GRAND HOTEL CENTRAL, BARCELONA
In Europe’s coolest city, the coolest area by a mile is The Born. Which is
where you’ll find the Grand Hotel Central, a fresh gulp of modernity in an
area of gothic streets and ancient museums (OK, and quite trendy bars).
From its clean-cut rooms in muted colours with high old-school ceilings, huge
windows and exterior views to its rooftop pool, the Grand Hotel Central has
brought VIP to a “barrio” that has been HIP (in capitals) for the last five years
or so. Whether you’re exploring the menu of the best chef in Spain in the
Actual Restaurant or trawling the ancient streets, this may not strictly speaking
be dead Central Barcelona, but spiritually it’s where it’s at.
2 nights from £195 p.p. in a Central Room on a bed & breakfast basis
including flights. Transfers extra.
HOTEL URBAN, MADRID
A real ravishing beauty of a hotel right at the centre of all of Madrid’s culture
and nightlife, the Urban stands out a mile, all modern and funky in the midst
of the history. Step inside and there’s little reason to doubt that an art
collector is behind the place: with a small Egyptian museum, a multi-storey
glowing pillar spanning the full height of the atrium, while the hi-tech steel
stairs and walkways scream futuristic glamour. In the rooms, with their dark
leather furniture and white walls, the artistic effect continues with real
artworks (including explanations) decorating the walls. But don’t think there’s
anything at all academic about the Urban. Its summer roof terrace (pool deck
by day, jumping hotspot by night) and its cool Oyster Bar, the Glass Bar and
Europa Decó restaurant are the coolest hang-outs in a very cool town.
2 nights from £255 p.p. in a Double Room on a bed & breakfast basis
including flights. Transfers extra.
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