Stay & Play
Ohla (la) Barcelona
by Michael Morcos
It took me a few minutes, but I finally got it. “Ohla” is pronounced in same way as the Spanish word for greetings, “Hola”. A play on words and by the end of my stay here I would be thinking Ohla la, la, la. What an amazing property.
Centrally located and close to practically everything, the Ohla Barcelona hotel is a gem. In fact, guests here need not walk very far as the hotel lies in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona. In as short as a five-to-15-minute walk away, visitors can find two metro stations, the famous Rambala, the shoreline and beaches, the central bus stop to the airport, bars, restaurants, stores and almost everything needed for a visit.
Accommodations
Having stayed in many hotels around the world, I am always surprised when I have an OMG moment. This was one of them as I entered my room. The first sight was the floor to ceiling old style arched windows that offered an amazing view of the beautiful neighborhood. This was accented with handsome looking modern furniture, a beautiful and functional washroom that opened up to the room. Add to this all the modern electrical needs and I was set up for comfort to explore Barcelona
Rooftop oasis
La piece-de-resistance was found on the top level of the Ohla Barcelona where there was a roof top pool and bar that gave a birds-eye-view to the fabulous surroundings and the magnificent and historic architecture of neighboring buildings. With hip music playing in the background and cool refreshments at hand, guests can spend days and nights with friends while taking in the fresh air and sites of the best of Barcelona.
Tapas and cocktails
When not lazing in the pool or touring the city, there is several choices to fill your belly.
Caelis restaurant, awarded with a Michelin star and run by French Chef Romain Fornell, is a high end, magnificently designed restaurant serving traditional dishes in a contemporary cuisine. There is also La Plassohla, a ‘tapas’ restaurant that offers tastes that come from local and foreign cultures presented in small dishes to share. Finally there is Vistro 49, a boutique bar specialized in wines and cocktails that offers a warm and intimate location for relaxation or conversation. It is a wonder that I went into the city at all!
The gambit of services
The wonderful rooms are well made and equipped with Egyptian cotton sheets, large TV, minibar, and a great view. Exploring the hotel, guests can enjoy a workout in the gym, relax in the sauna or receive a massage. The staff was always accommodating and ready to help and offered great advice on things to and to see in the amazing city.
