Contributor/ Saffron Powell
Best Known For
This Design Hotel is set in a 1920s building and just minutes away from some of the city’s best bars, shops, museums and restaurants. Grand Hotel Central is a must to anyone visiting Barcelona, especially in the summer months. It may be slap bang in the centre of town and close to the El Born district, but the biggest plus is the rooftop bar with infinity pool boasting panoramic views of the city.
The Good Stuff
Our ‘City Suite’ room featured the standard king size bed, TV, iPod dock, power shower with Rituals products, our favourite little touch was the automatic blackout blinds that were operated from the comfort of our bed. Breakfast is served in the hotel’s restaurant, Àvalon by Ramón Freixa with an array of meats, cheeses, pastries, cereals, juices and even a bottle of Cava to kick-start your day. The good news is that breakfast is served till noon at the weekends, I wish more hotels would follow suit.
The Vibe
Inside is gorgeous too, designed by two of the most respected Spanish interior designers Sandra Tarruella and Isabel López-Quesada the decor is dark and subtle achieving a haven of cool and calm from the bustling city that’s just a few meters away through the revolving doors. My favourite memories of Barcelona were escaping to the rooftop bar at the end of the day with a Mojito and gawping at the stunning views, plus people watching of course.
Inside the hotel – 8/10
Sleek rooms, great design, an excellent restaurant and of course, that rooftop pool.
Outside the hotel – 10/10
You couldn’t get any more central, it’s right in the heart of the city and the famous Boqueria food market is just a fifteen minute stroll away.
Images courtesy of Grand Hotel Central
For Barcelona restaurant recommendations, check out welovefood-itsallweeat.com/barcelona
