This luxurious Ritz-Carlton monolith overlooks Barcelona from the Olympic Port, providing unique views of the Mediterranean, the city, and the mountains behind. The hotel's main drawback is that it's somewhat in a world of its own, a short taxi ride from the center of the city. That said, its world is an exciting one. True to its name, fine art—from Chillida drawings to Susana Solano sculptures—hangs everywhere. There are three restaurants; Sergi Arola's eponymous dining spot is a chic, postmodern culinary playground. Pros: Excellent views over Barcelona, fine restaurants and general comfort and technology. Cons: A 20-minute hike from Barri de la Ribera, a colony of (mostly American) tourists, not very Spanish (it could be anywhere).
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