I was thrilled when LDTG received a prestigious accolade from Virgin Voyages, granting us an all-expenses-paid Mediterranean Cruise. We were being recognized as among the Top Ten Agencies in the region, a piece of news I have had to contain for a while now. And more than that, I was excited about being able to share my Spain experience, particularly that in Barcelona, with you all. For more information on Virgin Voyages, Ibiza, and the French & Italian Rivera, check out my separate write-up.
The timing was brilliant, as I was already researching a group trip to Spain for 2024. And this opportunity provided me the perfect reason to arrive early in Barcelona and dedicate time to conducting hotel visits, meeting sales and resort staff one-on-one, experiencing the destination first-hand, and gathering the intel I need to create an unforgettable experience for the upcoming group travel.
We would love to have you join us!
Please register and learn about Spain & Portugal 2024
If group tours aren’t your cup of tea and you prefer tailor-made journeys, let’s find a time to discuss your dream vacation! Click here to book a chat or send us a vacation planning request right here.
I landed in Spain in the morning, eager to explore the city. Ready to embrace the adventure, I found myself in the company of new friends, and off we went. To truly experience the city, we did what everyone must do in Spain – restaurant hop, savor the tapas and drink along the way. No trip to Spain is complete without doing these.
View this post on Instagram
After exploring all the gorgeous sights and savoring delicious local cuisine, it was time to experience some incredible hotels. The day we spent in Barcelona was truly memorable and allowed us to establish important connections. As a result, we can now offer our clients exclusive benefits and create unique travel experiences for them. We had the opportunity to meet essential staff members, take guided tours of the properties, indulge in their delightful offerings, and solidify our bonds.
So, let’s dive into the fantastic places I visited:
HOTEL CATALONIA CATEDRAL
Location, location, location – this hotel’s unique selling proposition. Upon arrival, the staff was pleasant, although not exceedingly so. This upscale boutique hotel boasts a prime spot within walking distance of local dining options and major city attractions. Nestled in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, it is just a stone’s throw away from Sant Jaume, Ciutadella Park, and Placa Catalunya. The hotel primarily caters to pedestrians, you’ll notice this in the video. Car accessibility is limited.
Despite being a smallish hotel, the use of space is remarkable. The compact lobby is bathed in natural light because of its three-story open foyer.
Access to the hotel rooms is via a narrow elevator or staircase – something to consider for those with mobility issues. I had the chance to view three different rooms (forgoing photos and videos as these rooms were being cleaned), and I must say I was genuinely impressed by the quality furnishings, room layout, and stunning decor. And oh my! Some rooms even have private pools – WOW! Talking about pools, here, check out their rooftop pool. It is GORGEOUS!
Common areas at the hotel are small, stylishly designed, and well-appointed.
Overall, I would give this hotel an 8.5 out of 10 – perfect for those seeking a unique travel experience with convenient access to local sights and amenities.
GRAND HOTEL CENTRAL
Located between the lively Born neighborhood and the historic Gothic Quarter, this centrally located hotel in Barcelona boasts an ideal spot on Via Laietana – one of the city’s principal avenues. The vibrancy of the Born district on one side enhances the ancient charm of the Gothic Quarter on the other side. The stunning cathedral and city walls are within walking distance of the hotel. The must-visit spots – Las Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya, and Paseo de Gracia are not too far away either. The conveniently placed Jaume 1 Metro station provides effortless subway access to Gaudi’s awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia church and is only a couple of stops from the Olympic Village with inviting sandy beaches opposite it. Guests can reach Barcelona’s El Prat de Llobregat Airport via a 20-30 minute drive or by hopping on the subway to Passeig de Gràcia Station for a half-hour journey.
Greeted with a warm welcome by a genuinely engaged staff, I was ready for the hotel tour. The traditional decor enveloped the dimly lit space but exuded a tasteful sense of flair that is difficult to describe with words and can only be experienced. This hotel has an undeniable charm that attracts a unique crowd.
I got to meet the hotel sales manager, who guided me on a comprehensive hotel visit. I checked out their four unique room categories and even got a sneak preview of an upcoming fully renovated room set to debut in the first quarter of 2024. The hotel is transforming its darker, classic aesthetic to a brighter, more energetic atmosphere – sure to create an entirely new vibe. The highlight of my tour was undoubtedly the rooftop infinity pool, complete with a full-service bar and restaurant. I relished a delicious daytime meal and an evening cocktail while soaking in breathtaking views.
I give this hotel an impressive 9 out of 10 rating, with potential for improvement post-renovation.
Check out my fantastic tour experience!
HOTEL ARTS BARCELONA
What can I say? This hotel stole my heart!
The staff at the resort were exceptionally hospitable and accommodating. The perfect way to conclude my group trip to Spain & Portugal: The Iberian Experience. The resort’s location near the city center provides guests with easy access to a plethora of amenities both onsite and nearby, ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable stay.
