Fodor's Expert Review Gran Hotel la Florida

Peace, privacy, and a stunning panoramic view set this luxurious mountaintop retreat apart. Built high above the city in 1925 by the pharmaceutical magnate Dr. Salvador Andreu as a retreat for Barcelona's well-to-do, it became a hotel in 2003 after a complete renovation. Guest rooms are done in soothing tones of beige, white, and brown, with the original hardwood plank floors, and king-size beds; suites are huge, with decor and touches by design celebrities like Philippe Starck and Rebeca Horn. Bathrooms have double vanities, soaker tubs, and showers the size of walk-in closets. Lie back and savor the view from the sprawling garden terrace, with access to the L-shaped indoor-outdoor pool. Be aware: unless you've come by car, plan on settling in. It's a pricey 20-minute taxi ride into Barcelona, and the hotel's own free shuttle service to the top of Passeig de Grácia runs only four times a day, with the last return at 4:30 pm. There is nothing anywhere nearby the hotel itself except for the Tibidabo amusement park (great if you have youngsters in tow, but a bit of a distraction if you've come for a romantic weekend).