actually taste like they were made by someone who cares.
The Secret Rooftop Pool
Don't come here expecting an Olympic-sized swimming pool. It’s more of a "plunge and lounge" situation. But in the middle of a July heatwave in Catalonia, that pool is a lifesaver. It’s tucked away on a private patio terrace, surrounded by plants and wooden decking.
There’s a chromatic sauna too. Does it actually do anything for your "auras"? Who knows. But it’s free for guests, and it feels incredibly fancy to sweat out the day's salt and sun before heading out for a late dinner.
Practical Logistics for 2026 Travelers
If you’re planning a stay, there are a few things you should know that the glossy brochures won't mention.
First, the Passeig de Gràcia train station is a block away. This is huge. Most people take a taxi from the airport for 35€ or 40€. Don't do that. The R2 Nord train goes directly from the airport to Passeig de Gràcia for less than 5€. It takes about 25 minutes, and you walk straight out into the heart of the Eixample.
Second, the breakfast is solid. It’s a buffet, but it’s high quality—lots of local pastries, pan con tomate, and actual Iberian ham. If you have Hilton Honors status, it’s usually included, which saves you a decent chunk of change in a city where a "fancy" breakfast can easily run you 20€.
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Third, the gym is small. If you're a hardcore powerlifter, you're going to be disappointed. If you just want to run for 20 minutes to justify the fourth plate of patatas bravas you ate last night, it does the job.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of travelers book the Alexandra Barcelona a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel thinking it's just another chain hotel. They expect a Marriott-style box. When they see the convoluted hallways and the vintage floors, they get confused.
The mistake is treating it like a standard Hilton. This is a boutique property that happens to have a Hilton logo on the door. It’s for the person who wants to be able to walk to a hidden bakery on Carrer d'Enric Granados but still wants a high-pressure shower and a reliable concierge.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay
- Book the "Collection" Rooms: If the price difference is within 30€, do it. The modernist details and extra space make a massive difference in how the stay feels.
- Skip the Taxi: Use the R2 Nord train. It’s faster during rush hour and significantly cheaper.
- Eat at Solomillo Early: Or at least make a reservation. It gets packed with locals on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Explore Enric Granados: Just a few blocks away is Carrer d'Enric Granados, a semi-pedestrianized street with some of the best brunch spots and galleries in the city.
- Check the Pool Hours: Since it's an outdoor patio, hours change seasonally. If you're there in winter, it’s mostly for the views and the fresh air.
Barcelona is a city that can exhaust you if you stay in the wrong spot. The Alexandra acts as a buffer. It’s close enough to the action that you never feel like you're missing out, but tucked away enough that you can actually sleep. It’s not the flashiest hotel in the city, but it’s arguably one of the smartest choices for someone who wants the real Barcelona without the headache.