|
|
 |
|
Best Hotel Bets
The Best Splurge Hotels
Hotel Ritz, Gran Via 668 (tel. 93-318-52-00): Since it opened its doors in 1919, it has survived a civil war, a world war, an anarchist occupation, and the fall of a dictatorship -- all while retaining an impeccable level of service and tradition. During all this, distinguished guests such as the Duke of Windsor, Ava Gardner, and Salvador Dali have chosen to stay in its gilt and marble surroundings and to take refuge in the elegant tearoom and restaurant.
Hotel Casa Fuster, Passeig de Gracia 132 (tel. 93-225-30-00): This modernista masterpiece was an emblematic building before it was recently converted into this luxury five-star. The rooms have been restored to turn-of-the-20th-century opulence, but now have all the modern conveniences.
Hotel Arts, Marina 19-21 (tel. 93-221-10-00): The preferred choice of top models and temperamental rock stars (P. Diddy reportedly partied up a storm when he came to Barcelona to host the 2002 MTV Awards), the Hotel Arts has remained a jet-set playground and symbol of "cool Barcelona" for over a decade.
Hotel Espa?a, Sant Pau 11 (tel. 93-318-17-58): This place combines comfort and luxury while evoking a bygone age. Designed by a contemporary of Gaudi, the street-level dining room, filled with florid motif and brass fixtures, will whisk you back to the early 1900s, when it was filled with chattering patrons taking supper after a trip to the opera house next door.
The Best Moderately Priced Hotels
Hotel Peninsular, Sant Pau 34-36 (tel. 93-302-31-38): Serenity and character abound in this nunnery-turned-hotel. Located on a colorful street just off Les Ramblas, the Peninsular's Art Nouveau elevator, long green and white hallways, and lush inner courtyard make it an oasis from the hustle and bustle outside. But book ahead.
Hostal D'Uxelles, Gran Via 688 and 667 (tel. 93-265-25-60): This hostal looks as though it has stepped straight off the pages of one of those rustic-interiors magazines. Located on the first floor of two adjacent buildings, each of the 14 rooms has a distinct character, but all include canopied beds, antique furniture, and Andalusian-style ceramic bathrooms.
Marina Folch, Carrer del Mar 16, principal (tel. 93-310-37-09): Family-run, this hotel is the only one in the beachside neighborhood of Barceloneta, with plenty of open-air bars and open spaces for the kids to run wild. Ask for a room at the front for a balcony with a view of the port.
Best Bets
Best for a Romantic Getaway: Lovebirds have good reasons not to leave the confines of Gran Hotel La Florida, Carretera de Tibidabo s/n (tel. 93-259-30-00), a fabulous historic hotel -- and not all of those reasons are to be found in the bedrooms. The stainless-steel lap pool, spa, and gardens offering sweeping views of the city are enticement enough to keep you holed up for days.
Best for Art Lovers: As stylish as anywhere in the city, the Hotel Claris, Pau Claris 150 (tel. 93-487-62-62), has rooms and foyers dotted with early-Egyptian art and artifacts, 19th-century Turkish kilims, and even some Roman mosaics, a fruit of the owner's passion for collecting.
Best for Business Travelers: In the heart of the business district, the AC Diplomatic, Pau Claris 122 (tel. 93-272-38-10), exudes efficiency. The highly tasteful interior and amenities have just the right balance of detail and function, allowing those with a job to do to get on with it in comfort.
Best for Celebrity Spotting: Preferred choice of top models and temperamental rock stars (P. Diddy reportedly partied up a storm here when he came to Barcelona to host the 2002 MTV Awards) the Hotel Arts, Marina 19-21 (tel. 93-221-10-00), has remained a jet-set playground and symbol of "cool Barcelona" for over a decade.
Best for Service: As well as being a highly regarded hotel, the Prestige, Passeig de Gracia 62 (tel. 93-272-41-80), offers a unique service to its clients. The role of the concierge is replaced with "Ask Me," specially trained information officers on call to find the answers to the most challenging queries: from how to score soccer tickets to where to find halal restaurants.
Best Grande Dame: Since it opened its doors in 1919, the city's Hotel Ritz, Gran Via 668 (tel. 93-318-52-00), has survived a civil war, a world war, an anarchist occupation and the fall of a dictatorship -- all while retaining an impeccable level of service and tradition. During all this, distinguished guests such as the Duke of Windsor, Ava Gardner, and Salvador Dali have chosen to stay in its gilt and marble surroundings and take refuge in the elegant tearoom and restaurant.
