Hotel Review: Angla Boutique Apartments

Jul 24, 2016

AnglaApartments_FEATURE — Angla Boutique Apartments, operated by Izaka hotel management company, gives families visiting Barcelona a pleasant alternative to a standard hotel room. // © 2016 Dana Rebmann

It’s no fun sitting in a hotel room, wide awake in the middle of the night because of jet lag. It’s even worse to juggle kids who are up at odd hours, especially when others in the room are asleep. Short of sitting in the bathtub — if there is one — there’s really nowhere you can go. Once one person is up, the entire family typically follows. But when you’re in Barcelona, beating jet lag is a little easier when you’ve got room to roam at Angla Boutique Apartments.

Located on Consell de Cent, in Barcelona’s Eixample district, the building is home to 28 modern and spacious apartments. My family of four stayed in one of the three ground-floor duplex apartments, but there are also 25 smaller, two-room apartments in the building. The extra space, particularly during sleepless nights, is obviously a major perk, but the list of other advantages is long.

Apartment C2 was our home away from home. It has two upstairs bedrooms, one with a king bed and one with two twin beds. (Cribs can be requested and are subject to availability.) By day, large windows allow plenty of natural light in, but heavy curtains make afternoon naps a viable option. There are also two full bathrooms and a laundry room on the second floor. The all-in-one washer/dryer is different than most Americans are likely accustomed to, but it takes just a few minutes to figure out. Even though we only stayed a few days, having easy, 24-hour access to a washer and dryer was a much-used luxury. The apartment is well-stocked with towels and bath products.

The first floor has a living room with a large sofa bed, a fully equipped open kitchen, a half-bathroom and a large walled outdoor terrace with seating for four. Along with being very private, the outdoor space is perfect for kids to play and burn off some energy. Other than the table, there is nothing on the terrace to bump into or break.

If clients use the sofa bed, the apartment could comfortably sleep six people. Daily housekeeping is not included but can be arranged for an additional fee. The departure cleaning, however, is included in the price. For stays longer than seven days, bed linens and towels are changed weekly. A minimum stay of three nights is required.

A key is required to access the building’s lobby. Like hotels, there is a reception desk; however, it is not staffed 24 hours per day. In the grand scheme of things, that’s not typically a major concern, but it can impact check-in, depending on when visitors arrive. Official check-in time is from 3 to 8 p.m. For arrivals between 8 and 10 p.m., there is an extra charge of about $22. Arrive between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., and the fee jumps to $44. In both cases, the fee is payable in cash to the receptionist. The front desk staff asks that guests call 30 minutes prior to arriving so they know clients are on the way.

Though desk staffing hours may vary from a traditional hotel, many of the services guests want and expect when traveling are still purchasable. Gourmet grocery baskets and catering services are available. If guests need luggage held before or after check-in, arrangements can be made. Clients with a car can book parking in the same building, and transfers to and from the airport can also be reserved. Wi-Fi access is complimentary and consistent.

Angla Boutique Apartments offer an easy walk to the Metro, Barcelona’s easy to use and inexpensive public transportation system, as well as to popular, family-friendly destinations such as La Boqueria Market and pedestrian-friendly La Rambla boulevard. The neighborhood is home to an assortment of charming cafes, markets and bars. Just steps outside the door, Churreria San Roman serves freshly made churros with chocolate and dulce de leche.

Angla Boutique Apartments is one of four tourist apartment buildings operated by the Izaka hotel management company. The group also manages Hotel Barcelona Catedral and Hotel Delamar Lloret.