Exploring Barcelona you may feel how Hansel and Gretel must have felt – glittering, colorful buildings that look good enough to eat surround around you as dreams seem to erupt from street corners. When modernism reached Catalonia at the turn of the 18th century, it found a unique and captivating new expression which can be seen almost in almost every corner, not only in the big heavyweights like La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló but in theaters, museums, cafes, shops, and a number of notable hotels.
Related article: Gracia district Barcelona – A temple to Modernism
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Hotel Casa Fuster
Photo via Pixabay
Rating: 5 stars
Standout features: The modernist luxury of their Café Vienés, a spot of historical importance and a location of intellectual debate in the city. Nowadays, you can enjoy a cocktail or a coffee (intellectual debate optional) in this light, airy space, with beautiful windows. A live jazz and swing band play there every Thursday.
Other notable features: the Galaxó Restaurant, and the Mirador Blue View rooftop terrace with stunning panoramic views where regular DJs play on Saturdays and Sundays.
Location: Passeig de Gracia, 132
Hotel Palauet
Rating: 4.5 stars
Standout features: The rooftop spa that includes sauna, Jacuzzi, and massage services. Enjoy stunning views and a delicious cocktail at the bar, exclusively available for guests of the hotel.
Other notable features: The spectacular Mezzanine Tibidabo apartment which comes with a personal assistant and a private chef.
Location: Passeig de Gràcia, 113
Hotel Catalonia Plaza
Photo via Visualhunt
Rating: 4 star
Standout features: The hotel is located at the foot of Mountjuïc, opposite the grandiose fountains and the National Museum of Art of Catalonia. If you are one of those people that can’t leave their pets at home when you go on holidays, this is the hotel for you as pets are welcome here.
Other notable features: Two fantastic restaurants – the Mediterranean restaurant Filigrana, and the Japanese restaurant Kurai, as well as an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views.
Location: Plaza España, 6-8
Hotel Alexandra
Rating: 4 stars
Standout featurse: Their restaurant, Solomillo, gives the traditional brasserie a new twist, offering select meat by weight and vegetables grown in the hotel’s garden.
Other notable features: The Charcuteria bar where select cheese, cold cuts, and market products can be enjoyed in a stylish environment; the patio terrace and pool, and a personal shopper service.
Location: Carrer de Mallorca, 251
Related article: Museu del Modernismo Barcelona
Hotel Bagués
Photo via visualhunt
Rating: 5 stars
Standout features: This luxurious boutique hotel sits in the remodeled Bagués-Masriera palace (which was also a jewelry workshop). This former palace displays not only Catalan Modernism, but also Art Nouveau (in the Bistro Restaurant) and classic Roman features (the building’s original Roman façade has been kept intact).
Other notable features: the stunning bar and bistro, outdoor swimming pool, and showcases of jewelry from the Masriera collection.
Location: La Rambla, 105
Hotel España
Rating: 4 stars
Standout features: Bar Arnau and the Fonda España restaurant. These beautiful rooms showcase stunning interiors which conserve many original features, such as the remarkable alabaster fireplace. These rooms are not only places of historical importance but also places of gastronomical delight. Sample head chef Martin Berastagui’s mix of traditional and contemporary styles of cooking on menus which are available through the week and at weekends.
Other notable hotel features: the Terrace Alaire with live music and stunning views.
Location: Calle Sant Pau, 9-11
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