The SLS approach to hospitality has always favoured spectacle over restraint, and their Barcelona debut delivers exactly that. Located in the evolving Port Fòrum district, this five-star playground anchors an area that’s transforming from nautical port to lifestyle destination. While downtown Barcelona bustles, fifteen minutes away, here you’ll find space to breathe and be seen doing it.

Glamorous Rooms

Your room becomes a private theatre of its own. Floor-to-ceiling wardrobes line the entrance vestibule, while a smoky marble minibar stocks everything from premium spirits to crispy pineapple treats. The bathroom reveals itself through sliding doors, presenting a double vanity surrounded by hammered metal and contemporary Venetian mirror. Separate shower and WC areas hide behind ribbed vintage glass, while Ortigia Florio amenities from Italy add authentic luxury. Even the bathrobes tell a story, embroidered with SLS’s iconic duck alongside butterflies and dragonflies.

Cosmico Rooftop

But the real action happens beyond your balcony. Cósmico rooftop commands the skyline with twin infinity pools and a soundtrack provided by resident DJs. Day parties transition seamlessly into evening affairs, with creative cocktails flowing against views that stretch from marina to Mediterranean. The Japanese-inspired menu keeps things light, think karaage chicken and tuna tataki, while the atmosphere grows more electric as the sun sets. Monthly ‘Cosmic Affairs’ events bring international DJs like Juicy M and Charles B to elevate the energy even further.

Lora Restaurant

When hunger calls, Lora provides the answer through Chef Justin Collinge’s modern Mediterranean kitchen. The South African chef draws inspiration from every Mediterranean shore, from North Africa to the Levant, Iberian Peninsula to Italian islands. Watch flames dance in the open kitchen’s wood-fired grills as dishes emerge with smoke and soul. Start with warm kubaneh bread and a selection of dips including the standout spinach borani with caramelised onions and pistachio. The chicken and apricot tagine arrives fragrant with Berbere spices, its heat balanced by cooling yoghurt and fresh coriander. Sommelier Daniela guides wine pairings that might include Lebanese bottles to complement the Middle Eastern influences.

L’Anxova Divina

For a more casual approach, L’Anxova Divina celebrates Barcelona’s tapas culture with pinchos, small plates, and the essential afternoon vermouth ritual. The informal space captures the city’s social dining spirit, perfect for grazing from lunch through late night.

The design narrative continues throughout common areas where Rockwell Group has embraced maximalism with obvious joy. Silver walls gleam in reception while the lobby’s twisted chandelier creates dramatic shadows. Lift floors feature unexpected patterns, and every surface seems designed to catch and reflect light.

Port Fòrum

Beyond the hotel, Port Fòrum reveals its potential. Morning walks lead through parkland to beaches, while jogging paths offer views stretching to the iconic W Hotel. The area pulses with development energy, new beach clubs, rooftops, and dining venues signal the district’s evolution into Barcelona’s next social hub. SLS sits at the centre of this transformation, its rooftop parties and late-night energy helping to establish the area’s new identity.

The marina itself specialises in superyachts, with both wet and dry berths creating a constantly changing backdrop of impressive vessels. Walking the quaysides at sunset, you’ll witness the daily theatre of arrivals and departures while enjoying the sea breeze that makes Barcelona’s climate so appealing.

Meetings with Sparkle

For business travellers, the Gala Ballroom brings the same theatrical approach to meetings and events. Red curtains and dramatic lighting create a memorable setting, while the Gala Foyer’s carved walls and statement chandeliers provide an impressive welcome. Even smaller Spotlight and Limelight meeting rooms maintain the property’s design standards without sacrificing functionality.

As evening approaches, the building comes alive with possibility. Cocktail bar Deluxe operates from morning until late night, providing the soundtrack to chance encounters and planned celebrations alike. The rooftop transforms into Barcelona’s most elevated party venue, where city lights compete with stars for attention.

This is Barcelona hospitality designed for those who appreciate flamboyance alongside their comfort, where every detail serves the larger narrative of indulgence and entertainment.

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Designed by Catalan architect Óscar Tusquets and rising 25 storeys, Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona cuts a distinctive figure on the neighbourhood’s skyline, its twin angular towers evoking the prow of a ship, a subtle reference to the nearby Mediterranean. Dining is a highlight here, with Michelin-starred Aürt providing an intimate, ingredient-led culinary experience, while the Ma’i Lobby Bar delivers relaxed all-day fine dining tapas and cocktails. Those staying in executive rooms and suites gain access to the Executive Lounge, which offers breakfast, complimentary refreshments throughout the day and drinks each evening. But the real standout remains Purobeach Barcelona, their rooftop beach club complete with Balinese beds, two pools, DJ sets, and its own globally inspired restaurant, M3 Cuisine.

Location

Located in the Diagonal Mar i el Front Marítim del Poblenou district, the hotel is just a short walk from Llevant beach, and adjacent to the Diagonal Mar Shopping Centre and the Barcelona International Convention Centre. The El Maresme-Forum Metro Station is a 2-minute walk away, as is a tram stop, which will take you into the heart of Barcelona in about 20 minutes. Getting to and from the airport is also convenient, taking around 30 minutes by motorway.

Purobeach Barcelona

Spanning 2,800 square metres and sitting two floors above ground level, Purobeach Barcelona brings its distinctly Majorcan flair to the Catalan capital. Think of it as a fully immersive beach club in the city complete with Balinese beds and poolside loungers, arranged across multiple decks and two saltwater pools, with views stretching out towards the city and even glimpses of the Sagrada Família, and all set to a laid-back soundtrack of DJ beats.

On arrival be personally guided to your reserved sunbeds, where laid-out towels are unfolded for you. We started the experience with a refreshment tray featuring bottled water, fresh orange juice, and jar of salted nuts. And as midday approached, it felt only right to order a cocktail poolside! You can further enhance your experience with extras such as fresh fruit platters, Champagne, and spa treatments.

For lunch, head to M3 Purobeach’s culinary concept, the open-air terrace continues the beach-club aesthetic with low-slung cream seating and natural textures. Taking its name from the culinary inspirations of Miami, Marrakech and Melbourne, you can expect Mediterranean seafood, North African spices, and vibrant modern twists on global favourites.

We opted for a selection of small plates and mains, a portion of patatas bravas loaded with aioli and smoked paprika, along with padrón peppers and local jamón with pan con tomate to start. And for mains fish tacos layered with slaw and chipotle mayo, a poke bowl of salmon, edamame, seaweed and avocado, and a sticky soy-glazed salmon fillet and a side of chargrilled broccolini, all accompanied by an Albariño from Rías Baixas.

Post lunch we returned to our sunbeds for a well-earned siesta and post-lunch dip in the pool. Purobeach Barcelona is open daily till 6 pm in the summer season, sunbed booking is recommended and chargeable.

Rooms & Suites

The hotel offers 433 rooms and suites, all designed with a soft neutral palette and large windows that frame city or sea views. Guest Rooms come in king, twin and family configurations, while Executive Rooms add access to the 15th-floor Executive Lounge, an exclusive space with complimentary breakfast, refreshments and evening drinks. All rooms include Hilton’s signature beds, ergonomic workspaces, Crabtree & Evelyn amenities, along with refillable glass water bottles and locally inspired welcome items.

