Conde Nast Traveler has announced the Readers’ Choice Awards: Almanac Barcelona is the Best Hotel in Barcelona & the 3rd Best Hotel in Spain & Portugal.
How did it strike you on arrival? Opened in November 2017, this chic boutique hotel still feels shiny, modern, and brand-spanking-new.
What’s the crowd like? Mostly middle-aged people who have that well-traveled, comfortable, yet distinctly stylish look about them.
Tell us about your room. Almanac’s signature Cube rooms are all fitted with a sofa or chaise lounge that fits into the cube-shaped window. From here, you can lie back, stretch out, and watch the city bustle by. The room has huge windows, with lots of lovely Spanish sunlight pouring in. It overlooks Gran Via—one of Barcelona’s main thoroughfares—but the soundproofing here is solid, so you'll sleep soundly.
How are the beds? All the hotel's beds are oversized and made specifically for Almanac Hotels by Austrian company Symphonic. The comfy cotton sheets, meanwhile, are produced in Barcelona by local firm Bassols.
Anything noteworthy about the in-room amenities? It’s clear that tech is a big deal at Almanac. The lighting is adjusted using an in-room one-touch panel, and every room comes with its own free-to-use smartphone, providing unlimited international calls both on and off property. Soft drinks and water in the minibar are replenished daily and are also complimentary.
How's the bathroom Jimmy Boyd has created two bespoke scents for Almanac’s bathroom products—pear-apple and bergamot. The resulting fragrancesare fresh and clean.
Is there Wi-Fi? Strong, free Wi-Fi works throughout the hotel.
Anything stand out about other services and features? A complete breakfast is included in every room rate. Guests are granted free access to the steam room, sauna, and relaxation room, as well as the rooftop terrace, loungers, and dipping pool. The on-site Línia restaurant and Azimuth bar are popular with Barcelonans and visitors alike.
Bottom line: worth it, and why? Room rates start at $500—not cheap, but definitely worth it for the unbeatable location, not to mention the fact that this is Barcelona’s shiniest five-star hotel.https://www.cntraveler.com/…/…/spain-and-portugal-top-hotels