You’ve seen the photos. That moody, black-and-gold aesthetic that looks like it belongs in a high-fashion magazine but feels, somehow, like a buddy’s very expensive living room. Honestly, Room Mate Gerard Barcelona is a bit of a contradiction. It sits in a neighborhood—Eixample—that’s famous for being posh and predictable, yet this hotel is anything but.
It’s been a few years since the brand went through a massive corporate shake-up, being scooped up by TPG Angelo Gordon and Westmont Hospitality Group back in '22. People wondered if the soul would vanish. It didn’t. If anything, the place feels more dialed-in now.
The Vibe at Calle Ausias March 34
Walk into the lobby and the first thing you notice isn't the front desk. It's the lighting. It’s dark. Intimate. Very "Barcelona after hours." The hotel occupies a traditional Eixample building, but the interior designer, Jaime Beriestain, basically took the "traditional" rulebook and threw it out the window. Think industrial chic mixed with heavy textures and a lot of attitude.
The hotel is named Gerard. Because, in case you didn't know, every Room Mate hotel is a "friend" you're staying with. Gerard is the architect friend who knows exactly where to find the best vermut but also cares deeply about the thread count of your sheets.
It's cozy. Only 66 rooms. That's small enough that the staff actually remembers your face by day two.
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What You Get Inside
- The Pool: It’s on the roof. It’s seasonal. Don't expect to do Olympic laps; it’s more of a "stand with a cocktail and look at the skyline" kind of situation.
- The Gym: Surprisingly decent. Most boutique hotel gyms are a sad treadmill in a basement. This one actually lets you get a real workout in.
- Breakfast: Served until noon. This is a game-changer. If you’ve spent the night exploring the bars in El Born, the last thing you want is a breakfast buffet that closes at 9:00 AM.
The Location: Eixample vs. The World
Location is everything. If you stay in the Gothic Quarter, you're fighting crowds the second you step outside. If you stay too far up Diagonal, you're commuting to the fun stuff. Room Mate Gerard Barcelona is in that sweet spot.
It’s about a six-minute walk to the Arc de Triomf. You can hit Plaça de Catalunya in ten. You're basically living in the "Dreta de l'Eixample," which is quieter than the tourist traps but close enough to the action that you don't need a taxi every five minutes.
The Urquinaona metro station is right there. It connects you to pretty much the whole city. But honestly? Just walk. You’re three minutes from Casa Calvet (Gaudí’s "understated" work) and surrounded by some of the best bakeries in the city.
Room Realities: What to Expect
Let's be real—the rooms aren't massive. If you’re traveling with four suitcases, you’re going to be playing Tetris. The basic "Interior" rooms are around 18 square meters. They’re quiet because they face the inner courtyard (a classic Barcelona manzana), but they don't have the view.
If you want the full experience, go for the Deluxe Double or a room with a balcony. Standing on a tiny wrought-iron balcony with a coffee, watching the city wake up on Carrer d'Ausiàs Marc? That's the vibe you're paying for.
Design Details
The rooms are soundproofed. This matters. Barcelona is a loud city. Between the scooters and the late-night revelry, you need that silence. The beds are famously comfortable—Room Mate doesn't skimp on the mattresses. You also get Bluetooth speakers, which is a nice touch for a pre-dinner playlist.
The bathrooms are sleek. Rainfall showers. Good lighting (crucial for getting ready). It feels expensive without being stuffy.
The "New" Room Mate Factor
Since the 2022 acquisition and the subsequent rebranding of the "Room Mate Collection," things have leveled up. They recently acquired the Staying Valencia group and are expanding into Geneva and Venice. Gerard has benefited from this stability.
The service is where you notice it most. It’s less "corporate hotel" and more "helpful local." They have a 24-hour front desk where the staff actually speaks English and Spanish fluently and doesn't just point you toward the nearest Starbucks.
Is It Worth It?
Prices fluctuate. During MWC (Mobile World Congress) or Primavera Sound, rates go through the roof. On a standard week? It’s one of the best value-for-money design hotels in Barcelona.
The Pros:
- Killer design that doesn't feel dated.
- Incredible location for walkers.
- That late breakfast. Seriously.
- Rooftop views that make for great photos.
The Cons:
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- Tiny rooms in the lower categories.
- The rooftop pool is small.
- No onsite full-service restaurant for dinner (though you're surrounded by food, so who cares?).
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're booking, skip the third-party sites if you can and check their official site for "Mate" discounts. They often have better rates if you sign up for their free membership.
Ask for a room on a higher floor if you want more natural light. The street level can feel a bit enclosed due to the narrow Eixample streets. Also, make use of the portable Wi-Fi they sometimes offer—it's a lifesaver if you're trying to navigate the city without burning through your roaming data.
To get the most out of the neighborhood, walk two blocks over to Passatge de Permanyer. It’s a tiny, hidden residential street with English-style houses that feels like a total time warp. Most tourists walk right past it. Gerard wouldn't let you do that.
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at noon. If you arrive early, they’ll stash your bags in a secure room so you can head straight for a café con leche at a nearby corner bar.