For those wanting extra room, the hotel’s suites offer a more residential feel. Citscape Suites are junior suite style in design, offering an increased sense of space and looking out over the city. Mediterranean Suites feature separate living areas and panoramic dual vistas from their corner window, while Panorama Suites have a separate dining room and panoramic view from their higher floor levels. And for a truly elevated experience, the Skyline Suite on the 23rd floor stands out with its huge lounge, dining area, and wraparound views.

My Room During My Stay

During my stay, I checked into room 1220, a Mediterranean Suite located on the 12th floor. These suites are completely unique in layout with the bedroom suite sitting right in the triangular ‘prow’ of the building.

Inside, the suite is light-filled and contemporary. You enter into the lounge, which provides a setting to work or unwind. There is also a sofa bed allowing you to sleep up to four guests in the suite. The lounge includes a Nespresso machine, a kettle and a TV.

The highlight of the suite is undoubtedly the panoramic corner window with views stretching across the city and the beach. While a chaise lounge tucked into the window nook makes the most of the spot. The king-size bed is framed by a padded leather headboard and softened with globe pendant lights. Across from the bed is a second TV and wardrobe along with a selection of mineral water and refillable glass water bottles, which can be replenished in the hallway water and ice dispenser.

The bathroom continues the suite’s calm, contemporary feel with clean lines, soft lighting and polished stone finishes. A backlit mirror is paired with a sleek glass-topped vanity and a circular basin. The combined shower and bath comes with Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries.

Skyline Suite

Located on the 23rd floor, the Skyline Suite is the hotel’s most impressive accommodation, spanning 133 square metres, this recently refreshed space pairs generous proportions with curated Catalan design details, including subtle nods to Gaudí in both artwork and materials, while large windows wrap around the entire suite, offering views across Barcelona’s shoreline and across the entire city.

The lounge is furnished in rich velvet and textural fabrics alongside a dining area set beneath a modern statement chandelier. The king-size bedroom is serene and understated, with elegant storage and direct sea views. In the bathroom, a large, backlit vanity sits opposite a generous whirlpool bathtub and a separate walk-in shower.

Aürt

Aürt is the hotel’s signature fine dining experience, located just off the lobby, the Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Artur Martínez is rooted in a philosophy of “thoughtful simplicity over forced complexity”. The intimate space seats just 15 diners at its island-style counters which place you at eye level with the chefs and encourage conversation throughout the meal. The experience begins with a taste of limited-production Becaruda olive oil, pressed from centuries-old trees, cooking is technically confident while the tasting menu is hyper-local and seasonal, with each dish presented and explained by the team.

Ma’i Lobby Bar

Directly across from Aürt is Ma’i Lobby Bar, this relaxed space offers a refined all-day menu guided by the Michelin-starred Aürt kitchen. Expect elevated tapas with Catalan and Mediterranean roots think perfectly crisp croquetas to refreshing tartare, and tacos layered with depth and spice. One highlight is their cocktail list. I opened for a Margarita, served in an elegant flute-style glass with a salt-dusted side and twist of lime. And the wine list features some strong regional choices, including an excellent Albariño of which one glass just isn’t enough!

Indigo

A large buffet breakfast is served on the first floor at Indigo, (with a streamlined Executive Lounge breakfast also available for those staying in executive rooms and suites). The offering is a generous featuring a live cooking station where eggs and pancakes are made to order. A central island is packed with regional cheeses, cured meats and pastries along with a rotating selection of Catalan-inspired dishes and international favourites. You can choose to eat indoors or head out on the balcony terrace.

Executive Lounge

Located on the 15th floor, the executive lounge provides uninterrupted panoramic views of Barcelona. it is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, offers complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening canapés with a selection of beers, wines and spirits. The lounge features both indoor and outdoor seating.

Final Thoughts

From the sensory escape of Purobeach with its laid-back energy, poolside cocktails and globally inspired dining at M3, to chef-led storytelling at Aürt, relaxed fine dining at Ma’i, and skyline views from the Executive Lounge. This is a hotel that manages to deliver a true city resort feel, which is stylish and serene.

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I’m back in one of the most fashionable cities in Europe, and it’s the Kimpton Vividora Barcelona that has beckoned. With a name that captures the essence of living vibrantly and embracing life’s pleasures, which feels true to Barcelona’s spirited character, this 5-star boutique hotel sits in Barcelona’s captivating Gothic Quarter, steps from the Cathedral and City Hall.

Location

The vibe is urban, on-trend yet relaxed, welcoming, and just steps from the evocative Gothic quarter. The striking period architecture of the vintage façade gives way to curated interiors of bold, warm colours and rich textures of gold and velvet. The GOT Coffee & Cocktails lobby bar fills with the aroma of freshly ground coffee in the mornings and by sundown transforms into a city meeting place, buzzing during social hour with complimentary wines for guests. This is the place for my café amb llet in the morning watching Barcelona wake up, then returning for the evening social hour.

I took the lift to check in on the mezzanine, greeted by a glass of Catalan cava and the warm welcome of the guest experience team.

Rooms & Suites

My accommodation, the Suite de Vivi, offered a contemporary 42m² corner layout with a balcony providing urban views across the Gothic Quarter. The palette of warm, earthy tones with Mediterranean blue nodded to Barcelona’s coastal character, while designer furniture and a soaking tub created a stylish but homely space. Materials are tactile and welcoming, with a focus on natural textures including wood, bamboo and raffia.

I smiled when I noticed the welcome message written on the bathroom mirror – a thoughtful touch that immediately made the room feel personal.  Further thoughtful gestures included a welcome amenity of wine, and chocolates. Here I’d like to give a special shout-out to the amazing Guest Experience team, and especially Lara, for all the thoughtful, personalised touches, which made my celebratory stay truly memorable.

The Carner bathroom amenities, from a local Barcelona perfumer, included everything from shower essentials to moisturiser and lip balm, turning everyday routines into small pleasures. The room also had a steamer.

The hotel offers twelve different room categories to suit various needs – from bijou rooms perfect for romantic escapades to family accommodations.

Each feels like a stylish Barcelona apartment with locally designed furniture and thoughtful amenities. The signature Kimpton bathrobes are supremely comfortable, while the well-stocked mini bar features local artisanal products alongside international favourites. Smart TVs, complimentary WiFi and USB charging points ensure modern conveniences are seamlessly integrated into the design.

City Slicker

Yet Barcelona beckons. Urban cool is in the city’s DNA, an energising atmosphere that transforms a leisurely stroll into a cultural experience.

The Gothic Quarter with its striking architecture and shadowy lanes gives way to sun-splashed avenues where designer boutiques tempt on Passeig de Gràcia, and Gaudí’s visionary buildings immerse you in a fairytale world of imagination.

One of the hotel’s helpful offerings is the bicycles (Tokio Bikes) available to rent. I borrowed one and explored the neighbourhood on two wheels. For a different perspective, guests can also try paddleboarding along the coast with boards available from the hotel.

Casa de Vivi Drinks and Dining

After active days, La Terraza de Vivi on the rooftop offered a welcome retreat with its pool and city views. I enjoyed a refreshingly crisp spritz as the sun began to set over Barcelona’s rooftops, with glimpses of Sagrada Familia, and the spire of the city’s Basilica on the skyline.

Catalina the hostess, was particularly welcoming – part of a really great team at the Kimpton Vividora Barcelona hotel.

Dining at Fauna was a highlight. Part of the Casa de Vivi concept, the restaurant feels relaxed and elegant.

