Grand Hyatt Barcelona hotel review: a landmark five-star perfect for foodies
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Score 8/10The sharp, art deco feel continues in the 465 rooms, which swing from fresh, good-sized Queens (making space for desks and cosy seating corners) to palatial upper-floor suites where freestanding bathtubs sit in the window. Expect calming cream palettes, exposed wood, gold trim and angular-shaped furnishings, and lots more colour, character and views of Barcelona sprawling below in higher categories such as Premium.
Thoughtfully partitioned bathrooms have walk-in rain showers, oversized mirrors and a stash of full-sized products by the beloved Barcelona brand Natura Bissé. For anyone travelling with children, King rooms have the option of an extra bed and dogs are also welcomed with furry-friend kits that include beds, bowls and snacks.Score 8/10The excellent on-site dining scene is one of the hotel's big attractions, pulling in a well-heeled local crowd alongside business types and holidaying guests. The creative Peruvian Maymanta restaurant sweeps across the indoor-outdoor rooftop up on the 19th floor. It's a smart-casual spot specialising in sharing-style menus made with local ingredients, such as zingy fresh-catch ceviche, and its original cocktails can be sipped on the alfresco deck overlooking the city.
There's a more relaxed all-day tapas bar for croquettes, patatas bravas and decadent breakfasts with Catalan flair, along with a laid-back, garden-fringed pool bar and a library-themed café serving beans from the Barcelona-based shop, Hidden Coffee Roasters. But the big ticket is the plush steakhouse Leña, the work of superstar Andalusian chef Dani García and known especially for its grilled meats and vegetables (perhaps fresh leeks or Malaga-grown avocado).
• Discover our full guide to Barcelona• Best restaurants in Barcelona
Score 9/10 Barcelona's urban buzz feels worlds away from the chic adults-only Oasis Spa, which is run by Natura Bissé and has a sprawling thermal circuit surrounded by smoked-mirror walls and lush greenery. Laze away an afternoon in the metallic pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub, ice room and cold plunge pool, or try one of the treatments, including soothing vitamin C facials and body wraps. A long, sparkling turquoise pool hidden out the back provides a green haven for switching right off. There's also a well-stocked 24-hour gym.
Score 7/10You're in Les Corts, a smart and green part of western Barcelona, best known as the home of Camp Nou, FC Barcelona's stadium. There aren't any other major sights on the doorstep, and staying in this business-orientated pocket of town means swapping city-centre crowds for a quieter setting and more local-focused bars, restaurants and markets. The Monastery of Pedralbes, a jewel of Catalan gothic architecture, is a 20-minute walk away, and the surrounding area has a string of untouristy gardens to explore. There's even a small taste of Gaudí at the landmark Pavellons Guell gateway, just five minutes from the hotel. Efficient metro and bus links zip into Barcelona's historic centre in about 20 minutes — or take a 15-minute taxi.
Price room-only doubles from £175Restaurant mains from £22Family-Friendly YAccessible Y
Isabella Noble was a guest of Grand Hyatt Barcelona (hyatt.com)
• More great hotels in Barcelona• Best affordable hotels in Barcelona
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