Hotel Praktik Bakery

The idea behind Praktik Bakery is simple and appealing: the ground floor is a working artisan bakery, so the smell of fresh bread greets guests in the morning and the pastries at breakfast come straight from the ovens. The hotel describes itself as the world's first hotel-bakery, and it is part of the Praktik group of design-conscious, good-value hotels in Barcelona, each built around a theme.

Rooms are compact and practical. The Double Economy rooms face the interior, which makes them quieter, while the Double Exterior rooms have natural light and face the street or a patio. Family rooms combine two connecting doubles, one interior and one exterior, for up to four guests. The style is clean and contemporary, with the bakery theme carried through the public spaces, and the hotel holds the Ecostars sustainability certification.

Booking directly through the hotel's website is said to be 5% cheaper per night, with free cancellation within 24 hours, a possible free room upgrade and free late check-out, subject to availability. The hotel states that it does not overbook. Rooms are on the small side, so travellers with a lot of luggage may prefer an exterior room. Contact the hotel by phone for specific requests.

Praktik Bakery suits couples, solo travellers and small families who want a central, stylish base at a fair price and do not need extensive facilities. It is especially good for anyone who enjoys a good breakfast. It is less suited to travellers looking for a pool, spa or restaurant, as the focus is on the bakery and comfortable rooms.

The hotel is on Carrer de Provença in the Eixample, a block from Passeig de Gràcia and La Pedrera. The district was laid out in the 19th century on Ildefons Cerdà's grid plan, with wide streets and chamfered corners, and it is one of the most convenient areas of the city to stay in. Diagonal station on lines L3 and L5 is about five minutes' walk away, and Provença station on the FGC suburban lines is also close. Casa Batlló is about ten minutes' walk, Gràcia's squares and bars are within 15 minutes, and La Pepita on Carrer de Còrsega is a short walk for tapas in the evening. Rambla de Catalunya, a block west, is lined with café terraces.