The approach to food here is refreshingly unpretentious, translating into honest Mediterranean cuisine with Catalan roots. Natural light streams through windows by day, highlighting beautiful, hydraulic tiled floors, while evening brings warm, intimate lighting. The crowd makes for a relaxed experience, with friends around tables, couples in corners, and families enjoying animated conversation.

Barbara the restaurant manager, helped us navigate the menu, making suggestions. I tried the salt cod croquettes with honey and lime, crisp outside with a creamy filling. The brioche of pulled Iberian pork loin and mushrooms was tasty and satisfying, while VivI’s bravas offered a nice twist on a Spanish classic. My favourite was the Iberian pork meatballs with scallops, a good example of Catalonia’s distinctive mar i muntanya (sea and mountain) tradition that combines meat with seafood.

Breakfast is thoughtfully presented – care has been taken with each detail from the ceramic dishes to the way the buffet platters are presented. A la carte dishes are prepared to order.

Wellbeing

For wellness and beauty moments, the Wellness Room promises thoughtful treatments, while the 24-hour gym provides essential equipment for maintaining fitness routines.

Even four-legged friends receive a warm welcome, with pampered pooches lounging contentedly in the lobby alongside their owners. For those arriving by car as I did, the hotel has partnered with nearby car parks offering special rates. I found Saba Cataluña convenient and just a short walk away.

The Kimpton Vividora Barcelona makes a city stay feel personal and thoughtful through genuine hospitality and those little details that make a difference. In a city known for its creativity and zest for life, this hotel fits right in.

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Set within the urban heart of Barcelona’s Eixample district, Nobu Hotel Barcelona presents a dining experience that brings Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s renowned culinary vision to one of Europe’s most dynamic cities.

Exciting Urban Dining

Barcelona stands as a monument to artistic expression and architectural innovation. From Gaudí’s distinctive creations to the medieval Gothic Quarter, the city balances historical significance with forward-thinking design. This metropolitan energy complements Nobu’s culinary approach – respect for tradition paired with bold creativity.

The restaurant is on the 23rd floor of the hotel, offering diners panoramic views across the Barcelona skyline. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city’s architecture against the backdrop of the Mediterranean mountains creating an atmospheric setting for a memorable meal.

The Nobu Bar Prelude

Our evening began at Nobu Bar, sharing distinctive Nobu buzz and energy of the sky high restaurant, creating a sense of occasion. The bar team crafted cocktails with precision and flair.

Chef Rafa Pero’s Omakase

The restaurant has the signature Nobu understated style, with polished wooden elements, neutral tones, and subtle lighting, allowing the food and panoramic views to command attention. Tables positioned strategically ensure both privacy and optimal vantage points of the cityscape below.

Nobu Barcelona always offers a Taste of the Season through their Omakase Barcelona experience, an exclusive multi-course menu where the local and international ingredients meet Nobu’s distinctive touch. For first-time visitors, the knowledgeable team helps navigate the menu, with the chef recommending trying three or more of the menu’s highlights, with an approach that begins with two or three cold dishes, followed by two or three hot ones, concluding with sushi and dessert—all shared family style.

For our visit, Chef Rafa Pero introduced himself and offered to create an omakase experience in Nobu’s distinctive style while introducing elements reflective of the region’s produce. The Japanese concept of Omotenashi – anticipatory hospitality – was evident throughout the evening, with our server being attentive and knowledgeable.

Our culinary journey began with New Style sashimi prepared with local Catalan red prawns.

This was followed by Tartar de Toro con Caviar, elevated with smoked caviar that added depth and complexity. The contrasting textures created a memorable interplay of flavours.

The Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce arrived next, one of the most popular dishes on the Nobu Barcelona menu. The delicate crunch of the tempura batter gave way to succulent shrimp, all enhanced by the sauce that balanced creaminess with a subtle kick of heat.

Chef Pero’s talent for personalisation became evident again in the Baby Spinach Salad with Dry Miso. His addition of a yuzu dressing and fresh lobster transformed this Nobu staple into something unique to Barcelona, the bright citrus notes of the yuzu complementing the lobster perfectly.

The Chef’s Selection of Sushi represented a highlight of our omakase experience. Each piece was crafted with remarkable precision, featuring some local seafood and fish, including Spanish eel.

Perhaps the most anticipated course was Chef Nobu’s iconic Black Cod Miso – flaky fish glazed with sweet, umami-rich miso that has become synonymous with the Nobu name worldwide. Chef Pero added his own Barcelona signature alongside this classic by serving Spanish-style croquettes filled with the essence of the black cod dish, an ingenious fusion of Japanese flavour and Spanish technique.

For our meat course, we were presented with a selection of premium Japanese Wagyu beef alongside bold Chilean Wagyu. The melt-in-the-mouth texture of the Japanese beef contrasted beautifully with the more robust flavour profile of its Chilean counterpart, both prepared with minimal intervention to showcase their exceptional quality. There was a ponzu butter sauce and a hot sauce too.

Our celebratory meal concluded with a spectacular dessert platter, artfully presented with the utmost attention to detail in both flavour and presentation, which provided a fitting finale to an extraordinary dining experience.

The Essence of Nobu Barcelona

Throughout the evening, the restaurant maintained its distinctive energy, that special Nobu atmosphere created by the combination of striking views, carefully selected music, and the buzz of conversation from a diverse city crowd.

In a city celebrated for culinary innovation, Nobu Barcelona makes an exciting and fashionable contribution with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s distinctive interpretation of Japanese cuisine, as well as locally created dishes, like those from Chef Pero.

The unparalleled combination of breathtaking views, exceptional service embodying the spirit of Omotenashi, and innovative cuisine makes Nobu Barcelona an essential dining destination in this captivating city.

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The Luxury Editor’s Chrystal was invited to experience the independently owned city-centre hotel. Read on to discover more. 

History 

In 1919, the hotel opened its doors as the Ritz of Barcelona, and although Ritz founder, César Ritz was hesitant to bring a hotel to Barcelona– he only chose large European capitals as locations for his hotels – he was persuaded to do so by Catalan politician Francesc Cambó and the decision was (and still is!) a huge success. The hotel quickly attracted a star-studded line-up of guests; from Hollywood stars including Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, Sofia Loren, and Woody Allen to other prominent figures such as Alexander Fleming, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso – and Queen star, Freddie Mercury met Spanish Soprano, Montserrat Caballé, here to perform the hit song ‘Barcelona’.

In 2005, the hotel was rebranded to El Palace but continues to live up to the ostentatiously stylish, incredibly luxurious, and unequivocally elegant standards that the Ritz name has now become famous for.

El Palace Barcelona has been recognised for its outstanding quality and distinctive character and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. 

Location 

Located in the Eixample District of bustling Barcelona, El Palace offers guests convenient access – walking or via metro – to many of the city’s main attractions. Iconic buildings such as La Pedrera, Casa Batlló and La Boquería are a stone’s throw away, high-street shops and other historic sites can be found on nearby Passeig de Gràcia, and the many independent boutiques and restaurants within the historic Gothic Quarter are also close by. Take a 25-minute stroll to witness the splendour of Sagrada Familia or hop on the nearby metro to reach the beach in less than 30 minutes. A perfectly placed base from which to explore the city. 

