The Grand Hotel Central is an elegant five-star boutique hotel in Barcelona’s El Born neighborhood. Home to one of the best rooftops in the city and a spa complete with a thermal sauna, the hotel exudes modern luxury. The entrance is marked by imposing neoclassical columns and green birds of paradise framing sturdy iron doors. Enter into a minimalist yet impressive foyer with substantial mirrors and a sweeping staircase. On the top floor you’ll find a Único Spa offering a relaxing escape. The in-house fitness center allows you to maintain your routine while traveling. Ascending to the rooftop, you will be delighted by the stunning infinity pool complemented by cozy seating and expansive views of the cityscape.
Location
Situated next to the famed Gothic Quarter, the property’s location is ideally suited for easy strolls to Barcelona’s top attractions. Moreover, its positioning in El Born means you’re surrounded by some of the city’s swankiest bars and restaurants. Read the complete list of Barcelona’s Best Restaurants and Bars. You can walk to the Barcelona Cathedral, La Rambla, Parc de la Ciutadella, Passeig de Garcia and La Barceloneta. And while not in the immediate vicinity, La Sagrada Família and Park Güell are just a short cab ride away.
Rooftop Pool & Bar
A seemingly endless turquoise infinity pool sits on the eastern corner of the rooftop. You’ll find it surrounded by pool chairs in the summer and by dining tables in the winter. Not too far off you can see the Basílica Santa Maria del Mar, the epitome of Catalan Gothic architecture. Enjoy a bite to eat and world class cocktails with city views stretching all the way to the Mediterranean. The rooftop is open to hotel guests daily, year-round. Outside guests can access the rooftop April through October in the evening for a fee, which includes a complimentary drink, and November through March on weekends during designated hours.
Service
Our cab arrives at the hotel, and before I have my seatbelt unbuckled a staff member has already unloaded my luggage while the doorman takes my drink request. Inside, the concierge happily answered all our questions and provided a Barcelona guide, complete with restaurant and experience recommendations, a map, and calendar of city events. Other nice touches include 24-hour room service and private transfer to and from the airport via a Range Rover. As a five-star property, the service was exactly as expected—fantastic.
Rooms & Amenities
Each room is equipped with natural toiletries by Finca Gayeta, a brand out of Mallorca, a complimentary mini bar and a tea station. Hypoallergenic pillows are available for those with sensitive skin. Small water bottles were provided daily as well as a nightly turndown service. We booked the basic Standard Room and while the bathroom area was roomy enough, the rest of the room felt cramped for two girls traveling with large suitcases. I recommend booking at least the Executive or even Superior Room. I was able to view a Suite and it was incredibly spacious (over twice the size of a Standard) spread out over two rooms with a king bed, two-person desk, couches and a Nespresso machine. The complimentary Cava in the lobby puts an exclamation mark on this wonderful hotel experience.
Click here to view Grand Hotel Central’s website and book a stay!
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