Grand Hotel Central

"The smart lobby of the Grand Hotel Central looks like what you’d expect a city-center five-star hotel, but with an exciting new twist. The hotel reopened in mid-2024 under new management following a major refurb, and we’re obsessed with the new look. The redesign has given the rooms a cool, colorful, and decidedly Mediterranean vibe (to replace the rather corporate—dare we say, slightly soulless—former look). Natural materials like wood, stone and polished concrete, combined with a soft color palette of warm terracotta, muted blues, and blush pinks, create a relaxed, homey feel. All the furniture is bespoke and inspired by the Catalan Noucentisme movement–from the lighting to coffee tables and headboards, designed to emphasize clean lines, color reduction and harmony. Bathroom amenities and a house scent from the Barcelona-based Carner perfumiers fill the space with a deliciously sensual aroma." - Gemma Askham, Isabelle Kliger

"Housed in a historic neoclassical building, this hotel offers traditional elegance and luxury. Streetside rooms provide a view of the city’s ancient Roman walls, and the rooftop pool offers a close-up look at Via Laietana’s façades. The hotel features a cocktail bar and a restaurant serving traditional Spanish cuisine." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"This luxury hotel melds historic charm with 21st-century designer sass. Located deep in the middle of Barcelona ’s bustle, it occupies a 1920s building that’s been lovingly reworked by architect Oriol Tintoré. Original features, most notably the winding neoclassical stairway, are immediately apparent in the stately lobby entrance, and these heritage touches continue into the hotel’s public spaces and many of the rooms. Not that the rooms are traditional; on the contrary, they’re very slick, decked out with modern conveniences such as media hubs, complimentary minibars (restocked daily), and rain showers. The rooms, arranged so they face outward, are generously flooded with daylight, which highlights the restrained color palettes and elegant wooden floors. Shared facilities at the hotel include a roof terrace with infinity pool, a Mediterranean bistro-style restaurant, and a comprehensive spa and wellness center."

"How did it strike you on arrival?The smart lobby of the Grand Hotel Central looks exactly as you’d expect for a city-center five-star hotel. What’s the crowd like?Well-heeled North American and European couples in their 30s and 40s make up the bulk of travelers here. Tell us about your room.Room 626 is one of Grand Hotel Central’s generously appointed Superior King rooms. The room has a spectacular view of the Santa Maria del Mar, a Gothic basilica erected in the 14th century and one of Barcelona’s most prominent historic buildings. How are the beds?The king-size bed comes with four hypoallergenic pillows and 100 percent Egyptian-cotton sheets. What are the in-room amenities?Nespresso machine with complimentary coffee capsules, teabags, infusions, and a minibar stuffed with complimentary soft drinks and snacks. Check and check. The 32-inch flat-screen TV gets more than 100 international channels. How are the bathrooms?The rain shower is by Grohe and the bathrooms products come from Finca Gayeta in Mallorca. Close to 90 percent of Grand Hotel Central’s rooms come with a bathtub. Is there Wi-Fi?Wi-Fi is free and available in all areas of the hotel. Anything stand out about other services and features?With its infinity pool and panoramic views stretching from the Sagrada Família on one side to the Mediterranean and the hilltop of Montjuïc on the other, it's no big surprise that the rooftop of the Grand Hotel Central pops up often on "best hotel terraces" lists. It also happens to be one of the best spots in the city for a sunset drink. What was most memorable about your stay?The roof terrace is the definite standout feature. Bottom line: worth it, and why?If you’re looking for a solid five-star stay in the center of town, this is it. Rooms are neither inexpensive nor wildly overpriced." - Isabelle Kliger