Style / Concept 

Standing rather majestically on the corner of a busy street, El Palace Barcelona is hard to miss; the Baroque-style building is adorned with scarlet red robes that proudly hang across its entrance and the striking shade continues across window canopies and ornate window boxes that frame the rows of the rooms and suites high above. Smart, smiley, and perfectly polished porters greet us and whisk away our bags. Half an evolution of the traditional revolving door is all it takes for me to enjoy a ‘take-my-breath-away’ moment; the grandeur of the hotel reception is a visual feast. Huge marble columns shoulder a sweeping double star case, imposing high ceilings present twinkling chandeliers, their glint not to be outdone by the shiny floor below, and heavy curtains give way to an enticing view through to the Great Hall – elegance is present in every blink of the eye. Even the Concierge’s key cupboard is Insta-worthy! 

Once inside guests are transported back to a bygone era – unaware of the hustle and bustle of the busy city outside and every guest is welcomed with VIP service, whilst an air of timeless glamour flows throughout the entire hotel. 

Guest Rooms and Suites 

El Palace Barcelona presents 120 guest rooms taking inspiration from a neo-classical style. A signature art suite can be found on floors one to six – each named after and styled in honour of some of the renowned artists that frequented the hotel (Salvador Dali | Josephine Baker | Cesar Ritz | Carlos Ruiz Zafon | Joan Miro | Ronnie Wood. Floor five and the Joan Miro suite would be our home for the next two nights. 

The heavy bronze door key with a theatrical red tassel and engraved suite name was yet another distinct sign of quality.

The Joan Miro suite covers rooms 508 – 509 – 510 with access via doors 508 and 510 only (509 is a façade!) and is a grand space; featuring a dining table for six, a large lounge area with fireplace, a desk to complete the all-important business deals along with an old ‘pole-style’ desk stand telephone (don’t be fooled – it’s for show only which I discovered when I tried to call room service!!), a separate WC and a door leads to a large bedroom, with an extensive dressing area with ample wardrobe space, that then leads to a beautiful marble bathroom. The large bathroom has his and her sinks, walk-in rain shower, a bidet and toilet and the piece de resistance was the Roman bath-inspired mosaic shower – it was a work of art! 

Décor reflects the style of Joan Miro’s work with a simple colour palette of yellow, bronze, and dark wood with a slightly masculine vibe. 

The attention to detail is ever present with sumptuously soft bed linen, El Palace embossed pillowcases, a TV cleverly disguised as a mirror, weighty historic and lifestyle coffee table books, a personalised welcome note with a plate of cheeses, meats, and local wine. We forgot to leave our ‘no need to clean’ and the housekeeper was meticulous in her work, precisely folding our clothes and considerately (and creatively – she made a heart shape from my necklace) placing our other personal items on show so we could easily find them. 

El Palace Barcelona is forging relationships with like-minded local brands one of which is Carner, a local perfumer who created a signature scent Bo-Bo which captures the festive Mediterranean spirit that is also reflected in the work of Joan Miro. The scent was light and fresh, so we enjoyed a little spritz. The shop is a short walk away from the hotel and offers a super selection to suite all occasions. 

Gastronomy

There is an excellent choice of bars and restaurants and El Palace Barcelona with something to suite every occasion. Executive Chef, Jesús Caballero’s combines Basque and Catalan culinary styles, using local and seasonal ingredients at each of the restaurants within El Palace Barcelona. 

The Rooftop Garden & Terrace. We enjoyed dinner here on our first evening and this truly enchanting place proved to be one of our favourite spaces within the hotel. 

Accessed via the seventh floor, the 1,500 m2 space presents panoramic views across the city. It has a relaxed vibe, and its considered layout means guest can comfortably wine, dine, relax, and recharge. The focal point is the central pergola with tropical plants inspired by the greenhouse of the Ciutadella Park, under which sits a striking stone bar which is where the creative cocktail magic happens. There is a second pergola, known as the

Pergola Sagrada Familia that offers an additional shaded area and inviting low-level seats with the scent of orange blossoms and jasmine filling the air. Statues, sculptures, and over 50 types of plants adorn the Rooftop Garden – details that enhance the charming character of this welcoming sky-high space. 

Hotel guests who dine at the Rooftop Garden receive a welcome drink upon arrival and are presented with a choice of tapas or a la carte menu along with a choice of seating preferences; high bar stools, relaxed low-level seating under the cover of the pergola adorned with pretty flowers or take a slightly more formal seat in the restaurant area. We opted for the latter and enjoyed the catch of the day, served with seasonal veg followed by a truly indulgent melt-in-the-middle chocolate dessert, we gorged somewhat on the nuts with our pre-dinner drinks so didn’t need a starter. Service wasn’t the speediest but always with a smile and the team took time to remember your name and face and showed interest in the ponderings of your day. On our second night, after exploring the city, we enjoyed a cocktail nightcap here and as the sunset and darkness crept in, the Rooftop Garden took on a totally different twinkling persona to that of its daytime self. 

The Rooftop Garden also hosts live music performances, DJ sets, along with a Summer Rooftop Cinema, Brunch & Vinyl’s, Yoga, and many other seasonal activities. 

Other food and beverage options at the hotel include; 

AMAR Barcelona – a luxury brasserie serving fresh seafood with an extensive wine in a stylish art deco setting. 

The Great Hall – a grand and formal setting, where Afternoon Tea is the order of the day, and live music from a pianist can be enjoyed on a weekend and as were checking out we had the pleasure of catching a glimpse of the Afternoon Tea with a Tango performance – quite a rousing experience. All day dining is also on offer here and is a refined setting to enjoy a coffee, light bite, or glass of fizz. 

The Bluesman Cocktail & Cigar Bar – Named after the painting gifted to the hotel and painted by Rolling Stones legend, Ronnie Wood, the hotel’s speakeasy bar oozes the style and sophistication of a bygone era. A stunning marble bar houses a collection of unique spirits used to make creative and signature cocktails, antiques and crystal chandeliers from the roaring twenties, red fabric walls and velvet chairs add to the exuberant atmosphere. Live music is played on a weekend from 10.30pm.  

Breakfast 

A buffet style breakfast is served in El Jardin which is a beautiful monochrome courtyard come indoor garden area accented with colour from the seasonal plants that line the area. Three ‘carts’ present a selection of cold breakfast dishes ranging from granola, cinnamon and orange zest infused prunes (my favourite) to local style pastries, meats, cheeses, eggs, Spanish omelettes, smoked salmon, along with hot dishes including scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, and noodles – to name just a few. Freshly prepared dishes such as porridge, eggs Benedict, French toast and pancakes can also be ordered and if you fancy some fizz to kick-start the day then the Cava cork can be popped! 

Spa and Pool 

El Palace Barcelona is home to the Mayan Luxury Spa which as its name suggests is inspired by the Mayan culture, offering guests traditional Mayan treatments designed to bring the mind, body, and soul together as one. Anne Semonin is the luxury cosmetic brand of choice at the spa and along with traditional treatments, modern and alternative therapies and facial treatments can be booked. 

We didn’t use the spa; however, it did look like an absolute haven of tranquillity and is on my to-do-list next time I visit. 

In a busy city one of the best ways to chill is to take a refreshing dip on the rooftop and El Palace Barcelona offers guests use of its dip pool located on the seventh floor. Set alongside the charming Rooftop Garden Bar and Restaurant there are plenty of sun-loungers, towels, and refreshments on hand to relax on a warm sunny day amidst the beautiful blue Barcelona sky. From the pool area, you can access the solarium, the highest point of El Palace Barcelona. An almost secret spot, with stunning 360 views, and the best place to watch Barcelona’s spectacular sunsets. 

