How did it strike you on arrival?
A vaulted, cobblestoned courtyard lies between the street outside and reception in this immaculately restored 19th-century modernist mansion. I’m already excited to see the rest.
What’s the crowd like?
Since opening in early 2016, Casa Bonay has become a meeting point that brings locals and travelers together in its vibrant public spaces. It is hard to know who is who, as the hip, laid-back crowd from near and far blends together seamlessly.
Tell us about your room.
The best rooms in the house are the Courtyard Large Terrace rooms. There are five in total, each with private terraces, outdoor showers, hammocks, and plenty of that beautiful Spanish sunlight. The only drawback is that the rest of the hotel overlooks you, so the terrace isn't very secluded. Perfectionists will spot small signs of wear and tear creeping into that new-hotel gloss, but original hydraulic floor tiles (with wild geometric patterns) and statement sliding doors keep design buffs focusing on the wows.
How are the in-room amenities?
The rooms all come with yoga kits, cosmetics by Malin+Goetz, and access to the MUBI movie-streaming service that will make art-house-film freaks jump for joy.
Is there Wi-Fi?
There's free Wi-Fi throughout.
How is the service?
Service at Casa Bonay is a bit hit-or-miss. Orders are sometimes forgotten and, on one occasion, it took me almost 30 minutes to get the attention of a waiter to order a drink in the downstairs bar.
Anything stand out about other services and features?
Divide your time between the cozy, plush Libertine cocktail bar on the ground floor—now segueing into a buzzy co-working spot by day—and the lush roof terrace at the top of the building, where hotel residents have a VIP section.
What was most memorable about your stay?
Several restaurants have come and gone in Casa Bonay, and none really of note—until Bodega Bonay opened in January 2021, that is. The formula is deliciously simple: natural wines served with simple-but-unexpected sharing plates, such as sticky eel with cauliflower (all your sweet, smoky, BBQ fantasies in one juicy slither), or a savory spin on tarte tatin, where the apples have been switched for either tomato or artichoke (depending on the season), and seasonal salad combos (tomato and peach, say). Book ahead—the locals know it’s that good.
Bottom line: worth it, and why?
An ideal and very affordable choice if you want characterful design, lashings of in-house amenities (a coffeeshop, vibey cocktails, multiple dinner options) and don’t mind staying a short walk away from the hectic tourist center of Barcelona.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 700, Barcelona 08010
Spain
https://www.casabonay.com/
+34 935 45 80 70