ALMANAC BARCELONA HOTEL ~ PERSONALISED GRAND LUXURY IN THE CITY CENTRE The Almanac is one of the newest and most exciting five-stars hotels in Barcelona. Personalised service paired with a spectacular rooftop terrace and prime central location makes this an obvious choice for travellers in search of the good life. The Vibe A bonafide design hotel, the progressive decor is the work of local design star Jaime Beriestain and reinterpret s the sumptuous decadence of 1920s Art Deco. The lobby sets the tone with soft lighting and a gold-on-grey colour palette elevated with natural wood plush fabrics. It s incredibly sleek and refined, but the ambience is relaxed and easygoing.
The Location The Service and Facilities The Hotel Almanac is tucked away just off Service is seamless and tailored for each guest. Barcelona s ritzy boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia, Staff are warm, sincere and professional, always which is home to Antoni Gaudi s iconic Casa Batlló looking for ways to enhance and personalise the and La Pedrera buildings. customer experience. Barcelona s best shopping and dining opportunities Facilities include a wellness centre with a fitness are located within stumbling distance from the zone and a treatment room with sauna. hotel, while the iconic avenue of Las Ramblas and the historic Old Town (including the Gothic The most impressive part of the hotel, however, is Quarter) are just a gentle stroll away. the multi-level rooftop terrace, which boasts a small but beautiful swimming pool. The Azimuth The leafy Parc de la Ciutadella is located a pleasant 15-minute walk from the hotel. La Sagrada Familia and the city beaches are easily reachable by metro. rooftop bar is undeniably gorgeous.
The Rooms The Almanac s rooms and suites are bright and modern, with huge beds that were made especially for the hotel and comfortable seating areas. Each room is equipped with a smartphone and tablet that connects guests to the concierge service 24/7, making it quick and easy to make the most of the hotel s facilities and organise tailored activities in the city. The cube rooms feature cubed bay windows that flood the space with natural light and provide inspiring views over the city. Bathrooms are large and have separate toilet rooms. The double-sink vanities and walk-in showers make life easier for couples. We also enjoyed plunging into the giant bathtub, which was more than big enough for the two of us (and I m over 6 feet tall). The suites offer even more space and luxury, with large living areas and huge private terraces. Wi-fi is fast and free and little extras such as bathrobes, slippers, TV, espresso machines and a complimentary mini-bar make it feel even more luxurious.
The Food & Drink Breakfast is included in the cost of the room and is served in the hotel s sunny Línia brasserie. The buffet includes homemade cakes and pastries I recommend the homemade donuts. There are also hot dishes available to-order throughly enjoy my eggs royale. Portion sizes are small, apparently because the chef wants everyone to explore as many plates and flavours as possible. The coffee is excellent, too. Lunch and dinner are also served in the Línia brasserie. Catalan chef Sergio Ruiz and his team showcase traditional local fare, with dishes designed for sharing. Starters include the homemade Dali s bread served on a painter s palette with homemade smoked butter, payoyo cheese, artisanal mustard and a rich sobrasada, and the emblematic Catalan dish of escalivada (roasted vegetables) with anchovies and gourmet olives. The main dishes are fantastic for fish a and meat lovers. Start with wild and local red tuna with creamy celery, radish and pine nuts, and the pretty roasted lobster with caviar and mango in a tangerine vinaigrette. The team are more than happy to accommodate vegetarians and vegans Rosana, my vegetarian girlfriend, was extremely happy and well-fed. The three-course set lunch menu ( 25 pp with a drink) offers excellent value for money. The dessert menu is another highlight, with vibrant bold flavours like pineapple and coconut, and chocolate with orange. Each is served in a beautiful dish that look like giant cocoa beans and coconuts, made especially for the hotel. Don t miss the house cocktails, which include the Dealer s Choice, a gin and tonic elevated with dry sherry from Jerez, grapefruit bitters and artisanal tonic water.
The Verdict! Sometimes when you re travelling you discover new places and meet new people that make you feel more at home than you do when you re actually home. This is a truly special place, a place for those in search of unique and rewarding experiences. Faultless luxury for the modern traveller.