A High Culture Hub: Grand Hotel Central

A High Culture Hub: Grand Hotel Central

In a historic building between Barcelona's El Born district and Gothic Quarter stands a luxurious and hip hideaway perfectly positioned for urban exploration. As well as the hotel's SkyBar – the pool-side rooftop hangout – Grand Hotel Central also plays host to the Barcelona-centric Talent Gallery and library, giving guests access to the hard-earned insider knowledge of Design Hotels Original Pau Guardans. Oh, and psst! – he likes to give guests his personal recommendations of what's going on with his very own app 'Guias Punto", so it's time to experience the Catalonian capital like a true local.

The Guardans Guide
As well as reinventing the glamour of a 1920s building as a 147-room luxury hotel, Pau Guardans' idea of hospitality transcends traditional standards. 'Guias Punto" keeps guests in a state of perpetual curiosity with an insider view of the city which includes the hotel's own Talent Gallery. Just next-door to the hotel's CityBar, the gallery showcases art from local artists, including design, photography, and illustrations. From June 30 to September 14, the space plays host to STRATA, an exhibition by award-winning architect Enric Massip, who is taking time out from the international lecture circuit to share his talents with his hometown.

Rooftop tipple
Open until October 10, The SkyBar offers unique views of the Gothic Quarter, El Born district, and the city's ever-changing skyline. Guests have the chance to spend warm summer evenings on the sun deck and rooftop terrace, complete with chillout bar. The infinity pool is open exclusively to guests of the hotel during the day, but
from 8pm until 1:30am the hotel welcomes diners and merrymakers up to the roof to take in the splendor. As well
as fresh Mediterranean fare, the SkyBar also serves signature desserts by expert confectioners. And whether it's a
Spicy Margarita, Bon Bon Martini or a classic Gin and Tonic, the cocktail menu is sure to be the perfect
accompaniment to the music as the in-house DJ spins the weekends away.

About the Hotel

The Grand Hotel Central offers a discreet and luxurious hideaway amid the bustle of Barcelona's fashionable El Born district. Owner Pau Guardans has completely reworked a 1920s building to create a hotel that evokes the splendor of Barcelona's high society in the early part of the 20th century. The result is a tranquil property infused with timeless elegance and urban soul. Guardans' reputation as a trendsetter and visionary is evident in the finer details of the hotel. The hotel's SkyBar is the latest hotspot serving up fresh Mediterranean food and cocktails on the rooftop terrace, complementing the esteemed City Bar & Restaurant. Touted by the Michelin Guide as one of the best restaurants in Barcelona to eat under 35 €, offerings range from the palate-pleasing gazpacho with langoustines and avocado, to meatier selections of typical Catalan sausages or roasted lamb with honey and
rosemary.