Hotel review: Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona

Leaving behind the Gothic Quarter right at the centre of Vía Laietana, you’ll find a place where you’ll experience the city intensely, without missing out on any of its comforts, elegance and sophistication. An oasis that will allow you to enjoy the centre of Barcelona.

BY Irene Verpoort | September 17, 2020

LOCATION 9/10

The Grand Hotel Central is located on one of Barcelona's main streets - Via Laietana. The location is very central, as the name of the hotel suggests. The port, the city center as well as beautiful sights such as the Ramblas, the trendy El Born district and Plaza Catalunya are within walking distance from the hotel.

AMBIANCE 9/10

The hotel has an impressive classic exterior. The interior is modern but atmospheric because of the classical elements of the building which remained intact. In the lobby the setting is set with dim light, relaxing music and burning candles. Upon entering you will see the library on your left. A quiet room with a large desk and a number of shelves with beautiful large interior books and some magazines.

ROOMS 8/10

There are a total of 147 rooms in the hotel. Rooms are fairly small, but not impossibly so, and come with huge and supremely comfortable beds, bathtubs and shampoo, soap and body lotion made specially for the hotel with natural ingredients. The room is tightly decorated with light colors. All rooms are equipped with a TV with DVD player (there is a library of CDs and DVDs available), a free soft drink bar, bathrobes, slippers, 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi and fine Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. The noise of the busy street is countered by the double glazed windows. Small detail; there is an open bathroom, so if you share a room with for example your colleague it is advisable to ask for a room with a separated bathroom. Due to the tight interior combined with the light colors, you become kind of zen when you knock down on the bed after a busy day in the city.

FOOD & DRINK 8/10

Fancy a delicious dinner at a top chef's restaurant? Restaurant Avalon, Grand Hotel Central's restaurant, is run by Chef Ramon Freixa. A few years ago this chef was proclaimed the best chef of Spain. His cuisine has been awarded two Michelin stars. The food is simple de-li-cious! There is a homely atmosphere in the modern restaurant. If you fancy a digestive after a fantastic dinner, you can enjoy a cocktail on the top floor of the hotel. There you will find the roof terrace with breathtaking views over Barcelona. The breakfast is very good. Breakfast is excellent and consists of different types of bread and sandwiches, eggs, hot tomatoes, sausages, fruit, yogurt, various kinds of sweet and savory platter and of course not to forget cava.

FACILITIES 8/10

Pool with spectacular view, 24-hour room service, library, laundry service, fitness centre, conference rooms, daily newspapers, airport transfer, WiFi in public areas.