Field of Dreams

Ever since the meteoric resurgence of El Born, developers have been eyeing Raval hungrily. "Build it and they will come." Or so they hope.

Whilst hipsters may be spotted around Betty Ford and Café Le Swing, and those looking for a late night tipple at the likes of Kentucky, judging by the empty mid-week tables at La Veronica, the 'hood is still far from mainstream. So what's with building a hotel, smack in the middle of it?

In contrast to the other high profile hotel project in the area - the five-star grand luxe Bagués opening next year opposite the 1898 - the Barceló Raval has opened amidst all the beer sellers and Pakistani cricket players on Rambla del Raval.

And in line with every other hotel opening these days, they aspire to attract the locals - not the knife-carrying ones lurking down the side streets, we assume - with a hip bar-restaurant, this one called B Lounge and with 360 degree views of the city.

They've even called in Antonio Bellés of London's “famous” Lola Rojo restaurant - a competent enough tapas place located in the outskirts of suburban Clapham - to help. Needless to say, we hope he's since acquired more street smarts than his restaurant has "fame".

Barceló Raval - now open
Rambla del Raval 17-19, Raval - 93 320 1490
Rooms from EUR 120

by AAl