The Grand Hotel Central Barcelona is an iconic building in the capital of Catalonia. The five-star hotel, set on the busy Vía Laietana 30, sits between the Gothic Quarter and El Born, two of Barcelona’s trendiest areas. Originally designed in 1926 by Adolf Florensa for the politician and patron of the arts Francesc Cambó, the Grand Hotel Central was respectfully re-imagined last year with a €14 million top-to-toe refurbishment, preserving its spirit while bringing it into the 21st century. The luxury city centre hotel offers stylish rooms, quality dining options, and a rooftop pool that’s hard to leave.
Location
The Grand Hotel Central is less than a ten-minute walk from Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s main plaza and transport hub, where you can catch direct buses and metro lines to Barcelona El Prat Airport. Better still, the hotel is close to some of Barcelona’s coolest neighbourhoods: the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Gràcia. The Picasso Museum is a short stroll away, while the Palau de la Música Catalana is even closer – around three minutes on foot. Turn left out of the hotel and follow Vía Laietana straight to the marina, which is packed with super yachts. From there, buzzy Barceloneta beach is just ten minutes away.
Rooms
The Grand Hotel Central Barcelona’s interiors were designed by Juan Alvarez of London-based design studio Sagrada (also behind London’s Arts Club, Maison Breguet in Paris, and St. Regis Venice). The studio introduces a revival of early 20th-century Catalan architecture, inspired by the Noucentisme movement and the Chicago School – both influential when the building was first conceived. Muted hues, blush pinks and earthy tones dominate the colour palette with natural materials – stone, wood, and polished concrete – creating a soft, calming feel.
The parred-down tones are offset by bespoke furniture influenced by Noucentisme ideals. Bathrooms have amenities from local fragrance brand Carner, while the hotel’s own signature scent adds a sense of place. In-room comforts include Marshall Bluetooth speakers, large flat-screen TVs with Netflix, electric blinds (operated from the bed), and plenty of universal plug sockets – no need to hunt for an adaptor. Above you, delicately restored ceiling frescoes link the building’s past to its present.
Service & Facilities
The Grand Hotel Central Barcelona employs team members from all corners of the world, catering to international guest’s needs. The service is personable and low-key, polished without pretence. Stefano on reception offers a warm welcome, while David in Can Bo restaurant has excellent culinary knowledge and offers excellent recommendations.
Facilities-wise, there’s a modest gym (though the air conditioning can be temperamental), a thermal spa suite with a sauna, and Natura Bissé treatments available at extra cost. The rooftop infinity pool is easily one of Europe’s most beautiful urban hotel pools, with panoramic views of the city, laidback music and Bali beds. Guests can book two-hour time slots, so there’s no need to get up early and lay down towels.
Throughout the hotel, works by renowned Catalan artists including Àngels Ribé and Ramon Herreros adorn the walls. The wood-panelled library of Francesc Cambó remains intact, housing his personal collection of books and hosting talks, seminars and curated reading sessions. The entrance hall doubles as a contemporary gallery, curated by local art historian Victoria Combalía, offering a rotating display of Catalan creativity. The hotel also offers different packages designed for guests to explore the city’s artisan and literary roots (Orwell famously chronicled his adventures in the Barcelona).
Food & Drink
The breakfast buffet is generous with a strong focus on local flavours: think jamón ibérico, local cheeses, and freshly made tortilla Española. Elsewhere, the lively street-level restaurant, Can Bo, showcases a creative Italian-meets-Spanish menu – the asparagus carbonara, brioche calamari and chocolate chocolate dessert are standout dishes. On the eight floor, La Terraza del Central, open from April to October, serves both classic cocktails and twists, including a well-balanced Whisky Sour and zesty Cosmo Shrub.
Fact box
Rooms from: €350 per night (including breakfast, based on two sharing)
Website: www.grandhotelcentral.com
Address: Vía Laietana 30, 08003 Barcelona, Spain