Mercer Barcelona Hotel Review

Barcelona is one of the most enchanting cities in the world. Why not stay in the Gothic Quarter's most historic, five-star hotel? Did I mention it's built into the city's Roman fortifications? Let's discuss the Mercer Barcelona.

Entrance to the Mercer Hotel Barcelona

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Finding a Gothic Quarter Hotel in Barcelona

When I started planning our recent trip to Spain, the first thing I knew, without a doubt, was that I wanted a hotel in Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. The historic heart of the old Spanish city, comprised of ancient, narrow streets - many of which shockingly allow cars, even though I'm still convinced they're sidewalks - the Gothic Quarter is an *amazing* home base for any tourist in Barcelona.

Barcelona's Gothic Quarter reminds me a bit of Paris's Le Marais, the only part of central Paris to retain its pre-19th century structure. Part of the reason they're such great home bases is because it's really difficult to find a spot to stay. There just aren't that many hotels nestled into these historic districts. And you'll see why, once we discuss how the Mercer has been *wedged* into Barcelona's Roman Wall!

The Mercer Hotel Barcelona was everything I was hoping for...and frankly a lot more. The staff were incredibly helpful and went above and beyond to take care of us. They gave us directions, *sent us a cake,* and genuinely enhanced our time in their great city.

Standing outside the incredible (and hard to find) entrance to The Mercer Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter's Best Hotel

Barcelona Cathedral

View from our room at the Mercer Barcelona

Imagine waking up and looking out your window across Barcelona's most stunning neighborhood, the Gothic Quarter. You'll walk out the Mercer's front door and be immediately immersed in narrow, stone streets that feel almost too charming to be real.

Nearby, you'll find Barcelona Cathedral, the city's "original" stunning church, which is no less desirable for its years. El Born, the trendy, dining area is also easily walkable from the Mercer.

If you're looking to take a day trip outside of Barcelona, the city's train station is an easy cab ride away - I'd highly recommend exploring Girona: Day Trip from Barcelona.

Mercer Barcelona Hotel Review:
​Let's talk about the Roman Tower

Roman wall at the back of the Mercer Barcelona

As a Roman city, Barcelona was protected by a massive, walled fortification. Many parts of the wall are still visible throughout the city - and no where better than at the back of the Mercer Hotel. Oh *and in the rooms*.

A team of architects nestled the Mercer into both the Roman wall and the later, medievally-constructed building. We visited during a "down" time and the lovely concierge gave us a great tour, so we could see all the special, historic touches! Ultra-modern, five-star luxury in centuries-old history...maybe I should make that the new tagline of the blog!

Roman wall detail

Ancient wall in our room

Stone wall in the cocktail lounge

Architectural feature in the hallway

Mercer Barcelona Hotel Review: Finding the hotel

Part of the allure of the Mercer is its extremely discreet location. So discreet that our taxi driver couldn't find it, much to his annoyance. Thankfully, the hotel offers a map and written directions, that well-prepared Mercer guests (unlike myself) should bring with them!

Mercer Barcelona Hotel Review: Dining & drinking

The Mercer Hotel offers several dining options, the high-end Mercer Restaurant and the more casual Le Bouchon, and the cocktail lounge, in addition to the rooftop - more on that below! We enjoyed a lovely dinner at the bar at Le Bouchon, with excellent Spanish wine (they let me try a few!), and delicious tapas. Even if you don't end up staying at the Mercer, it's definitely worth coming by for a drink/dinner and checking it out!

Le Bouchon, Mercer Barcelona

Interior Courtyard, Mercer Barcelona

​If you want to be sure you get beer with alcohol in it, at the Mercer or any bar in Spain, be sure to read 10 Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Spain. Who knew people drank beer without alcohol? I certainly didn't.

Cocktail Lounge, Mercer Barcelona

Mercer Barcelona Hotel Review: Staff

Check-in desk at the Mercer Barcelona

The staff at the Mercer Barcelona really completed our stay. They went above and beyond to help us with every little detail throughout our trip. They took special interest in reminding us about pickpockets, which are a serious problem in Barcelona. For more on that, remember to read 10 Common Mistakes Tourists Make in Spain. They helped us with cars, gave us restaurant recommendations, and were just genuinely fun. They took great pride in their hotel, as they certainly should, and it showed.

Mercer Barcelona Hotel Review: Room

Our hotel at the Mercer Barcelona was one of the largest hotel rooms we've had in Europe. I couldn't have loved it more.

Not only did we actually have a closet, space to put our bags, a TV, a sitting area, and a large bed, but we had a bit of the Roman Wall in our room (!!) and a shower that didn't flood the whole bathroom!

​Complete with the very necessary in-room coffee/tea facilities, and a free, daily restocked minibar (no booze, but still a lovely addition!), the room was the perfect place to rest-up after a strenuous day in Barcelona. Definitely one of my top hotel rooms in Europe. For another incredibly historic hotel in Continental Europe, check out A Weekend in Florence, Italy, including our time at the Palazzo Niccolini al Duomo, and our frescoed room.

Mercer Barcelona Hotel Review: Rooftop

Though we weren't able to take full advantage of the Mercer's rooftop, since we visited in early January, the Mercer does feature a stunning rooftop, with a pool (which I don't believe you can swim in, but I may be wrong), small bar (not always staffed) and lounge seating. It offers stunning views of Barcelona, none of which I remembered to capture during the day...still learning!

Mercer Barcelona Hotel Review: Luxury accents

As a five-star hotel, the Mercer Barcelona offers amazing amenities beyond the accommodations, including Molton Brown toiletries and truly excellent turndown service.

Thanks for stopping by!

Check out the Mercer Barcelona's rates at Booking.com.

For all of your packing for Spain needs, check out What to Wear in Spain in Winter. ​And don't forget to subscribe below, for updates from the blog, and my free, downloadable carry-on packing guide for Europe!

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