Last updated on December 3, 2018
The Almanac is one of the newest and most exciting five-star hotels in Barcelona. Personalised service paired with a spectacular rooftop terrace and prime central location makes this an obvious choice for travellers in search of the good life.
The Vibe
A bonafide design hotel, the progressive decor is the work of local design star Jaime Beriestain and reinterprets the sumptuous decadence of 1920s Art Deco.
The lobby sets the tone with soft lighting and a gold-on-grey colour palette elevated with natural wood plush fabrics. It’s incredibly sleek and refined, but the ambience is relaxed and easygoing.
The Location
The Hotel Almanac is tucked away just off Barcelona’s ritzy boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia, which is home to Antoni Gaudi’s iconic Casa Batlló and La Pedrera buildings.
Barcelona’s best shopping and dining opportunities are located within stumbling distance from the hotel, while the iconic avenue of Las Ramblas and the historic Old Town (including the Gothic Quarter) are just a gentle stroll away.
The leafy Parc de la Ciutadella is located a pleasant 15-minute walk from the hotel. La Sagrada Familia and the city beaches are easily reachable by metro.
The Service and Facilities
Service is seamless and tailored for each guest. Staff are warm, sincere and professional, always looking for ways to enhance and personalise the customer experience.
Facilities include a wellness centre with a fitness zone and a treatment room with sauna.
The most impressive part of the hotel, however, is the multi-level rooftop terrace, which boasts a small but beautiful swimming pool. The Azimuth rooftop bar is undeniably gorgeous.
The Rooms
The Almanac’s rooms and suites are bright and modern, with huge beds that were made especially for the hotel and comfortable seating areas.
Each room is equipped with a smartphone and tablet that connects guests to the concierge service 24/7, making it quick and easy to make the most of the hotel’s facilities and organise tailored activities in the city.
The cube rooms feature cubed bay windows that flood the space with natural light and provide inspiring views over the city. Bathrooms are large and have separate toilet rooms.
The double-sink vanities and walk-in showers make life easier for couples. We also enjoyed plunging into the giant bathtub, which was more than big enough for the two of us (and I’m over 6 feet tall).
The suites offer even more space and luxury, with large living areas and huge private terraces.
Wi-fi is fast and free and little extras such as bathrobes, slippers, TV, espresso machines and a complimentary mini-bar make it feel even more luxurious.
The Food & Drink
Breakfast is included in the cost of the room and is served in the hotel’s sunny Línia brasserie. The buffet includes homemade cakes and pastries – I recommend the homemade donuts. There are also hot dishes available to-order – throughly enjoy my eggs royale. Portion sizes are small, apparently because the chef wants everyone to explore as many plates and flavours as possible. The coffee is excellent, too.
Lunch and dinner are also served in the Línia brasserie. Catalan chef Sergio Ruiz and his team showcase traditional local fare, with dishes designed for sharing.
Starters include the homemade “Dali’s bread” served on a painter’s palette with homemade smoked butter, payoyo cheese, artisanal mustard and a rich sobrasada, and the emblematic Catalan dish of escalivada (roasted vegetables) with anchovies and gourmet olives.
The main dishes are fantastic for fish a and meat lovers. Start with wild and local red tuna with creamy celery, radish and pine nuts, and the pretty roasted lobster with caviar and mango in a tangerine vinaigrette.
The team are more than happy to accommodate vegetarians and vegans – Rosana, my vegetarian girlfriend, was extremely happy and well-fed.
The three-course set lunch menu (€25 pp with a drink) offers excellent value for money.
The dessert menu is another highlight, with vibrant bold flavours like pineapple and coconut, and chocolate with orange. Each is served in a beautiful dish that look like giant cocoa beans and coconuts, made especially for the hotel.
Don’t miss the house cocktails, which include the ‘Dealer’s Choice ‘, a gin and tonic elevated with dry sherry from Jerez, grapefruit bitters and artisanal tonic water.
The gorgeous rooftop Azimuth bar has indoor and outdoor seating and is a truly romantic place to enjoy a few drinks and nibbles.
The Verdict
Sometimes when you’re travelling you discover new places and meet new people that make you feel more at home than you do when you’re actually home. This is a truly special place, a place for those in search of unique and rewarding experiences. Faultless luxury for the modern traveller.
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