TL;DR

Barcelona-born: A local boutique hotel brand with strong roots in the city.
Prime location: Right between Eixample, El Born, and the Gothic Quarter.
Modern design: Minimalist interiors paired with bold, modern architecture.
Social vibe: Rooftop pool, bar, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Sustainable stay: Sustainability certification.
Check prices here

Yurbban is a now-global boutique hotel brand, but it was born right here in Barcelona.

Yurbban Trafalgar offers contemporary, minimalist chic at the intersection of Eixample, El Born, and Gothic Quarter.

There are many well-loved Yurbban Hotels throughout the city and plenty to recommend at any of them.

We love Trafalgar most though specifically for its location and its more forward-thinking approach, and social atmosphere.

It’s one of just two Yurbbans with a sustainability certification.

We like its bold, modern architecture, that gets noticed among the older Modernisme of L’Eixample.

We’ve got a clean style to the interiors, but enough colour to keep things from feeling drab or rich aunt-y.

The snuggly rooftop pool area, and 360 degree views, then, are the crown on top.

Yurbban Trafalgar also has more welcoming rates than most luxury hotels in central Barça, particularly off-season.

What are the rooms like?

56 rooms: Compact, design-focused spaces across several categories.
Small by design: Tiny rooms are very tight, larger options feel more comfortable.
Modern comforts: Rain showers, climate control, and Smart TVs throughout.
Extra amenities: Minibars, coffee machines, desks, and PlayStations in select suites.
See each room in detail here

Rooms are definitely on the side of cookie-cutter at Yurbban Trafalgar. It’s a chain, after all.

Of course, it’s a very cool chain though, and that shows as well.

Windows are large, chairs are cool and bendy, everything else is a chic black and white.

Geometric rugs help give everything a bit more personality, but especially in the small rooms, there’s only so much a designer can do.

The small rooms are, well, Tiny. Like, officially.

We are impressed with how well Yurbban fit their luxuries into 14 square metres, but anyone who likes space will want to head towards the Double, Triple or Suite immediately.

To be honest, all the rooms are on the smaller side.

In general, they’re best suited for travellers that like clever design and everything in its rightful place.

Those that don’t need to spread out will be more the satisfied with the individual climate control, rain showers, and Smart TVs.

And everything but the Tiny rooms feature added amenities like minibars, coffee machines and desks.

Select suites even have Playstations. Kinda cool.

What are prices like?

Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Catalan breakfast: Served onsite, with full dining options next door.
Easy drinks: Bar with a sangria tap for casual evenings.
Compact facilities: Small gym, meeting room, and shared access nearby.
Rooftop terrace: Pool, views, and a relaxed space for sunset drinks.

We mentioned the other Yurbban literally next door, and here’s where it comes into play.

A Catalan breakfast is served in their restaurant, and any serious food needs can be satisfied in a minute’s walk.

For drink, you need not leave Yurbban Trafalgar. There’s a bar with a sangria tap, and we’re not sure anyone needs to know anything more.

We’ll continue anyway. Just like in the rooms, we’re impressed with how the Yurbban magicians have fit so many things in one place.

There’s a meeting room and a small gym that, to be fair, is nothing to the one next door. But, it’s there.

And, if you bat your eyelashes, you can pop across the way towards the larger facility.

Of course, the highlight is the rooftop terrace.

It features a (small) pool, which won’t give you much room for laps, but will help you cool off.

It’s also simply a lovely space, covered with wood and lounge chairs and plants, and a nice place to usher in the evening with a drink.

How is the neighbourhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Central base: Easy access to Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Eixample.
Walkable sights: Plaça Catalunya, Las Ramblas, and major museums nearby.
Architecture hub: Gaudí landmarks and Modernisme streets within reach.
Well connected: Excellent public transport close by.

We love a mix of everything, and Yurbban Trafalgar is perfect for a diverse experience of the city.

Barcelona’s party pad and tourist centre, the Barri Gothic, is easily accessible.

Its crown, Plaça Catalunya, is under 10 minutes on foot, leading to the famous Las Ramblas and the rest of the Gothic Quarter.

Here, the winding streets can keep you occupied for days if you let them.

El Born is similar, with a great number of museums to visit. Barcelona’s Picasso Museum is a definite highlight, 10 minutes from the hotel.

And L’Eixample is the heart of all things culture, Modernisme architecture, and shopping.

Find Gaudi’s Casas Milà and Casa Batlló within a 20-minute walk. Casa Milà is minutes from Avenida Diagonal.

For the rest, bop over to Plaça Catalunya to access all the public transport.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

“Great experience in Barcelona because of this place. I’ll be back! The location was incredible; the place immaculate, had a very quiet room, loved all the quirky, unique touches. I really felt at home there….”

“The location, staff, breakfast, free wine hour, and rooftop view were all wonderful. I highly recommend it….”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Only one small complaint was the coffee machine produced cold coffee, I think the staff should at least served us coffee and explained the menu better, as it was self service….”

”Breakfast was a little expensive for what was offered….”

Read all the reviews right here