Best In-House Restaurant: When celebrated chef Fermin Puig took over the food department of the highly regarded Majestic, Passeig de Gracia 70 (tel. 93-488-17-17), he not only revolutionized what clients receive on their breakfast tray but also created Drolma, one of the country's most celebrated haute-cuisine restaurants. Puig's take on traditional Catalan and Southern French cooking has impressed even the most demanding gourmand.
Best Historic Hotel: The modernista masterpiece Hotel Casa Fuster, Passeig de Gracia 132 (tel. 93-225-30-00), was an emblematic building before it was converted into a luxury residence. The rooms have been restored to turn-of-the-20th-century opulence, but with all the modern conveniences expected by today's high society.
Best Modern Design: Local talent joined forces to create the Hotel Omm, Rossello 265 (tel. 93-445-40-00), which was conceived as homage to the city's vibrant design culture. Daring concepts prevail, from the metal facade to the sleek open-plan suites and private terraces. On the ground floor, the Omm's restaurant, Moo, is fast becoming the place to see and be seen among Barcelona's arts elite.
Best for Sheer Atmosphere: If faded glory is your thing then look no further than the Hotel Espa?a, Sant Pau 11 (tel. 93-318-17-58). Designed by a contemporary of Gaudi, the street-level dining room, with its florid motif and brass fixtures, will whisk you back to the early 1900s, when it was filled with chattering patrons taking supper after a trip to the opera house next door.
Best Location: The Colon, Av. de la Catedral 7 (tel. 93-301-14-04), is as enviably located as any hotel in the city. It stands directly in front of the cathedral's main entrance, overlooking an expansive square that buzzes day and night with color and activity. Ask for a front room with a balcony when you book here.
Best for Architecture Buffs: Hailing from the early '50s, the Park Hotel, Av. Marques de L'Argentera 11 (tel. 93-319-60-00), was the first example of postwar modernista architecture in the city. The renovation carried out 4 decades later only enhances its singular style. Among its highlights is one of the most striking staircases in existence.
Best Boutique Hotel: The boutique concept took its time coming to Barcelona. Forefront of the movement was Banys Orientals, Argenteria 37 (tel. 93-268-84-60), and it remains the best. It's perfectly located in the middle of El Born district, Barcelona's bastion of urban chic.
Best Small Hotel: Hostal D'Uxelles, Gran Via 688 and 667 (tel. 93-265-25-60), looks as if it has come straight from the pages of one of those rustic-interiors magazines. Located on the first floor of two adjacent buildings, the Hostal D'Uxelles has 30 rooms, each with a distinct character. All rooms, though, include canopied beds, antique furniture, and Andalusian-style ceramic bathrooms.
Best for Sea Views: Imagine stepping off a luxury cruise liner and straight into a top-class hotel. That is possible at Hotel Grand Marina, World Trade Center, Moll de Barcelona (tel. 93-603-90-00). It's housed in the western wing of the city's World Trade Center, on a wide jetty which is in effect a man-made island in the port. From its windows and terraces you can enjoy some splendid Mediterranean vistas.
Best Inexpensive Hotel: Serenity and character abound in Hotel Peninsular, Sant Pau 34-36 (tel. 93-302-31-38), a nunnery-turned-hotel. Located on a colorful street just off Les Ramblas, the hotel -- with its Art Nouveau elevator, long hallways in tones of green and white, and inner-courtyard -- is an oasis from the hustle and bustle outside. But book ahead.
Best for Families Who Don't Want to Break the Bank: The family-run Marina Folch, Carrer del Mar 16 (tel. 93-310-37-09), is located in Barceloneta, which has plenty of open-air bars and open spaces for the kids to run wild. Ask for a room at the front for a balcony with a view of the port.
Best Hostal: Forget faded curtains and floral wallpaper. Gat Raval, Joaquin Costa 44 (tel. 93-481-66-70), is a streamlined hostal, fitted out in acid green and black, which has been conceived for the modern budget traveler. On-demand Internet access and touches of abstract art add to its contemporary ambience and the foyer is always abuzz with travelers exchanging information.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
|
|
