Gran Hotel La Florida - Barcelona

Occupying a privileged location on Tibidabo Hill, Gran Hotel La Florida offers the ideal blend of history and modernity in a peaceful setting, a short drive from Barcelona’s centre. The castle-like building boasts phenomenal views, which you can enjoy via the panoramic pool deck – and restaurants, as you tuck into Catalan cuisine. A luxurious spa by L’Occitane is another of the hotel’s highlights.

The hotel’s hillside position is surrounded by lush forest, with views all the way out to the Pyrenees on one side, and the Balearic Sea on the other. Despite its rural location, it’s just under seven miles from the heart of Barcelona. The Tibidabo amusement park is under a half a mile from the hotel, as is the Temple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – a staggering 20th Century hillside church. Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport is 13 and a half miles south.

Built in 1925, this resort combines traditional Spanish design with a glamorous modern twist. Rooms and suites have a subtle art nouveau nod, with oak floors and cream colour schemes. Deluxe Rooms overlook the city and sea or Montserrat and the Pyrenees – the Deluxe Room 208 features huge dual-aspect windows with sweeping views of the city, sea and mountains. Family Rooms can sleep two adults, two young children, and a baby in a cot, while a Terrace Room’s large windows lead to a private terrace with superb views. The hotel’s individually designed suites feature a unique assortment of themes, including a Japanese style suite by interior designer Dale Kaller, a naturally inspired suite by the Coco Mat brand and a traditionally styled Mediterranean suite.