Staying at Praktik Bakery Hotel in Barcelona, Spain

A lot of people will claim that their favourite smell is freshly baked bread. Boutique hotels are starting to get on with having a unique fragrance in their lobbies. What do the two have to do with each other? At the Praktik Bakery Hotel in Barcelona they combine a scented lobby and the smell of fresh baked bread. Except this scent doesn’t come from a factory. It comes from the real live bakery in the lobby, producing bread and sweets all day, every day.

The result is hallways that always smell faintly of fresh baked bread and some of the best Spanish breakfasts around. I spent two nights there and, after a week in Paris, I thought the croissants from Baluard were some of the best I’d ever had. You also need to try their pain au chocolat. It adds a nice sweet mix to the jamón, chorizo, and cheese at the breakfast buffet.

It’s not just a nice smelling hotel, it’s a nice looking hotel. I love hotels that have a unique character to them. I tend not to stay in large chains because of the sameness. Mixing bakery and hotel was a quirky enough twist for me, but the design of the rooms and public spaces looked enticing too – a combo of traditional coziness and industrial chic. There are happy, sunny yellow accents everywhere in the public areas from the doors to signs to the shirts of the hotel staff. Inside my room it was serene white from the subway tile on the walls to the soft duvet, sheets, and billowy curtains – like sleeping in a cloud.

The fun blue tiles in the shower made me feel like I was showering in a swimming  pool. The rainfall shower head was a great way to ease myself awake in the morning, but if you need a more vigorous wash, there’s also a powerful handheld sprayer. And lots of room to move around. I hate tiny showers where I bang elbows into walls trying to shampoo my hair. The only issue might be if you’re sharing the room and shy. I’m not sure if all rooms are the same but but the shower and toilet have glass doors with just a frosted strip from shins to shoulders.

Only three rooms have small walk out balconies (I was lucky to get one) but the ones facing Carrer de Provença all have railings you can at least lean on. If you look right you can see Casa Milà down the block and if you look left you can see La Sagrada Familia in the distance. Interior rooms have windows that face into the courtyard. While there’s a lot of street noise the windows/balcony doors do an amazing job of blocking it out.

One perk of having a bakery in the lobby is the best croissants ever. They also aren’t afraid to sprinkle chocolate into the breads and pastries. You can add on breakfast to your room but don’t except bacon and eggs.  You’ll get a selection of cured meats, bread and some fruit to go with your coffee or tea. A delicious, traditional Spanish breakfast.

The location was also top notch. You’re far enough away from Las Ramblas to avoid the hordes of tourists but close enough to interesting sights and the metro. There’s also some great high and low budget shopping within walking distance. Everything from Valentino to H&M. There are also a lot of restaurants nearby. I recommend taking a stroll down Rambla Catalunya.

All in all I think the Praktik Hotel Bakery offers great value for money in a Barcelona hotel. Comfortable rooms, great showers and a fantastic breakfast.

Fact Sheet

• Where: Carrer de Provença, 279, Eixample neighbourhood, Barcelona, Spain
• Cost: Rooms can range from €77-€190
• Number of Rooms: 74
• Amenities: free wifi, bakery onsite, breakfast available
• Rating: TripAdvisor 4*
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