Events and Activities 

El Palace Barcelona is not just a hotel, it is a destination point. Renowned within the city for its array of cultural, fun, and invigorating events and activities; ranging from art exhibitions, live music performances, to rooftop yoga and summer cinema sessions it welcomes tourists and locales alike. And the hotel’s beautiful unique and historic ballrooms are the idyllic setting for big events and celebrations. 

TLE Top Tips

• Take a walk up the stairs and look down from the first floor – the view of the reception is quite spectacular. 

• Before entering the hotel look down to see the bronze tile in the pavement acknowledging its Ritz heritage. 

• Our Les Clefs d’Or Concierge couldn’t have been more helpful. It’s an obvious one but be sure to tap into his local knowledge. 

Final Thoughts 

I hope my review conveys what a stunning and high-quality establishment El Palace Barcelona is – a true grand dame of a hotel. 

We only wish walls could talk as her stories would be as breath-taking as the hotel itself!! 

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Torre Melina emerges from the transformation of the iconic former Rey Juan Carlos I hotel, a structure originally designed by the esteemed architect Carlos Ferrater for the 1992 Olympic Games. The hotel, along with its expansive 25,000 square meter gardens, has been reimagined into a contemporary oasis in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya.

Read our Eat Do Sleep guide to Barcelona

The hotel spans sixteen floors, housing 391 elegantly appointed rooms, including 61 suites that offer unmatched luxury and comfort. Highlighting its array of accommodations is the three-story RedLevel Royal Penthouse Suite, featuring a rooftop that affords 360-degree views of Barcelona, alongside the sophisticated One Bedroom RedLevel Presidential Suite positioned on the 14th floor.

Read our review of the Cotton House Hotel in Barcelona

ASAH Studio has meticulously crafted the hotel’s interior, focusing on fluidity and light to create an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. The lobby, doubling as an amphitheatre, sets the stage for a memorable stay.

Torre Melina is not just a haven for relaxation but also a culinary destination. The hotel boasts an impressive selection of dining options, including the signature Erre de Urrechu Barcelona, offering a fusion of craftsmanship and grilled cuisine. The Beso Pedrables, adjacent to the hotel’s pool, promises an experiential dining experience, while Chroma bar, conceptualized by the celebrated mixologist Erick Lorincz, is poised to become a city hotspot.

Read our guide to the best hotels in Barcelona

Beyond gastronomy, the hotel offers a suite of luxury amenities, including three swimming pools, an artificial beach, and extensive spa and wellness facilities, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

With the opening of Torre Melina Gran Meliá, Meliá Hotels International reaffirms its commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences, blending architecture, gastronomy, art, and design. This venture is a testament to the brand’s vision of expanding its footprint in the world’s most significant travel destinations, offering modern expressions of Spanish culture and luxury.

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The Restaurant; Nobu Barcelona is a sky-high dining destination situated on the 23rd floor. A place that delights and astounds, the iconic restaurant’s dishes include Black Miso Cod, along with some new flavours and influences from Spain. Also unique to the hotel is the eclectic lobby dining spot, Kozara, which serves masterfully executed Japanese inspired Catalan tapas, paired with cocktails using the largest selection of sakes and whiskeys in town. And for those not wanting to venture too far from their rooms, guests can enjoy a wide selection of dishes from the Nobu in-room dining menu.

Read our guide to the best luxury hotels in Barcelona

The Rockwell Group has designed the interiors to reflect a Japanese influence, introducing Kintsugi – a craft where cracked pottery is repaired with lacquer mixed with precious metals to create collages, textures and spaces throughout the hotel – all cleverly paired with incredible works of art inspired by Catalonia’s legendary maestro, Gaudi.

Located in the Catalan neighbourhood of Eixample, visitors can discover the hidden spots of the city through the hotel’s savvy concierge team; from founders Robert De Niro’s favourite restaurant to the bar Chef Nobu Matsuhisa visits when he’s in town and Meir Teper’s recommendation of where to dance. Just a short stroll from the hotel is Plaza de España, Barcelona’s buzzy La Rambla and the main railway station for high speed links to Madrid, Paris, Lyon and Marseille.

Coming soon, the hotel will welcome a wellness centre complete with a gym and spa, a Kozara terrace for alfresco dining, auditorium and a Café, serving fresh barista-style coffee. Together with the Spanish hospitality group, Selenta, owned by Jordi Mestre, Nobu Hotel Barcelona offers guests and locals a super cool, luxury lifestyle experience with a genuine Catalan feel.

Nobu Rooftop – Located on the 25th floor, the exclusive rooftop area offers Barcelona’s highest pool and bar experience. During daylight hours, this sun-drenched retreat welcomes hotel guests to enjoy distinctive culinary offerings while cooling off in the refreshing plunge pool.

As evening approaches, the space evolves into a vibrant gathering spot where both tlravellers and Barcelona residents come together. Visitors can appreciate the city’s spectacular sunset views while savouring expertly prepared cocktails in this uniquely positioned setting.

barcelona.nobuhotels.com

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Background & Concept

Elegantly circled around four pools and gardens and perched on the hillside above Sitges, this hotel has the WOW factor with its incredible views out to sea. Relax by the pool during the day and sip a cocktail, pop down to the beach, or unwind in the Dolce Vita Spa. Enjoy world-class cuisine across its four restaurants and three bar areas or play golf in the nearby club. Then head back to one of their luxurious guest rooms and suites for the perfect night’s sleep, you won’t fail to feel relaxed here at Dolce by Wyndham Sitges.

Location

Located 1.2 miles from Sitges Beach, overlooking the Terramar Golf Club and the Mediterranean Sea. From Sitges it is a convenient 30-minute train journey to the centre of Barcelona and if you are coming directly from Barcelona airport, it is around a 30-minute taxi journey too, which makes it ideal if you fancy heading for some sun on a quick break from the UK.

Accommodation

The hotel offers 219 beautifully designed guest rooms and 41 suites with terraces that include either a sea view or pool view, so there is no such thing as a bad view at the Dolce by Wyndham Sitges!

Our Room

During our visit, we stayed in a gorgeous executive room with a panoramic terrace and views out to the sea, which were incredible.

I love a welcome surprise, and the Dolce by Wyndham Sitges really impressed with their chocolates pressed into these pretty leaf shapes as well as a picture book about Sitges and a set of postcards (which you can choose one and they will post it off for you).

The bed is a king-sized bed with various pillows to choose from, so you can find the perfect pillow to fall into a deep sleep with.

Bathroom

I love a good-sized bathroom and this bathroom offered plenty of space with a separate bath and walk-in shower as well as a recessed toilet area and bidet.

I only recently discovered Temple Spa bath products so I was really happy to see that they were the bathroom amenities used in the hotel as they are incredibly good quality and also bonus points for putting them in a refillable bottle to cut down on plastic use.

But the best part of the room was the view and generously-sized terrace which looked out to the sea, it was a delight to wake up to this in the morning.

Spa, Gym & Pools

Dolce by Wyndham Sitges is built around a central pool area, which includes four pools, surrounded by palm trees and lush gardens. The pools are split into different zones and include a 25m pool with lanes to exercise in and an infinity pool next to the pool bar area and there are also plenty of loungers and a pool bar to make a day of it!

In the summer months the pool bar is open daily.

