Can a hotel be described as sexy? After walking into the doors of the Hotel 1898 in Barcelona, the answer to that question is a definite yes. The smell of cologne lingers in the air and the dimmed lights in the hallway made me feel as if I had walked onto the set of Mad Men. I felt as though I should be swirling a glass of whiskey on the rocks in one hand.

The bedrooms are pristine with crisp white linens, tea service set with white china and framed vintage maps on the wall. The walls are a sultry hunter green. A lighting system allows you to control the ambiance of the whole room with the touch of a button.

One clue that you are in a really nice hotel is when you have a two page pillow menu.

Here are the prime reasons to book this hotel-

1. Location

Located in the heart of the city, this Colonial style hotel is nestled right in the middle of La Rambla. Barcelona is a sprawling city with so much to see, that a good central location should be a priority when booking a hotel. I had been told that La Rambla can be a bit touristy, but it was perfect for us. I loved that we could wander straight into the Gothic section, peruse La Boqueria Food Market and were also just steps from a subway station so we could get wherever we needed quickly and easily. For those who share my Starbucks addiction, you will be happy to hear that there is one just next door.

2. The Roof Terrace

La Terrace de Isabela sold me on the hotel. There is a pool, a bar and cozy chairs where you can tuck into some tapas and wash it down with Sangria. The view of the city is incredible. You can look down at the lush strip of trees that cover La Rambla or you can sip a cocktail while looking out over the ocean.

3. The Spa

Taking an elevator to the bottom level of the hotel will bring you to the spa. This converted coal bunker is now a state of the art gym. The spa offers a laundry list of services from facials to massages… but the real gem is the pool. The brick walls and arched ceiling give it a Gothic feel. There are underwater beds that you can lay in and get a hydro massage. Dry off in the sauna or soothe your aching muscles in the steam room. I am a mother of three who barely escapes her crazy kids. The spa was my friend.

4. The Lounge

We were offered a free welcome drink in the lobby where we could enjoy the live entertainment. When the man was setting up to sing, we weren’t expecting much from a one man show, but his voice was so soothing, we wanted to bring him back to our room with us so he could lull us to sleep.

5. Business Center & Library

Ok, you got me. I didn’t do any work on this trip, but the business center was really impressive. If I had to work there, I probably wouldn’t even mind. Again, can’t you just picture Don Draper throwing back a dark and stormy while he closes a deal in that leather chair?

6. Concierge

The staff was so kind and helpful with any information we needed. They were there to help book tours, hand us a map and give us directions. There was always a line of taxi cabs parked right outside in case we needed a lift. The hotel even offered a free walking tour of the Gothic quarter which I would highly recommend.

Hotel 1898 is the perfect escape for a romantic getaway or a girls weekend. The central location is perfect and I could live on the roof terrace. The pool and spa will blow you away. Top it off with a staff that aims to please and this hotel just can’t be beat!