We began our Spanish/French vacation in Barcelona, a city we have visited many times. Traditionally, we’ve stayed in the L’Eixample neighborhood, but this time we wanted to switch things up. The Serras is a small boutique property tucked along the edge of the Gothic Quarter, and I’ve had my eye on it for years. I’ve previously sent clients there, all of whom raved about their stays, so I was excited to finally experience it myself.

Booking

The Serras is a direct partner of Fora, which means all clients (including myself) receive the following perks:

• Welcome amenity
• Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)
• $100 USD hotel credit
• Daily breakfast for two
• Early check-in and late check-out (when available)

December is low season in Barcelona, so rates were quite reasonable, making this an especially strong value for a five-star boutique property.

Pre-Arrival Support

One of the areas where I’m most critical of five-star hotels is pre-arrival communication — and The Serras truly excelled. Every email was answered within about 20 minutes, and the restaurant recommendations they provided were thoughtful, current, and clearly curated by someone who actually knows the city. It set the tone for a stay that felt personal before we even arrived.

Arrival

We arrived late in the afternoon to dark, rainy weather — not Barcelona at its most glamorous. The Serras is an intimate hotel, so there isn’t a doorman stationed outside at all times. As our Blacklane transfer pulled up, I whispered to Matt, “Are we really going to have to carry our own bags in?”

Almost immediately, the hotel door — about 25 yards away — opened, and a sharply dressed staff member walked straight toward our car. He greeted us by name (particularly impressive given that we arrived in a third-party vehicle), told us to head inside, and assured us he would take care of the luggage.

Check-in was seamless. There’s no grand lobby here; instead, we were seated at the manager’s desk while formalities were handled efficiently and warmly. Cold face towels and arrival drinks appeared without fanfare, and within minutes we were being escorted to our room.

The Room

We were upgraded to a larger room with a small balcony overlooking the Barcelona waterfront. While the weather didn’t cooperate enough for us to fully enjoy the outdoor space, the room itself was excellent: a very comfortable bed, a well-designed bathroom, and thoughtful amenities throughout. Everything felt intentional and high quality without being overdone.

The Food

We opted to eat at the rooftop restaurant on our first night, largely because we were tired from travel. We ordered several tapas dishes and were delighted by the bartender, who crafted excellent mocktails for us — no afterthought drinks here. The rooftop views would have been lovely under clearer skies, but even with the stormy weather, the experience felt relaxed and easy.

Breakfast was served just off the lobby each morning and was included thanks to our Fora benefits. All drinks, including barista-made coffees, were complimentary. There was a small buffet paired with à la carte options, and because the hotel has only around 50 rooms, the buffet offerings were modest but constantly refreshed. This was the opposite of a typical large-chain breakfast where food sits out for hours — everything here felt fresh and cared for.

By the second morning, the breakfast staff greeted us by name and knew our drink orders before we sat down. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big impression.

The Service

What truly sets The Serras apart is the service. It’s deeply personal without ever feeling stiff or performative. Staff members were warm, genuinely interested, and clearly empowered to take care of guests without excessive formality. Conversations felt real, not scripted. Preferences were remembered. Requests were anticipated. There was none of the forced cheer or rehearsed luxury language you sometimes encounter at five-star hotels — just thoughtful, human service done exceptionally well.

Final Thoughts

The Serras strikes that rare balance between polished luxury and authentic warmth. It feels refined but never stuffy, intimate without feeling precious, and genuinely welcoming in a way that’s hard to manufacture.

After this stay, I can confidently say: this is now our Barcelona hotel. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel known, not managed — and that, to me, is the highest compliment a hotel can earn.

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Who This Hotel Is For (and Who It’s Not)

The Serras is ideal for:

• Travelers who prefer boutique hotels over large luxury chains
• Couples who value quiet, personal service over grand lobbies and spectacle
• Repeat visitors to Barcelona who want to stay in the Gothic Quarter without feeling overwhelmed by it
• Guests who appreciate staff who remember names, preferences, and small details
• Travelers who want a five-star experience that feels warm, relaxed, and genuinely human
• Cruise passengers looking for a refined pre- or post-cruise stay, thanks to the hotel’s excellent proximity to the port without feeling like a transit hotel

It may not be the best fit for:

• Travelers who want a buzzing, resort-style hotel with lots of public spaces
• Families needing multiple room categories or kid-focused amenities
• Guests who equate luxury with size, formality, or constant visible staff presence
• Anyone looking for a “scene” hotel or high-energy nightlife atmosphere

Bottom line:
If you value thoughtful service, an intimate atmosphere, and a hotel that feels like a calm retreat in the middle of the city, The Serras is exceptional. If you’re looking for something flashy, expansive, or high-energy, there are better options in Barcelona — and that’s exactly why this one works so well for the right traveler.