Derby

You’ll feel a distinct aura of elegance from the moment you set foot inside this classy hotel, which features an original collection of contemporary paintings and stone sculptures throughout its communal areas. It’s in Barcelona’s Les Corts neighbourhood – a well-connected area that’s within easy reach of the city’s top attractions, but with a quieter, less hectic feel than the touristic centre. 

There are a couple of metro stations within a 10-minute stroll (Hospital Clinic and Entença), from which it’s just another 5-10 minutes or so to the Plaça de Catalunya and Las Ramblas. Wander 20 minutes in the other direction, meanwhile, and you’ll soon arrive at the Camp Nou stadium – a prime bucket list item for any football fan, whether you’re planning to watch a game, go on a stadium tour, or browse the club store for one of those iconic red-and-blue jerseys. 

If you’ve got some time to spare and you’re into your ancient history, why not check out the fascinating collection of art and artefacts at the Egyptian Museum of Barcelona, just off the Passeig de Gràcia? Entry is free for all guests of the hotel, courtesy of Jordi Clos, who, alongside being President of the Derby Hotels Collection, is a passionate Egyptologist, collector and patron of art. 

While staying here, you’ll have access to the swimming pool, sauna and solarium at the Hotel Gran Derby just across the street, where you can chill out whenever you’re not out and about ticking off the many unmissable sights of the Catalan capital. An extensive buffet breakfast is served downstairs, or in the stylish bar area next to the lobby for extra accessibility.