I was really impressed with the Dolce Vital Spa; the wellness space in the hotel. All guests have access to this area which includes a swimming pool, jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, steam bath, ice fountain and solarium with breathtaking views of Sitges and the Mediterranean Sea. They also have a wide range of spa treatments available in the dedicated spa area.

And if you want to keep fit during your stay, they offer a state-of-the-art gym which is available to all guests.

Food & Drink

The hotel has various premium dining offerings. Start the day with a very comprehensive buffet breakfast in Restaurant Verema, which includes a huge choice of hot and cold food, served either in the restaurant or out on the veranda.

If you want something special, head to Restaurant Esmarris, which offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine in a sophisticated setting. For outdoor dining head poolside to Terrassa La Punta, which offers a relaxed selection of Mediterranean menu options, with a great view too!

For lunch head to DDB Dolce Deli Bar which offers casual deli dining looking out to the pool area and when it is cooler head to the indoor bar.

Final Thoughts

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Eurostars Sitges, it has a “get away from it all” resort feel to it, so ideal for leaving the stresses of daily life behind. With good transport connections to Barcelona city and Barcelona airport as well as having Sitges town on its doorstep, makes it a great place to base yourself for a few days to unwind.

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We were invited to experience a two-night stay at Hotel Claris in Barcelona. Not only was it our first visit to one of the hotels by the Derby Hotel Collection it was also my first time in Barcelona. Read on to discover whether Hotel Claris gets a thumbs-up from TLE.

The Derby Hotels Collection has an interesting and relatively rare proposition in that each of the hotels within the portfolio houses its own art collection helping to define a unique identity based on both its history and location. The combination of art, luxury and culture are the key characteristics synonymous with the Derby Hotels Collection which is a result of Mr Jordi Clos, developer and Chairman of the Derby Hotels Collection, own personal passions.

Mr Clos is a patron of the Arts and is well renowned in Spain as a collector and scholar and is the namesake of The Clos Archaeological Foundation, along with the Egyptian Museum of Barcelona.  The aim of this foundation is to preserve the Egyptian cultural heritage of humanity. Every guest who stays at one of the Derby Hotels Collection in Barcelona receives an invitation to visit the Egyptian Museum of Barcelona, with compliments of Mr Clos.

Hotel Claris

Located on Pau Claris in the central Eixample area of Barcelona, the Claris is a 5* Grand Lux Hotel & Spa, with rooftop terrace and rooftop pool, two restaurants, conference rooms and an impressive art museum room which showcases more than 250 works representing the most important pre-Columbian cultures.

It was my first visit to Barcelona and I couldn’t have wished for a better location; easy to access all the main attractions, walking distance of great quality bars, restaurants, independent shops and of course all the designer and high street shops too.

The Gothic Quarter, El Born, Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas were all within walking distance with the metro station servicing the Airport route just a stone’s throw away.

Reception / Check-in

The reception area presents an almost panoramic sweeping view of the sophisticated style that runs throughout the hotel, with a selection of inviting curving sofas and bright cushions, marble pillars, subdued lighting, travel books, art from around the world adorning the walls and sculptures strategically placed throughout this stylish space. A drinks cabinet perfectly stocked with champagne and chilled water ready for guests’ arrival. Not only was the reception area visually striking but the scent that floats through the air is divine! I did ask what this was but was informed it is the Derby Hotels Collection signature scent which all hotels across the world use and is top-secret too.

Check-in was seamless, and was done with a glass of complimentary champagne in hand which always helps. The team was very informative about the hotel facilities and the art exhibition and museum (more to follow). Our room wasn’t ready for us (we did arrive at 12 pm and check-in isn’t until 3 pm) however this wasn’t a problem as we could securely leave our luggage and the offer of a phone call to inform us when the room would be ready was offered. The phone call was a nice gesture but we declined as our city break was only two days. We decided to explore more of the city while we waited.

The Room

The rooms cover six floors and are accessed via a small glass lift which looks up to an atrium and down to a small water feature and pool (complete with artificial fish – it did take me a few moments to determine if they were real or not!). The atrium has man-made spaces so that when it rains the rain water trickles down into the pool. It didn’t rain during our stay so we didn’t experience this but I think it would have been quite dramatic.

The rooms are all located off halls with glazed curtain walling which gives the hotel a real sense of light.

Our bags were taken to our suite for our arrival. As previously mentioned each of the hotel rooms have unique art and sculptures and even our large wardrobe-esque mini-bar looked like a piece of art – the soft furnishings enhanced the Mayan theme of the hotel. The lounge area comprided of a large corner sofa, complete with a hard-back guide to the best luxury hotels in the world and travel magazines, TV and a small table with two chairs sat as the centre piece on the rug over the wooden floors.

The bathroom was a bit more bling in terms of décor. The large walk-in rain shower, complete with a stool should you need to take the load of your feet, was very luxurious as was the Jacuzzi bath, oversized sink and mosaic floor.  The only thing I missed was a heated radiator. The bathroom was warm enough and dried out quickly enough, but our swimwear and robes were still a bit damp the following day.

The White Company amenities were well presented by the sink and replenished each day.

The bedroom wasn’t huge but big enough with a built-in wardrobe (and covered coat hangers), safe, robes, slippers and a piece of encased art which was a vessel known as a ‘china’ dating back to 1100 – 1400 AD. Two quirky exposed oversized hanging light-bulbs were the feature bedside lamps. I really liked these and the minimalist look really complemented the rest of suite’s interiors.

The bed was a super-king and extremely comfortable and well made with lux bedding. The electric blinds and dark wood throughout our suite meant that the room was really dark (when we needed it to be) and was perfect for a deep sleep (which I was very much in need of!!).

Each night the turn-down service fairly left us a naughty but very nice dark chocolate on our pillow.

Facilities

Pool: The rooftop pool was a real attraction for me. It is very small (approx. 10m long) but is the finishing touch on the rooftop terrace where the restaurant La Terraza del Claris is also located.  It adds a real luxe element to the hotel.

The rooftop bar is modern with a cool vibe. High bars and stools form the parameter with great views across the city, while large plants and dark wooden sun loungers and low tables provide a contrast to the crisp white cushions and sofas in the chillout areas. This bar is worth a visit even if you are not staying at the hotel.

Spa: Sadly, as our trip was such a short one we didn’t make the time to enjoy The Mayan Secret Spa at the hotel. The Sauna Temazcal (a pre-Hispanic style of sauna based on the traditional handcraft of the Mayan Culture) did look particularly inviting and the perfect place to unwind. Guests are offered a €25-euro discount on any treatment they choose which can be used once. CARITA is an exclusive French cosmetic brand and these are the products used for spa treatments.

Gym: The hotel has a very small gym located on the seventh floor just next to the restaurant La Terraza Claris and rooftop pool. It was a warm room but had a treadmill, bike, cross-trainer and free weights. Ideal if you have single use but could get a bit tight if there were more than three or four wanting a work out.

Art Exhibition: During our stay the first floor of the hotel was home to a temporary exhibition of ‘The Mayas and the Splendor of America.’ There were some incredible pieces showing the culture of this community.

Business: In addition to the conference rooms and facilities two desktop Macs and located in reception and are for the use of guests. This was very convenient as we hadn’t printed out our boarding pass (print? yes, we are archaic!) and we could easily do so from this workstation.

