Fodor's Expert Review Hotel ABaC

This super modern and meticulously designed boutique hotel belongs in Architectural Digest for its sleek lines and avant-garde style. Though it’s small – there are only 15 rooms – this former house that belonged to a US Ambassador is now home to a three-star Michelin restaurant and five-star service. Set on the north side of the city, away from tourist sites, ABaC is the perfect retreat for art-loving couples who want some tranquility to go with their vacation setting.

room

Because it was originally a house, all the guest rooms differ in size and shape. What is common is light wood floors, cushioned headboards, day beds, gray area rugs, and loads of natural light pouring in through the huge windows that look over the hotel’s sculpture garden. Rooms also feature giant, curved smart TVs and come with bottled water and Nespresso machines.

It’s worth splurging for larger rooms as they come with giant terraces.

bathroom

Modern design can be seen throughout and so it goes in the bathrooms with new-age sinks and giant brutally honestly lit vanity mirrors. Also featured are rain showers and Jacuzzi tubs, towel heaters, shaving mirrors, and Deborah Mitchell bath products. Whitish/gray marble is everywhere.

lobby

There’s no central lobby area, but as you traverse the zig-zagged floors, you’ll find modern art strewn along the walls and corners around the entire complex.

pool

Underground is the hotel’s indoor pool, which is just big enough for some lap work. Open from 8 am to 9 pm, the tranquil space is actually inside the hotel’s spa area.

spa

Inside the spa, you’ll find the indoor pool, a separate hammam, steam and sauna facilities, and two cabins for massages and other treatments.

gym

Also underground within the spa space, the fitness area features three Technogym machines and not much else – though it is open 24/7.

dining

One of the main reasons to stay at this hotel is its eponymous three Michelin star restaurant. Here, super-chef Jordi Cruz regales his customers with a 17+ course tasting menu with some of the most innovative cuisine in Barcelona. Beyond the main restaurant, there is a separate salon for breakfast.

drinking

Below the restaurant is the ABaC Lounge. Here guests are met with hardwood floors, white arches, and brown and white leather chairs and couches and more modern art. Open from 11 am to 1 am, the space is often used by the restaurant for appetizers before moving into the main dining area for the rest of the opulent dinner.

gardens

In the back of the hotel is the sculpture garden. Here, guests can ponder the art over breakfast or just relax with a coffee in this very chill space.