Grand Hotel Central

Boasting an instantly captivating aesthetic that’s somewhere between vintage and contemporary, with traditional touches such as the building’s original elevator combined with subtle Art Deco flourishes throughout, the Grand Hotel Central certainly delivers on style. It has the substance to match, too, with its top notch amenities and fabulous location right in the midst of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.

Up on the eighth floor, you’ll find a gorgeous rooftop terrace with a wood-panelled sundeck, a tapas and cocktail bar, and an infinity pool with sublime views looking out across the city. Early riser? Don’t miss the chance to join a sunrise yoga session up here – there really is no better way to start your day in the Catalan capital. 

For a spot of pampering, check out the Unico Spa, which features a sauna, a hammam, several treatment rooms and a gym kitted out with plenty of high quality workout equipment. The old library, meanwhile – which can be privately rented out – is like a scene taken straight out of a movie set. 

Exploring the city from here is super straightforward, with the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Plaça de Catalunya, Las Ramblas and the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar all within a 5-10 minute walking radius. Jaume I metro station is just a few steps down the road, so getting around via public transport could hardly be easier, either. 

Embracing the city’s many culinary gems is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Barcelona, but the hotel’s very own restaurant, Bistro Helena, also deserves your attention for its gourmet dishes masterfully cooked using the freshest, seasonal ingredients from local producers, served in a wonderfully atmospheric and sophisticated setting. 

The cosy, comfortable and spacious rooms have a real premium feel about them, with luxurious touches such as Finca Serena Majorcan bathroom products, Samsung 4K high-definition TVs, 100 percent Egyptian cotton sheets, and Nespresso coffee machines – and of course, free high-speed Wi-Fi access so you can stay connected throughout your stay. Barcelona hotels don’t come much more impressive than this.