Hotel Constanza, Barcelona
The deal: €130 ($165) for a suite
The hood: L'Eixample, an elegant, leafy residential district close to boutique clothing stores.
What you'll get: An unfussy, comfortable urban space. The Constanza is close to upscale shopping along Passeig de Gràcia and the flying pigeons of Plaça Catalunya, but far enough from the madding crowd to avoid sky-high rates. It's a midrange business hotel, but unlike most, its design scheme isn't drab—you'll find stainless steel and lovely wood accents throughout. The lobby is framed by lily-print screens, and guest rooms are done up with leather and sheepskin. It's a great launching point for the rest of the city, but one that affords plenty of solace when you need a break.
Near and not so dear: The front desk will point you to Txapela, a neighborhood tapas restaurant with a selection of 51 small dishes—everything from fried chorizo to cannelloni with mushrooms—all under two euros.

Hotel Constanza
33 Calle Bruc
Tel: 34 93 270 19 10
Fax: 34 93 317 40 24
Email: info@hotelconstanza.com

Txapela
8 Passeig de Gràcia
Tel: 34 93 412 0289