Renaissance Barcelona Hotel, Barcelona

If you like modern lines, airy spaces, marble floors and glass doors, then this is the place for you! Set within the heart of Barcelona, the AC Diplomatic is set apart from it's peers by offering a minimalists dream hotel. You wont find carpet here (marble and cherry floors are the order of the day), nor will you find cluttered pictures but instead you are given the feeling that you might be in the year 2050!

The rooms are of a good size even for US standards (generally European rooms seem smaller then the US) and bright and felt like something out of an Ikea catalogue, with a green-marbled bathroom which seemed bigger then the room itself. The service was very good and the front desk staff go out of their way to make sure you have a good stay. The restaurant is a treat with a great wine selection, and once again the service was very very good. Prices were on the pricey side however.

On the top floor there is an outdoor pool with impressive views over the city - there is also a sauna and a few pieces of gym equipment.

If you are looking for new-style luxury then the AC is for you, if you like ornate luxury which conjures up feelings of the old-world, then check into the Majestic.