Review: Grand Hotel Central Barcelona
18 September 2024
6 mins Read
A grand building in Barcelona has reopened after an extensive refurbishment. Quentin Long checks in and finds it difficult to check out.
In a city resplendent with Gothic cathedrals, historic art, beautiful beaches, and a thriving culinary scene it might come as a surprise that one of the highlights could in fact be your accommodation. Located within the heart of the Gothic Quarter, the Grand Hotel Central Barcelona proves just that, offering a sophisticated respite from the outside bustle, while still exuding the Catalan city’s charm.
Grand Hotel Central Summary
With outstanding service, incredible design, a beautiful rooftop pool and a lounge right in the heart of the most scenic parts of Barcelona, Grand Central Hotel is over-delivering and therefore incredible value for a five-star hotel in Barcelona.
Connecting the Gothic Quarter and the El Born neighbourhoods of Barcelona there is no better location in Barcelona.
Hurry, this luxury hotel is a very rare find and will not be a secret for long.
Soak up sweeping views of Barcelona from Grand Hotel Central.
Grand Hotel Central back story
The tallest building in Barcelona when it was completed in 1926 the mansion was designed and funded by a great Catalonian industrialist, Francesc Cambó.
It is a great example of the uniquely Catalonian (aren’t most things in Barcelona uniquely Catalonian) 20th century movement Noucentisme.
The building was turned into a hotel in 2005 and then bought by new managers who have invested in a complete refurbishment to create a luxury experience that re-opened in March 2024.
Grand Hotel Central Barcelona has come a long way since then.
One of the great secrets of the building is Casa Cambó, a rooftop villa not open to guests yet.
Departing with convention and thanks to installing one of the first lifts in Barcelona, Cambó created a villa on top of the building for his family to live in while other residents had the floors below.
The gardens of the villa are still flourishing today, the oranges on the trees are visible from the rooftop. The villa is likely to be used as an event space in the future (the original family library is an event space today).
The historic library is home to Cambó’s personal literary collection.
First Impressions
The neoclassical façade of the lower floors, consistent with the Noucentist design, implies a palatial grand lobby to be found inside. But looks can be deceiving.
The lobby offers a sneak peek of the hotel’s grandeur.
Stepping off Via Laitana (the other Ramblas) there are no spacious towering ceilings or ostentatious chandeliers, but rather a warm, homely compact art gallery, lobby and lounge area.
The colourful lobby features plush furnishings.
The check-in desks just inside the entrance foyer, are opposite the original gilded lift shaft which gives you a sense of the history of the building.
Spacious lounges and sculptures between the new lifts on the far wall and the check-in desk provide a private comfy lounge within which to decompress and rest tired arms and legs after a day of exploring and shopping.
A gallery room tucked off the foyer hides the spacious library-styled guest services area where two concierges attend visitors’ needs behind two enormous wooden art deco office desks. A number of artworks add colour and life to the beautifully lit space; the Doberman sculptured from recycled timber and shoes is a personal favourite.
Immerse yourself in a good read at the library.
The room
The rooms are an elegant design featuring a blonde wood and dusty pale blue-grey fabric palette with small gold finishes.
The chic deluxe room exudes elegance.
Blonde wood floorboards meet similarly coloured vertical slats that curve around the room creating a barrier between the bathroom anteroom and the bedroom. The dichotomy between the rigid uniform parallel slats and curved walls they create is strangely enchanting.
The lighting is well-designed with soft LEDs accentuating the slatted walls blurring the delineation between the two rooms.
Get pampered in the Thermal Suite sauna.
The bath, shower and toilet are contained behind a solid wall and door. The black tiles within are a slightly jarring contrast to the rest of the muted colours in the wider room.
Bed down in the Superior Room.
A bountiful kind-sized bed with countless oversized pillows is set off again with careful lighting and fixtures.
Luxury bathroom products are from local artisanal perfumery Carner.
The bathroom comes with anti-steam mirrors. (Image: Quentin Long)
The facilities
The absolute highlight is the rooftop terrace, lounge and pool, aptly named La Terraza Del Central. The three-tiered terrace carries lounges and day beds next to the pool before dining tables and chairs on the next two levels.
Relax with a tipple at the rooftop terrace.
Shade for the top two levels comes via a large canvas-covered cabana. The magnificent views over the Barcelona rooftops with the infinity edge pool and relaxed lounge soundtrack are the essence of a chilled Barcelona day.
Enjoy the sun from one of the Balinese beds by the pool.
Coffee, tea, lunch, cocktails and dinner are all served here and from about 11am-1am it is well used by locals and guests alike. The menu for meals ranges from simple salads to Iberico jamon, oysters from France and burgers and sandwiches or seabass. The small wine list is all locals except of course Tattinger.
Indulge in Mediterranean fare at La Terraza Del Central. (Image: Quentin Long)
An open breakfast restaurant on the lower ground has views of the ubiquitous narrow medieval laneways of the El Born. The buffet is expansive.
A new upmarket restaurant is set to open in the middle of the year, Can Bo. The Spanish-style eatery will serve up Tapas and Platillos with a significant wine list on the street front.
Relish in Spanish flavours at Can Bo Restaurant.
The location
It is very difficult to find a better position. Opposite the Medieval Barcelona Cathedral, between El Born and the Gothic Quarter, you are in the heart of the Barcelona experience.
Stay at the Grand Hotel Central beneath the Barcelona skyline. (Image: Quentin Long)
What we loved
Ah, everything.
But as always, it is the service that makes the best hardware turn into an exceptional experience.
The service was impeccable. Relaxed but perfect across the entire breadth of the experience; from the rooftop to the front desk and restaurant. The concierge’s knowledge and specific and detailed recommendations were so flawless I had to return to her desk to thank her several times.
Bask in the sun at the rooftop pool.
What we would change
Struggling here, but just a shame Can Bo, the up-market Spanish restaurant was not open during our stay.
Sample delicious wines and tapas at Can Bo Restaurant.
Details
Address: Via Laietana, 30 – 08003 Barcelona
Phone number: +34 932 957 900
Website: grandhotelcentral.com
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