Fodor's Expert Review Monument Hotel

Originally the home of Enric Batlló, a brother of the textile magnate who commissioned Gaudí to redesign the Moderniste masterpiece Casa Batlló, and a minute's walk away on the Passeig de Gràcia, the historic 1898 building that houses the Monument went through several incarnations before it was transformed into the elegant upmarket hotel it is today. The luxurious lobby-lounge area, with its plush sofas and red and gold throw pillows, leads back to the Monument's two Michelin-starred restaurants: one-star Oria and the world-famous, three-star Lasarte. Above, the suites and junior suites are grouped around the building's impressive central atrium, with parquet floors, exposed brick feature walls, oak paneling, and king-size beds; all rooms have Internet-capable smart TVs and safety boxes with laptop chargers; bathrooms have big soaker tubs, double vanities, and walk-in showers; amenities include robes, slippers, complimentary snacks and lush Jo Malone toiletries.