Fodor's Expert Review Montesol Experimental

On the pedestrian square Vara de Rey, the Montesol has been a landmark since 1933; now, a trendy 2023 refurbishment brings bohemian design elements, such as shell-imprinted walls, and a cosmopolitan restaurant that sprawls out into the street. Run by the Experimental Group, famed for its nightlife and the unpredictable magic of French interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon, the hotel feels fresh, young, and casual (even senior management wear linen pants and sneakers). It’s designed as a base for exploration, rather than somewhere to lounge all day, but Dalt Vila views and bespoke interiors mean there’s also a lot worth staying in for.