Food and Drink

There are two restaurants within the hotel: a Japanese Restaurant: Os-kuro and La Terraza del Claris. The restaurant La Terraza del Claris on the rooftop sets a modern and romantic vibe serving Mediterranean cuisine. Chef, Pedro Salillas oversees the operation. We didn’t dine in either of the restaurants but enjoyed (quite a few!!) cocktails and drinks at the bar and it really was a beautiful space to spend time. DJ nights are also hosted every Thursday and Friday – sadly, we missed this but from what I gather it draws the cool crowd.

Our room was on the sixth floor and we didn’t hear any noise from either of the bars.

Breakfast

We did enjoy breakfast at the hotel, which was served on the lower ground floor in a restaurant which I think is reserved for conferences and other events. It was quite a formal arrangement with linen cloths and impeccable service. Breakfast was included in our stay, and as regular readers will know I LOVE breakfast! Especially a buffet breakfast. A very good selection of fresh fruit, yoghurt, standard breakfast cereals (no home-made granola!) and hams, fish, cheese, avocado from the continental side. The hot breakfast consisted of eggs in every imaginable form including pancakes but it was the sweet pastries and cakes that really did it for me; two cakes of the day, wholegrain croissants (who knew??!!) fresh and delicious cereal breads. Free flowing fresh coffee, tea and juice and for those feeling like an extra pick me up alongside the orange juice sat bottles of Cava. Definitely my kind of breakfast.

Final Thoughts

This hotel ticks every box; location, service, décor, history, food and drink and does so in an excellent and tasteful way. I’d highly recommend this hotel as the place to stay for a luxury Barcelona city break.

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On our most recent trip to Barcelona, we were kindly invited to the Hilton Curio’s latest hotel, The Hotel Alexandra. The hotel has been gracing Barcelona for 30 years but has recently joined the Hilton Curio Collection, so read on to find out more about our stay at this beautiful luxury Barcelona hotel.

Background and Concept

The hotel juxtaposes its old and new flawlessly, which is thanks to Borrell Jover Arquitectura, who have been responsible for the property’s renovation. A fresh Mediterranean feel flows through the hotel both in the rooms (many of which retain their original period features, like ornate corniced ceilings and those playful Catalan hydraulic floor tiles) and the hotel’s common areas. The outdoor terrace with pool and dining area, is alive with flowers, whilst the Scandinavian furniture, oak floors and walnut paneling add warmth to the contemporary design.

Location

Located on Carrer de Mallorca in Eixample, you are bang in the middle of Barcelona, moments away from the main shopping thoroughfare of Passeig de Gràcia and a 15-minute walk to the Gothic area of the city and Rambla Cataluña. The hotel is extremely well connected with all forms of public transport, including metro and train services a short stroll from the hotel entrance.

Accommodation

The hotel feels intimate, but actually has 116 spacious rooms and suites, some of which have outdoor terraces (more on those rooms later!). Rooms come in various different categories from doubles to twins, superior and delux and views out to the street or courtyard (look out for the rooms with whirlpool baths next to the bed). All rooms have nice finishing touches including iPhone docking stations, irons and boards, robes and slippers. Deluxe rooms and suites have tea- and coffee-making facilities, and while Superior rooms have basic Hilton toiletries, Deluxe and above have products by Osme.

Our Room – King Junior Suite With Terrace

So we were lucky enough to have one of the most enviable rooms in the whole of Barcelona a King Junior Suite with Terrace. These rooms are on the upper floor of the hotel front facing so have a street view. Enter with the bathroom to the left and straight on opens out into the living area and bedroom. The suite features a rooftop terrace with an outdoor bathtub overlooking the street, which is incredible.

I loved the welcome treat of cheeses from the restaurant in the hotel.

The elegant bathroom features a walk-in rain shower with organic natural OSME amenities. The bathroom is contemporary in design with concrete skimmed walls and clever under lights.

The terrace was a real suntrap from first thing in the morning right through to sunset and the clever positioning of the bathtub means you can be outside having a bath and have privacy too, did I mention the bath is big enough for two people?! There is also a table and sun loungers to make the most of the space.

PATIO

PATIO is the hotel’s outdoor space with a large gastronomic offer supervised by the chef and restaurant owner Enrique Valentí. where you can order plates from the in-house restaurant Solomillo, a menu of select cheeses and cold cuts plates and seasonal products from La Charcutería, or sit back with a cocktail and unwind.

Included in the patio area is a pool, next to a shaded terrace filled with sofas, daybeds and outdoor heaters.

Food And Drink

Restaurant Solomillo
The hotel’s main restaurant is Solomillo, which is a meat-eaters paradise with everything revolving around sirloin steak. You choose how you want it cooked, the weight, breed, cut, and what sauces you want with it. All are served with vegetables from the garden. What could be simpler or more delicious?

Charcuteria 

If you are looking for a snack or drink, head to Charcuteria Bar in the lobby floor, this informal dining option is Charcutería meets tapas bar. Order local cheeses, hams and other meat cuts.

Breakfast 

Breakfast is served in Solomillo and offers a selection of hot offerings (as well being able to order off the A La Carte), a larger range of breads, meats, cheeses, pastries, fresh fruits and yoghurts, a perfect way to start the day off.

Final Thoughts

The bar is high in Barcelona for luxury hotels, and Hotel Alexandra excels itself. It’s intimate with flawless service, its location couldn’t be better for any trip to the cit,y and its fresh contemporary feel combines with its Mediterranean roots perfectly. The Hotel Alexandra should be the next hotel you stay when visiting Barcelona.

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P41 & Coctelarium

Already playing host to one of the city’s finest restaurants, the two Michelin starred Enoteca Paco Pérez, inspired by its location, Hotel Arts has opened three new gourmet experiences this Spring 2018.

The fresh palate begins at the newly reinvented bar – P41 & Coctelarium. The new epicenter of cocktail culture in Barcelona. Owing its name to Barcelona’s latitude coordinates and guided by the talented mixologist Diego Baud – from Barcelona to New York, passing through Rome, Istanbul, the Chinese region of Xinjiang and the Japanese province of Mutsu –  classic cocktails and signature drinks have been inspired by the global localities that lie on the very same parallel; allowing visitors to be deliciously transported across the globe with just one sip. Adding artistic flair, the space has been designed by the prestigious GCA Architects with internationally acclaimed Inocuo who have created a striking ceramic mural that adds meaning to the global metaphor.

So How Does The New Bar P41 Check out?

Well, it turns out rather deliciously! On arrival at the hotel you will find the new bar on the right hand side of the lobby with with the bar connecting to the terrace and pool area. The night we were there P41 was really buzzing with guests and staff, but we managed to find two seats at the circular bar area to sit down. We were immediately greeted by bar manager Paul our mixologist for the evening, who very quickly welcomed us, settled us in with water and olives and started to explain the new menu and concept.

P41 as explained above are Barcelona’s latitude coordinates, the bar menu has a wine selection of spirit drinks and wine so if you are looking for a gin and tonic, or a whisky on the rocks they have have everything you can imagine.

But forget a gin and tonic, what you really want to try out are their incredible cocktails ……… and they are really incredible!

The cocktail menu has been designed as a series of flight boarding passes, one for each of their signature cocktails and each cocktail is connected to Barcelona’s latitude coordinates, so you can take a cocktail journey around the world.

Cocktails

We started off with one of their most popular cocktails their Mediterranean Mule, the inspiration for this cocktail being born right in the local area. Fresh ginger ale and bitter peppers combine with the Sipsmith Gin and lime, to create a wonderfully refreshing, cocktail, perfect for a warm summers day in Barcelona.

