Grand Hotel Central

The perfectly grand place to stay in Barcelona…

Story and most photos By: Robin Roth

Tired and exhausted from many long hours of traveling to Spain, I simply entered the doors of the Grand Hotel Central and felt peaceful, relaxed and welcomed. The moment my taxi pulled up at the converted 1920s office building, I was greeted and treated royally by a smiling staff that seemed to fall all over themselves to take care of me and my desires. This is a very cool and awesome hotel. Although very casual, it has its own inviting charm and a chic ambiance. Just outside is the hustle and bustle of this grand and exciting Barcelona city. Yet once you walk into the hotel, it is peaceful, serene and is a very cool and ironic combination of energy.                           

The Grand Hotel Central has 147 large rooms that are a genuine mix of avant-garde design and a stylish laid-back ambiance. There are 50 executive and 22 fantastic Suites. All of the rooms truly highlight a feeling of comfort and a hip elegance with everything provided that one needs to feel at home. Rooms available are the: Twin Room,  Superior Twin Room, Superior Double Room, Loft Suite, City Suite, Triple Room, and  Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children).

All of the modern and stylish rooms include a flat-screen satellite TV and a hydro-massage bathtub.  The air conditioned rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi connection, as well as a DVD player, iPod docking station and sound system.

I loved the comfortable bed (especially after not sleeping for over 24 hours and I slept like a baby), the amazing bedding, the lovely amenities, the electronic black out shutters and the very functional bathroom area. These rooms are ultra clean and most alluring.

The hotel is designed by the prestigious interior design team of Sandra Tarruella and Isabel Lopez.

The Grand Central is located in the centre of the city, next to Barcelona’s cathedral, just about a 3 minute walk from the trendy gothic areas, and the El Born district. Here, I found many fabulous shops and stores, wonderful restaurants and designer bars all scattered throughout its narrow streets and well-lit plazas. I discovered that everything you want or hoped for on your visit is really right outside the hotel. Such as, Las Ramblas, the shopping zone around Plaza Cataluña, the most popular museums, and the seafront. As I was told, in recent years, the most chic zone of Barcelona has developed right next to the hotel. 

After a long day of sightseeing, shopping and touring, I kicked back in the hotel’s lobby and relaxed. The room is comfortable with an emphasis on an urban modern ambiance with warm materials and colors.

The friendly, elegant and professional staff at the 24-hour front desk provided me with any and all the information I needed to do what I wanted to see in Barcelona.

The Grand Central Hotel’s restaurant, Ávalon, serves original and creative Catalan food. The breakfast buffet is absolutely wonderful and a great way to start the day!  You can also, dine at Restaurant Actual, which is awesome and managed by renowned and talented chef Ramon-Freixa.

Sky Bar

The hotels fashionable rooftop bar is a very big hang out spot of the hotel. The terrace of the Sky Bar on the rooftop of the Grand Hotel Central, celebrates the magnificent panoramic views of Barcelona’s skyline. This trendy, sophisticated bar also features a lounge area to hang out and mingle and an infinity pool, adding a glamorous atmosphere. I also, enjoyed food selections from Chef Ramon Freixa and an amazing drink, The Avalon Cocktail. In my opinion, the Sky Bar is a hidden treasure of the Gothic district.

This hotel enjoys the best location in the city with fantastic views of the Gothic Quarter, the ancient city walls, and Barcelona Cathedral from its rooftop infinity pool.

The hotel has a fitness center and massage services which is wonderful. I Left my stresses at the door when I entered their contemporary private massage room. Here is where a team of qualified therapists recommended a massage style for me based on my individual needs. Treatments focus on the relief of muscle tension, recovery of muscle tone and the harmony of energies between body and mind.  Well done!

Other important things of note are: 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-Smoking Rooms, Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Cars and bikes available to rent, Elevator, Safe, Soundproof Rooms, Heating, Designer Hotel , Baggage Storage, Allergy-Free Room Available, All Spaces Non-Smoking (Public and Private), Solarium, Library, Outdoor Swimming Pool

Available services:

Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Center, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, VIP Room Facilities, Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Honeymoon Suite, Currency Exchange, Shoe Shine, Tour Desk, Fax/Photocopying and Ticket Service

The Internet:

Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and costs EUR 5 per 24 hours.

I want to thank the charming Ana Lasauca, the guest relations and events manager for all her time and patience in making this feature story possible.  

The Grand Hotel Central is a great hotel for anyone who comes to the Barcelona area no matter what the reason. I cannot recommend it highly enough on every possible level. Bravo to all who have made this hotel as grand and special as it is!

Location:  Via laIetana 30  Barcelona, 08003 Spain  

TEL: 34 93 295 79 00  

RESERVATIONS: INFO@GRANDHOTELCENTREAL.COM                                                RECEPTION:        RECEPCION@GRANDHOTELCENTRAL.COM