A stay at Praktik Essens is like unlocking a piece of history right in the heart of Barcelona—you’re just a short stroll to Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. The hotel is within a decadent 19th-century building with impressive neo-Arab arches and windows. Known for their themed hotel concepts, the latest offering by the Praktik hotel group has opened a perfumer’s hotel. This Barcelona boutique hotel is all about the experience, from the amenities to the artwork referencing fragrances and the perfume process on each building floor to the bottles filled with floral-scented perfumes. It immediately looks like some perfumery from the entrance until you see the reception nestled in the corner. The general vibe is like that of a museum and the informative staff are friendly and on hand for assistance.
OUR STORY
We’ve stayed at a few of the other Praktik hotels in Barcelona City before, but this was our first time travelling with a 3-month-old. What sticks out about Praktik Essens is the location; it’s perfect. Tucked down the side street that takes you to El Nacional – the hotel is discreetly situated yet bang in the middle of the Eixample district. Fragrance is very much at the forefront of the hotel and is smoothly incorporated into the check-in process. We were encouraged to smell the four senses: Mar, Herbas, Flor, and Barcelona. The Barcelona fragrance combines the other three and has been produced to invigorate a scent that embodies the city. The chosen scent is the one that is used as your amenities. We opted for Mar, and were given a slab of soap to take and use.
Our stay was in a Superior room, with an exterior overlooking a typical Eixample courtyard – very Barcelona. The room was simple, chic, and very well organised, with a good use of space for clothing, shelving for items, a luggage rack, and a seating area with a desk. The hotel also has suites with views of the charming Passeig de Gracià and Premium rooms with large terraces of up to 25 m2 and heated outdoor bathtubs all year round. Those travelling as a family can specify when doing so, as the hotel is happy to interconnect Double rooms to create bigger spaces to accommodate all. Now, breakfast isn’t included, but you have tea and coffee facilities in the room and an elegant communal lounge area in warm wooden tones. Plus, you can pick something up nearby and eat in the lounge or pop downstairs for a bite.
THE GOODIES
- Complimentary amenities upon arrival
- Flat-screen cable TV
- 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets
- Rain-effect shower
- Tea/coffee-making facilities
- Minibar, safe, hairdryer
- Bathroom amenities
- Central heating and air conditioning
- Free high speed WiFi throughout the grounds
- A rooftop terrace wih sunloungers and seating
- Communal lounge area
- 24hr concierge service
- Fragrance sampling
SUMMARY
Rate – Start from 100 euros per night for a double room for single use
Location – Barcelona city centre
Suitable for – couples, groups, friends and families.
Tips – Do relax on the terrace for cosy sundowners and pop to Oassis restaurant next door for breakfast.
