Casa Fuster was designed by architect Luis Domenech i Montaner who also designed Barcelona's art deco Palace of Music. Built in 1908, this was built as the home of a wealthy Barcelona family and was, at the time, the most expensive residence in Barcelona. The property re-opened five years ago as a hotel with 96 rooms. The original facade of the building was kept intact, but the interior was completely redone, with the exception of existing columns. The designer's intent was to retain the art deco motif as well as the character of the original building.

Location

The house is set on one of Barcelona's most beautiful avenues, Pasea Gran de Gracia. Having been built in 1908 at a time when most traveled by horse and carriage, the house was set in a location that provided a direct view down the avenue from the living room (the avenue bent around the house). This provided a similar privileged view from each full Suites in the hotel.

Room

I was shown a room in each category — Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Jr. Suite, Sr. Suite, and Suite. The Standard lead-in room type is adequate (about 300 square feet with a single sink in the bathroom and a tub in the shower), but upgrades to Superior rooms are not difficult as there are more Superior Rooms than any other category. Superiors, about 34-35 square meters, offer double vanities and separate walk-in shower. Deluxe Rooms are the same size but also include a walk-in shower; try to book the Deluxe on the top floor for a direct view over the treetops down the Avenue.

Junior Suites are a very nice room product, about 45 square meters with pocket doors separating the living and bedroom areas. Senior Suites face directly down the avenue (but don't have doors that close off the bedroom). The full Suite is a beautiful room with a circular living room right in the middle of the street (as described above). At 75 square meters, this is a spacious option.

Overall

Reasons to book Casa Fuster? It has a great location in downtown Barcelona, has the feel of a historic property, and is easy walking distance from shops and restaurants. It also offers free WiFi to guests. However, guests who prefer accommodations with more natural light in the rooms and a more spacious, modern feel would prefer Hotel Arts.