The Hotel Miramar is spectacularly situated on the side of Montjuic hill with panoramic views across Barcelona and out to the Mediterranean. A grand Art Deco palace built for the 1929 Universal Exhibition, it was redesigned and extended by top architect Oscar Tusquets and opened as a hotel in 2006.
Set in extensive gardens, the Miramar has an impressive marble lobby that spreads out over various levels and creates a real feeling of space and fresh air. During the day, you can relax by the outdoor pool, which is surrounded by a decked terrace, walk in the grounds or explore the parkland of Montjuic.
Rooms are spacious and done out in chocolate, charcoal and champagne tones, but the killer features here are the large terraces with stylish wicker chairs and loungers. It’s all very romantic and glamorous, but if reality calls, it’s also easy to do a spot of work at the large desks with Eames chairs and free WiFi.
On the bathrooms front, some rooms have freestanding baths set by the window so you can enjoy the stunning views as you soak. There are also separate showers with rain and handheld heads, while products are by Molton Brown and there are decent hairdryers. All of which makes getting ready to go out at Hotel Miramar a real joy – particularly if you've spent a couple of hours down in the sumptuous spa beforehand.
What’s hot?
- The outdoor pool
- The fantastic spa
- The panoramic views from the rooms
What’s not?
- You need to get in a taxi to get anywhere
Need to Know: Hotel Miramar
Number of rooms: 75
Check-in/check-out times: 2pm and 12noon
Room service: Yes
Swimming pool: Yes. Indoor and outdoor
Spa: Yes. There’s a full spa, good gym and wide range of treatments
Dogs welcome: No
Eating and drinking: The Forestier restaurant, designed by the uber-cool Jaime Hayon, serves Catalan and Mediterranean dishes and is open for lunch and dinner. The Lobby Bar serves all sorts of drinks, including excellent cocktails which can be taken on one of any number of outdoor tables on the various terraces.
Near to? On Montjuic hill, where the Joan Miro Foundation and the National Museum of Catalan Art are situated, as well as the Olympic stadium and the Costa i Llobera Botanic Gardens. It’s not far to walk down the hill to reach the bottom of the Ramblas by the sea, but you’re likely to be taking taxis to get around – particularly to get back up that hill after a night out.
Getting there: The Miramar is 20-25 minutes’ drive from the airport and 10 minutes’ drive from Sants train station.
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