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Text James Litston, Hazel Davis
The ultimate hotels for the discerning traveller who wants a truly special place to sleep in style
Hotel Miramar BARCELONA
Plaza Carlos Ibáñez, Montjuïc, tel. +34 93 281 16 00, www..hotelmiramarbarcelona.com
Enjoy the best of both worlds at this luxurious hotel, which combines the comfort and style of a contemporary urban retreat with the elegance and calm of a grand countryside resort. It’s set within an historic palace that’s been harmoniously merged into a striking, avant-garde superstructure by renowned Catalan architect Oscar Tusquets, giving the building a huge visual impact that’s further enhanced by its hilltop location and stunning, far-reaching views across the entire city. Every aspect of the Miramar screams sophistication. On the inside, the muted colours and retro styling of the public areas are complimented by 75 huge, bright guestrooms, each featuring massive limestone bathrooms and spacious, private patios as standard. Outside, there’s a glorious pool deck with terraced gardens overlooking the Mediterranean, plus acres of open parkland on the doorstep. La Rambla is just a 20-minute walk away, but you might just opt to stay put. From €123 for a standard room. JL
When Velvet bar and restaurant opened 13 years ago, it swiftly became a Canal Street hotspot (the gay epicentre of the city by the way). Now the bar’s decadent spirit has been transposed into a four-star hotel, which opened upstairs last month. Spread over three floors, Velvet’s rooms and penthouses are all individually designed and all come with free WiFi, iPod docking stations and Burt’s Bees toiletries. Also as standard is the ‘Velvet curveball’, the hotel’s term for a surprising twist unique to each room – elaborate wallpaper with pen-and-ink erotic scenes, or a huge mural covered by a voile curtain. As to which room would suit guests best, visitors are ‘profiled’ on arrival; if elaborate four-posters, gilt mirrors and roll-topped baths are your thing, then you’ll be at home in a Velvet King room. Front-facing rooms have a balcony for summer fun. From €122 for a standard room. HD
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