Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona - hotel review

For our Design Destination series, we explore a Barcelona hotel with a rooftop infinity pool which has some of the best views in the city
1/15
Sher Cornelius16 June 2017

A luxury hotel in a prime location, Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona is the perfect spot from which to access the best the city has to offer...

Where is it? The location can't be beaten. Right in the heart of Barcelona and set between the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas and El Born, each area offers something different. Stepping outside the front door immediately takes guests out of the tranquil haven of the hotel and into a world of possibility. Get lost in the cobbled alleys filled with boutiques and tapas bars, watch street entertainment, visit a museum or even spend the day at the beach. Many of the must-see attractions in Barcelona are within walking distance but reaching any more distant locations is easy with the nearest metro station (Jaume I) just two minutes walk away.

Design details: Whilst Barcelona is renowned for its ornate architecture and design, this hotel keeps things simple. The building's clean, striking façade dates back to the 1920s and contrasts with the modern interiors of the hotel.

It is smart and elegant with a homely feel. Think velvet chairs, luxury carpet, wood panelling and statement lighting. Browns and nudes are brought to life with a splash of colour. A great deal of care has been taken in selecting each item and the time invested pays off.

Which room? Well-sized, practical and in keeping with the hotel's focus on luxury and attention to detail, the rooms are well-equipped with features such as flat screen TVs, electric blinds, rainfall showers, free mini bar and Nespresso machines. It is worth booking a room which overlooks the imposing Barcelona Cathedral located directly opposite the hotel as this impressive historic building provides an interesting backdrop to the room's sleek, modern interiors.

On the menu: City Bar is a popular spot with hotel guests and locals alike, offering all day menus including tapas and sweet treats. For an elegant experience, the candlelit City Restaurant is a cross between a bistro and gastro-pub. Catalan food is prepared using local ingredients which produce colourful dishes, full of flavour. Again, attention to detail takes the restaurant to the next level. Food is also served at Skybar, the hotel's roof terrace bar, but the real attraction here is the inspired range of signature cocktails which guests (and the public in the evenings) can enjoy whilst taking in breath-taking views of Barcelona.

If staying at the hotel, it is worth opting in for the buffet breakfast too. With great variety and quality there's no better way to start a busy day of sight-seeing.

Anything else I should know? The greatest attraction just might be the incredible rooftop infinity pool. The waters are warm, the views are magnificent and after a swim guests can recline on a sunbed and enjoy a cool drink from the bar.

The staff are exceptionally welcoming and helpful so be sure to make use of their local knowledge during your stay and ask them for recommendations of lesser known places worth visiting or trusted local eateries. The hotel can also provide city WiFi devices which allow guests internet access outside the hotel, a real bonus.

Best for: couples, friends and even solo travellers - anyone looking to make the most of a short break in a vibrant city.

When to go: a visit in Spring/Summer will maximise the chances of great weather in which to wonder the streets or relax on the beach.

How to get there: Monarch operates year round flights to Barcelona from London Gatwick, Birmingham, Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £39 one way (£69 return). For further information or to book Monarch flights and Monarch Holidays, visit monarch.co.uk. Barcelona's efficient transport network makes it easy to reach the hotel via a number of routes, but the most convenient option would be a private transfer which can be booked through the hotel.

How do I book? Visit grandhotelcentral.com.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in