For our second cocktail we split off, my partner had another gin based cocktail the Smoking Razz, while I went to my Scottish roots and had a whisky based cocktail The Pine Wood Journey. The Smoking Razz not only tastes incredible, it looks incredible too.  Taking influence from Chinese smoking pipes you use the spout of the pipe like a straw to drink the Smoking Razz. My Pine Wood Journey was just what I was looking for, sharp and intense with the flavour of Macallan Whisky, mixed with maple syrup and bitters.

Bites

So the bar doesn’t serve main meals, rather taking influence from tapas style food they have a Bites menu, with a series of small and incredibly delicious bite sized bar snacks.

We had a real feast, we started with the Gyoza dumplings, which are one of their most popular options, these vegetarian dumplings come in a set of four and drizzled with a soya based dressing.

Now these gorgeous little mouthfulls below are the Iberco Ham, and Pan y Tomato bites. You would be forgiven for thinking the balls on top are caviar, they are actually balls of olive oil – created when olive oil is added to liquid nitrogen. When you put the bite into your mouth the oil turns back into liquid.

We also tried triangles of Perorino cheese and truffle toast and their take on the classic Spanish omelette.

To finish in style we went for four of their fresh Oysters which come in daily from France. Don’t bother asking for tabasco sauce, have them with a drizzle of lemon and let the natural flavours of the Oyster shine through.

Final Thoughts

A visit to P41 was a real highlight of our trip to Barcelona, the bar offers a creative cocktail menu and highly creative bar snacks, we recommend you add this to your next trip to the city.

Address: Carrer de la Marina, 19-21, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Web: www.hotelartsbarcelona.com/en/p41-bar-coctelarium

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Location

Found in the upscale Eixample district of the city, and just three blocks (a few hundred metres) from the Barcelona’s super-chic Passeig de Gràcia avenue, OD Barcelona boasts a pretty fine location. It’s possible to walk to many of the city’s sights, as well as easily access the bus and metro network to explore. Chic shopping, fine dining and notable bars are all on the doorstep.

Transfer from the airport by taxi is a little over half an hour.

The Hotel

This is the first OD property on the mainland peninsula for this Balearic brand; sister hotels in Ibiza and Mallorca have already set the OD tone of fresh design, inclusive luxury and relaxed chic hospitality.

OD Barcelona is the group’s 5-star property, yet offers understated style, created by architects Rahola-Vidal, with interiors by Mayte Matutes. It’s smart, chic and on-trend but not at all pretentious. The vibe is open, relaxed, fun.

This new building is unashamedly contemporary, yet its clean, striking exterior lines and the earthy tones of the stone cladding harmonise well with the surrounding neighbourhood. Overtime the building will also evolve as architectural ‘green’ walls become covered in natural flowering climbing plants.

Inside the interiors echo the hotel’s desire to be as sustainable as possible. Natural materials including stylish use of oak and bamboo create a calm, fresh, almost Nordic aesthetic. OD Barcelona was nominated as one of the Top 10 sustainable hotel development projects in Spain at Re Think Hotel 2017.

Restaurant & Lobby Bar

The ground floor is open-plan surrounded by floor to ceiling glass windows that open out onto the street as well as the terrace, creating a welcoming first impression; and making the hotel feel open and connected to the city.

The 24-hour reception front desk integrates with the bar, both sitting together as an island on the first portion of the ground floor, a place to be greeted, to meet other guests and to relax with friends. Materials are natural, with oak and stone flooring, and leather and cowhide bar stools. The space is punctuated with mid-century classic designer pieces, such as Shell Chairs from the 1963 Carl Hansen design.

Up a few steps is the dining area, with classic ‘Organic Conference chair’ seating from the Charles Eames & Eros Saarinen design, together with mid-century designer lighting. To one side there is also a show-cooking bar, and outside is the elegant terrace for dining and relaxing.

Sky Bar

Take the lift to the 5^th floor and one finds the pool roof terrace, where during the season is the Sky Bar with live DJ sets. Here guests and residents can also enjoy OD Hotels’ popular after work ‘Burger Meets Gin’ or the ‘Mexican Brunch’ , already renowned at other OD properties.

We have featured this pool as one of the best rooftop pools in Barcelona.

Welcome & Check-in

The team at the OD Barcelona were great; they really defined the friendly, informal, cool experience of the property. Dressed in white shirts, black jeans and white trainers, they were smart and on-trend.

Feeling welcome is fundamental for me in hospitality yet not all hotels get it right – but the OD Barcelona certainly did. Catalonia sees itself as very different from Spain; and in my experience that self-confidence sometimes manifests itself in hospitality as a frostiness. Yet at the OD Barcelona that’s thankfully not the case – here it was smiles all the way.

The Room

There are 94 guest rooms, including spacious 64 square metre suites (The ‘Grand Suite’ comes with a private pool terrace). The standard rooms are well proportioned and superbly designed.

Style is contemporary and minimalist, yet warm and welcoming thanks to the use of plenty of natural materials, with wood, bamboo and leather combining to create a calming, elegant look – a natural refuge from the vibrancy of the city below.

As elsewhere in the hotel the guest room featured classic 20^th century design pieces, including leather 1930s style butterfly chairs, and a very cool plywood desk chair, from the Charles & Ray Eames 1945 design. On the desk was a Cesta Miguel Milà 1962 reproduction lamp.

One of things that impressed me most was the smart storage – all too often hotel rooms are designed to look good empty, but don’t really work well once guests and their luggage arrive (my pet-hate is having to leave my suit case out in the room). Yet, at the OD Barcelona there is plenty of wardrobe space, drawers, an alcove for cases, as well as additional storage for bags.

Finishing touches included bespoke ink blot artwork over the bed, and magazines on the coffee table. I’m told that rooms will soon have coffee machines too.

Bathroom

The ingenious bathroom design places the walk-in rain shower, and W.C. in areas closed off with glass doors, whilst the vanity washbasin is integrated into the room. Plenty of amenities are provided.

Dining

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the downstairs lobby restaurant. It was a buffet, help-yourself affair but one of the best I have enjoyed in a very long time. Firstly, the smiling and friendly team greeting you before being seated set the tone for a good day. Hot pates can be ordered fresh, whilst the buffet of fresh fruit, juices, Spanish hams and cheeses, local specialities, baked goods and treats was generous and varied. The breads and pastries included fresh sandwiches, cookies and muffins. Overall the selection was excellent.

Lunch

Lunch was a real surprise. The cuisine was very sophisticated and well-priced. Warm starters included Black Truffle ravioli (15 euro); Thai Rice Noodles (9.50 euro); and seasonal dishes such as mushrooms. Main dishes included seasonal, hearty meat dishes, and from the Mediterranean, fish and seafood – dishes included Bluefin tuna tartar (17 euro) or daily special (19 euro).

Presentation and service were on-point. I would recommend enjoying a meal here during a stay at the hotel.

OD Hotels’ Guide to Barcelona

OD Hotels are very much about the guest experience and showcasing each property’s location. Barcelona, as a world city, is no exception. Front desk concierge can provide informed advice about restaurants, bars, cultural activities, shopping and wellness. In addition, they can make tailored arrangements for guides, transport, private drivers and excursions. In conjunction with Barcelona Premium (curated experiences from Visit Barcelona), OD Hotels can create a unique stay for guests, including wine tastings, gourmet dining and even sunset sailing cruises. Read our Guide to Barcelona here.

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