The Hotel Ciutadella is housed in a four-floor historic building that's been converted into a hotel and opened in 2012. It's a charming enough first impression, with style that continues indoors as well. Guests enter to a low-ceilinged, atmospheric lobby with silver pillars, circle-shaped reception desk, and vaguely mid-century look in its furnishings. The hotel features a striking red, black, and white motif throughout the contemporary public spaces. A small light-filled courtyard on the lobby level has an atrium ceiling, though apart from the hotel's breakfast room, features are few and far between here, and it's best used as an attractive place to crash at night. The hotel attracts leisure travelers to its location next to Franca Railway Station, a short walk from the Picasso Museum and dining, and not far from the beach. Rates here are relatively affordable since the hotel is not on or near La Rambla. 

Hotel Ciutadella Barcelona is wedged between trendy El Born and beachy Barceloneta, which makes it a popular pick for many travelers. There are all manner of shops, cafes, boutiques, and restaurants within a one to 15-minute walk, and the Barceloneta metro station is about a five-minute walk. The green expanse of Ciutadella Park is about a three-minute walk from the hotel, and Barcelona Zoo is in the park, about a five-minute stroll from the hotel. The 14th-century Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is about a three-minute walk away, on the Passeig del Born, which is filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. The Picasso Museum is a five-minute stroll, and the atmospheric Gothic Quarter is 10 minutes away on foot. It will take about 15 minutes to reach Las Ramblas on foot. The iconic Sagrada Familia church is a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes away by public transportation. Sant Sebastia Beach is a little over a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk. Expect a 20-minute drive to the airport, though it can be reached in 50 minutes by airport bus or the train from Franca Station. 

Rooms at the Hotel Ciutadella have a modern, fairly stylish look that makes them a pleasant place to bed down at night. Color really pops here, continuing the black, red, and white motif found elsewhere in the hotel. Rooms also have gray damask wallpaper and gray padded vinyl headboards. The relatively spacious rooms are soundproofed and quiet, and all get good natural light through big windows. Juliet balconies are a nice extra in some rooms. Standard features include desks, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with English and satellite channels. Don't expect electric kettles. Bathrooms are stylish, with white circular wash basins, black granite counters, and etchings on the mirrors. Some bathrooms are a bit small, with limited space around the sink. All come with hairdryers and basic toiletries. Small pets are allowed in rooms free of charge. All rooms and public spaces at the hotel are non-smoking. 

Hotel Ciutadella Barcelona has little to offer travelers besides a clean and quiet place to sleep. It serves an adequate breakfast buffet (for a fee) featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cereal, fruit, toast, coffee, tea, and juice, though many guests find that the money is better spent elsewhere. The hotel has no bar or restaurant, but it offers a limited menu for room service until late. The hotel also has vending machines, parking (for a fee), and 24-hour front desk with tourist assistance. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.