Latest news with #CatalanGothic
Sydney Morning Herald
11-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Avoid the overtourism at this beautiful Barcelona escape
My 28-square-metre fifth floor junior suite has direct access to the hotel's compact but convivial rooftop terrace and swimming pool which overlooks the public park and the city beyond. This suite features its own private terrace with an outdoor shower and urban vistas, including that of Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, an example of Catalan Gothic architecture which provided inspiration for Antoni Gaudi's more famous Sagrada Familia, a 15-minute ride by taxi from the hotel. The inviting but unpretentious room is decked out in warm accents designed to reflect the earthy palette of Barcelona itself. Unlike so many boutique hotels nowadays, it's light-filled with the interiors designed to not only impress but provide genuine comfort. Food + drink Cal Pep, Barcelona's celebrated tapas diner, is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, but due to its popularity, it can be subject to queues, especially for the coveted counter spots. But to savour more contemporary Spanish cuisine you really needn't leave the hotel. Its in-house Volta restaurant and bar serves creative, share-based Mediterranean dishes featuring the best of the region's superb local ingredients from small-scale artisan producers. Out + about Even though this is an area less troubled by the tourist throng than other Barcelona barrio, many of the city's leading attractions are easily reached from El Born and the hotel itself. Head along its narrow, boutique and gallery-filled streets to Museu Picasso, known for the early works of the legendary Spanish artist. Further along is the floridly decorated concert hall, Palau de la Musica Catalana, an art nouveau architectural masterpiece. Elsewhere, take a meander through the bustling Mercat de Santa Caterina with its bold swirling modern-day roof addition daubed in the colours of the produce on sale inside. The verdict If your aim is to be in the action in Barcelona but not held captive of it, then this beauteously boutique bolthole with a deceptively appealing location is a smart choice in an oft crowded Catalan capital. Essentials From $385 for a classic room (low season); Borneta Barcelona, Passeig de Picasso, 26, 30, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain. Phone: +34 935 47 86 00. See Our rating out of five ★★★★½ Highlight El Born is a beauty; a distant, though not too distant, alternative to a busier Barcelona barrio such as the all-too-popular Las Ramblas. Loading Lowlight It can be difficult, especially for the jet-lagged, to stay awake long enough for Barcelona's night owl dining hours, so don't be coy about making your main meal a daytime affair.
The Age
11-07-2025
- The Age
Avoid the overtourism at this beautiful Barcelona escape
My 28-square-metre fifth floor junior suite has direct access to the hotel's compact but convivial rooftop terrace and swimming pool which overlooks the public park and the city beyond. This suite features its own private terrace with an outdoor shower and urban vistas, including that of Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar, an example of Catalan Gothic architecture which provided inspiration for Antoni Gaudi's more famous Sagrada Familia, a 15-minute ride by taxi from the hotel. The inviting but unpretentious room is decked out in warm accents designed to reflect the earthy palette of Barcelona itself. Unlike so many boutique hotels nowadays, it's light-filled with the interiors designed to not only impress but provide genuine comfort. Food + drink Cal Pep, Barcelona's celebrated tapas diner, is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, but due to its popularity, it can be subject to queues, especially for the coveted counter spots. But to savour more contemporary Spanish cuisine you really needn't leave the hotel. Its in-house Volta restaurant and bar serves creative, share-based Mediterranean dishes featuring the best of the region's superb local ingredients from small-scale artisan producers. Out + about Even though this is an area less troubled by the tourist throng than other Barcelona barrio, many of the city's leading attractions are easily reached from El Born and the hotel itself. Head along its narrow, boutique and gallery-filled streets to Museu Picasso, known for the early works of the legendary Spanish artist. Further along is the floridly decorated concert hall, Palau de la Musica Catalana, an art nouveau architectural masterpiece. Elsewhere, take a meander through the bustling Mercat de Santa Caterina with its bold swirling modern-day roof addition daubed in the colours of the produce on sale inside. The verdict If your aim is to be in the action in Barcelona but not held captive of it, then this beauteously boutique bolthole with a deceptively appealing location is a smart choice in an oft crowded Catalan capital. Essentials From $385 for a classic room (low season); Borneta Barcelona, Passeig de Picasso, 26, 30, Ciutat Vella, Barcelona, Spain. Phone: +34 935 47 86 00. See Our rating out of five ★★★★½ Highlight El Born is a beauty; a distant, though not too distant, alternative to a busier Barcelona barrio such as the all-too-popular Las Ramblas. Loading Lowlight It can be difficult, especially for the jet-lagged, to stay awake long enough for Barcelona's night owl dining hours, so don't be coy about making your main meal a daytime affair.
