Almanac Barcelona
Occupying a prime position on Barcelona’s Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, a stone’s throw from Gaudí’s modernist buildings on Passeig de Gràcia, this is a boutique-style hotel wrapped up in supreme luxury. Two 18th and 20th century buildings house refined and polished interiors, oozing gilded Art Deco opulence with a sleek contemporary aesthetic curated by local interior design studio Jaime Beriestain. Rooms are bathed in natural light, fully soundproofed and equipped with the latest technology, including a smartphone and tablet that guests can take with them to aid them in exploring the city, and for making complimentary international calls. Marble bathrooms with gold taps and walk-in rain showers add a level of exclusivity; some rooms have large deep soak tubs.
The Terrace Suite is worth the extra splurge for its additional living room, and its private wood-decked terrace with seating area, outdoor heater and fabulous views.
Downstairs is a spa as well as the high-ceilinged Virens restaurant, which specializes in plant-based cuisine and also serves a range of home-made fermented and sparkling drinks, as an introduction to "green" mixology. Upstairs, there's a huge rooftop terrace with sweeping bird’s-eye views of the city and the perennial La Sagrada Família beyond. A private area for guests features a wading pool and sun loungers.