Sunday Loungin'

Photo: Channels World of Hotels

El Raval is one of those gritty neighborhoods-turning-artsy, where prostitution and crime were historically prevalent, and currently there resides a high concentration of Barcelona's immigrants, including Indian, Pakistani, Filipinos, Romanians, and more. I love going here to buy "exotic" food products on the cheap, or that can't be found in normal food chains, like coconut milk, sushi wrapper, or shrimp chips.

In the heart of El Raval lies the strip called La Rambla del Raval, where a modern luxury hotel opened in 2008. Barceló Raval is said to have a funky design and contemporary feel, but not recommended for a stay for families due to its surrounding area, especially at night. A double room runs around $215 a night. We took a quick visit to see what it was all about.

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My two favorite peeps.

A horsey lamp welcomes guests in the lobby.

Fashionable, no?

Paloma enjoyed sitting in this cocktail lounge chair.

I shared a snuggle with my daughter.Fernando got one too.Not set to open until May 1st, we got a lucky chance to go up to the top to see the panoramic view of Barcelona. That's right - "chill out" on the 11th floor.

I see London, I see France...The Sagrada Familia barely juts out of Fernando's head.

I heard there was a pool at the top, but it looked more for wading.
We're not looking at the camera, but I just like the flowers and colors in this photo.

In the distance lies Montjuic and the National Museum of Art of Catalunya.

The city and the Med Sea horizon.
More of the city and the suggestive Torre Agbar to the left.

Leaving Raval, we had to salute Botero's cat. Hola, gato!
This is "the end"...