The Rough Guide to Barcelona 8 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)

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laugh-aloud conceits like adjustable mood-
lighting, sashaying plastic curtains and
mirrored walls. Chic, certainly – basic, not
at all, though the concept eschews room
service, mini-bars and tons of staff at your
beck and call, so it won’t suit everyone.
Bikes and Internet are available, and there’s
a tiny fitness room, while meals are
courtesy of the attached – also effortlessly
cool – thewhitebar restaurant. There’s a
more budget Chic & Basic on c/Tallers
(near Pl. Universitat, El Raval) and Barri
Gòtic apartments too (details on the
website). From €110, larger rooms
from €135.
Nuevo Colón Avgda. Marquès de
l’Argentera 19, 1 T 933 195 077,
W ; M Barceloneta.
In the hands of the same friendly family for
over seventy years, the well-kept pension
sports twenty-six spacious rooms painted
yellow and kitted out with directors’ chairs
and double glazing. Front rooms are very
sunny, as is the lounge and terrace, all with
side views to Ciutadella park. There are
also three self-catering apartments
available (by the night) in the same
building, which sleep up to six. €47, en
suite €67, apartments €155.
Park Avgda. Marquès de l’Argentera 11 T933
196 000, W ;
M Barceloneta. A classy update for this
elegant, modernist 1950s building starts
with the chic bar and lounge, and runs up
the feature period stairway to rooms in fawn
and brown with parquet floors, marble
bathrooms and beds with angular reading
lights. It’s pricey for a three-star, but there’s
real style here. From €150.
Port Vell
For locations, see the map, p.91.
Duquesa de Cardona Pg. de Colom
12 T932 689 090, Wwww.hduquesade
; MDrassanes. Step off the busy
harbourfront highway into this soothing
four-star haven, remodelled from a
sixteenth-century mansion. The rooms are
calm and quiet, decorated in earth tones
and immaculately appointed. Not all the
“classic” (ie standard) rooms have views,
but everyone has access to the stylish roof-
deck overlooking the harbour. It’s great for
sundowner drinks and boasts (if that’s the
word) probably the city’s smallest outdoor
pool. From €180.
Grand Marina World Trade Centre, Moll de
Barcelona T936 039 000, W www.grand
; M Drassanes. Five-star
comforts on eight floors overlooking the
port. Most of the rooms have enormous
marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi baths and
a separate dressing area. Public areas
draw gasps, with commissioned works by
Catalan artists and a rooftop pool with
fantastic views. Advance website bookings
offer good deals. From €200.
Marina View B&B Pg. de Colom T 609 206 493,
W MDrassanes. A
classy, personally run place in a great
location – the two front rooms have terrific
harbour views. There’s far more of a hotel
feel here than a simple B&B, with the five
rooms featuring stylish linen, bold colours,
excellent bathrooms, mini-bars (with
normal drinks prices), hospitality trays,
satellite TV and wi-fi access – then again,
these aren’t exactly run-of-the-mill B&B
prices. Breakfast is included (served in the
room). Advance reservations are essential
(contact for directions), and a two-night
minimum stay is usually required. From
€120, harbour views €135.
Port Olímpic
For location, see map, p.93.
Arts Barcelona c/Marina 19–21, Port Olímpic
T 932 211 000, W
/barcelona; M Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica. The city
benchmark for five-star designer luxury.
Service and standards are first-rate, and the
classy rooms feature enormous marble
bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows with
fabulous views of the port and sea.
Stunning duplex apartments have their own
perks (24hr butler service, personal Mini
Cooper) and dining options range from the
open-air terrace restaurant to Michelin-
starred chef Sergi Arola’s contemporary
tapas place, Arola (closed Mon & Tues).
You’re only a hop from the beach, but
seafront gardens encompass a swimming
pool and hot tub, while the jaw-dropping Six
Senses spa occupies the top two floors.
Special rates start at around €200,
otherwise from €300.
Montjuïc
For location, see map, p.96.
AC Miramar Plaza Carlos Ibañez 3 T 932 811
600, W ; M Paral.lel,
ACCOMMODATION
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Hotels and pensions