For those who don't mind relying on public transportation to get around -- or who want the feeling of staying in an authentically Barcelonan neighborhood -- Hotel Laumon can be a smart choice. With a modern style and the option to stay in full apartments, the hotel is a decent value for the city. It's split across two buildings -- one holds traditional hotel rooms, while the other houses apartments. Inside, the small reception area is contemporary -- and a clue as to what to expect in the rooms -- with red leather tub chairs by the front window with a glass coffee table, a wall-mounted flat-screen TV, and a white reception desk with a red silhouette on the front of the Barcelona skyline. Still, despite it's sleek appearance, this is a simple budget hotel and there's not much in the way of features. Most guests are tourists looking to save money on their city break -- including families who like the extra rooms in the apartments -- but some business guests stay here as well.

The property is located in the La Sagrera neighborhood and is just a five-minute walk from La Sagrera Metro or RENFE stations. The neighborhood itself has a charming little old quarter and several parks. It’s a fairly quiet, residential area and is best suited to those who want to stay away from the crowded tourist center and see a slice of authentic life in Barcelona. There are a range of shops, bars, cafes, and some excellent Spanish restaurants within a few minutes’ walk. However, the main sights of the city are not within walking distance. To reach the city center, it's a 15-minute ride on the RENFE trains or 25 minutes by metro -- neither run around the clock. It's about 20 minutes by metro to Sagrada Familia, and 40 minutes to the beach near Ciutadella. Barcelona–El Prat Airport is around a 30-minute drive away, or between 60 and 75 minutes by public transportation.

The Hotel Laumon has 26 hotel rooms and five apartments, all of which are spacious, modern, and light. Guests can expect to see a wooden or tiled floor, and simple, contemporary light-wood veneer furniture that feels somewhere between smart Scandinavian and IKEA in terms of design. The rooms are decorated in warm taupes, creams, and grays, and there's little in the way of wall art beyond a soft-striped accent wall in most rooms. Apartments have a bit more personality. They feature a warmer color scheme, sharp white furniture, funky potted plants, and hand-painted trompe l'oeil details like whimsical "headboards." You'll see a bit more color, too, like handsome charcoal grays next to bright yellows or greens.

Each room or apartment is equipped with air-conditioning, safes, desks, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and free Wi-Fi. The apartments have a kitchen with cooking utensils, a fridge, microwave, and oven. Most also have a separate laundry room, and all have at least a washer. A Nespresso coffeemaker is provided in the apartments, as are towels, toiletries, and bed linens. The living room has a sofa, dining area, and flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and plenty of space to spread out. The Four-Person Apartment also has a terrace with dining table and chairs, and sun loungers. Bathrooms in all rooms have a similarly contemporary style, with small white brick-style tiles and gray grouting and floors. Those in the hotel rooms have either a shower/tub combo or shower, those in the apartments have a separate bathtub and shower. 

The hotel has a small restaurant which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving a Mediterranean menu. The breakfast is a buffet and has a good selection although it’s not included in the room rate. Food universally gets solid marks and comes at rates a bit lower than in the city center. The hotel also offers a small rooftop terrace, which has some gray rattan-style patio furniture and plants in contemporary pots. There are excellent views over the city’s rooftops. On-site parking is available at the property for a daily fee, and car and bike rental can be arranged by the reception staff. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, which applies to both buildings.