Hotel check: Hotel Condes de Barcelona

Published: 26/01/2005 - Filed under: Archive » 2005 » February 2005 » Tried and Tested » Tried & Tested » Hotels » Tried & Tested » Hotels » Spain »

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What's it like? A mixture of old and new, this four-star Catalonian hotel has a traditional Spanish air as soon as you enter the building, which is unsurprising as it was created by merging and renovating two 19th century palaces, the Casa J Daurella and the Casa E Battillo. The staff at reception were helpful and check-in was efficient and fast.

Where is it? In the heart of the Quadrat d'Or, a cultural and privileged location, famous for Catalonia's exuberant brand of Art Nouveau and within walking distance of Gaudi's La Pedrera building. Several good tapas restaurants and bars are just a short walk, on the same street as the hotel.

How many rooms? 183.

Room facilities: All have air conditioning, minibar, safe deposit box, hairdryers, telephones and satellite TV. A connection for fax and personal computer is also available. Business rooms are spacious with marble bathrooms including Bulgari products and a separate, large marble/stone walk-in hydromassage shower. Gaudi and Barcelona suites overlook Paseo de Gracia and offer spa bath and terrace facilities. Interior decor uses wood and soft fabrics, which create a comfortable and elegant atmosphere.

Business centre: No. There is a room charge of E19 for 24 hours of internet use. Ten rooms are equipped for all types of meetings as well as banquets.

Restaurant: Thalassa restaurant offers Mediterranean cooking by chef Antonio Martinez plus excellent wines, making this restaurant a favourite among locals. An additional entrance to the restaurant off Mallorca street ensures that hotel guests are not disturbed by non-residents waiting for their dinner reservations.
Gala and business menus are available.

Bar: There is a ground-floor bar with contemporary decor and a roof terrace, though you still have to order your drinks at the main bar.

Price: Prices start from E169.

Contact: Hotel Condes de Barcelona, Passeig de Gracia, 73-75, 08008 Barcelona, tel 34 93 445 0000,www.condesdebarcelona.com

Rania Apthorpe