Its outstanding beachfront location is slightly away from Ciutat Vella attractions, but the hotel’s closeness to the sea is unparalleled. Nestled along Olympic Harbor’s beach (Port Olympic), it’s just minutes away from the beach, marina, promenade, a seven-minute walk to the zoo, and a 13-minute walk to La Barceloneta – a charming nook of waterfront restaurants and bars. You can reach Ciutat Vella’s edge in around 20 minutes on foot and La Rambla in nearly 30 minutes or a quick 10-minute taxi ride. Multiple public transport options are nearby, making La Sagrada Familia accessible in just 21 minutes. A delightful bike trail connects the hotel to the city center in merely 10-15 minutes, providing my group with an ideal balance of both worlds.
The sales manager guided me through an all-encompassing tour of the resort. Despite its vast size, it was easily accessible without feeling overwhelming. Dedicated areas for families and adults coexisted harmoniously, offering breathtaking views of the marina, the Mediterranean Sea, and a city center that would captivate anyone. I explored five room categories. Their entry-level rooms are spacious (over 480 ft) and loaded with amenities.
Key attractions include Michelin-starred restaurants, an expansive spa, an outdoor pool, and boutiques. The hotel flaunts an array of lavish amenities that make it feel like a mini-city within itself. Housing six on-site restaurants and bars – including two Michelin-starred restaurants, open-air dining, abundant breakfast buffets (for an additional fee), and a speakeasy lounge that serves as an entertainment venue and dinner location tucked inside a boutique store.
Embodying a city-within-a-city vibe, the hotel features chic clothing boutiques, a stylish hair and beauty salon, fun-filled amenities for kids, and a sleek business center resembling a mini Apple store. The property boasts numerous meeting and event spaces, capable of hosting up to 1,000 guests. The staff’s exceptional attentiveness ensures a wide array of services are provided, including 24-hour concierge and room service. Moreover, the art exhibit is not to be missed! Showcasing budding local artists’ works, these creative masterpieces are both on display and available for purchase.
I give this spectacular property a 9.5 out of 10! Ideal for those in search of a resort in a city.
Check out the Hotel Arts tour with me
I like to immerse myself in the destination, which is why, along with checking out hotels, I make sure to visit the sites, do a few tours, and interact with the locals.
During one such spontaneous adventure around the city, I opted to dine at a local eatery. Observing the people around me, I realized that Spaniards place great importance on spending quality time with their families, relishing social outings, and savoring life rather than solely focusing on work. They live life! Can you imagine a group of teenage boys enjoying an entire meal without glancing at their mobile phones even once? Oh, man! I got to see it. Engaged, these boys were enjoying the moment unlike what I’ve typically come to know of teenagers in the USA. I am glad I stopped by because this served as a beautiful reminder that travel can not only inspire personal growth but also remind us in such instances, life is meant to be lived, and enjoyed in the moment. Philosophically heavy!
Let’s shift gears and talk about the incredible sidecar motorcycle tour – I did it! I got the chance to experience a half-day Barcelona tour by Sidecar Motorcycle! Woot Woot! My guide, who was so patient and knowledgeable, left me craving to learn more about this city. It began with a map and history lesson, which gave us a great foundation for the rest of the tour. My guide then tailored the entire tour to my interests and likes, which made it a perfect experience. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique and engaging way to explore Barcelona. Here is a glimpse of my itinerary:
Pass By: Plaza de Catalunya, Placa de Catalunya, 08206 Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Arc de Triomf, Passeig Lluis Companys, 08003 Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau, Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025 Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Casa Vicens, Carrer de les Carolines, 20-26, 08012 Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Casa Mila – La Pedrera, Passeig de Gracia, 92, 08008 Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Casa Batllo, Passeig de Gracia, 43, 08007 Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Placa d’Espanya, Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Estadi Olimpic, Passeig Olimpic, 15-17, 08038 Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Placa de l’Armada, Ctra. de Miramar, 38 Sants-Montjuic, Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Port Vell (Old Port), Port Vell (Old Port), Barcelona, Catalonia
Stop At: Montjuic, Montjuic, Barcelona, Catalonia
Stop At: El Born / La Ribera, El Born / La Ribera, Barcelona, Catalonia
Stop At: Mirador de Colom, Placa Portal de la Pau, s/n, 08001 Barcelona Spain
Stop At: Barceloneta, Barceloneta, Barcelona, Catalonia
That very afternoon, I arranged a private guided tour of the remarkable La Sagrada Familia. Even those who aren’t usually fans of historical outings would be captivated by this one. Gaudi aimed to educate people about Catholicism through his awe-inspiring architecture at La Sagrada Família. Believe me, the photos and videos I captured simply don’t do it justice. You absolutely must see it for yourself!
I wrapped up this exciting day with a complimentary concert (and I was told that this is typical) at Plaça Reial. Immersed in the sights of street performers, local artists, and drag exhibitionists, all while savoring delicious local food and drinks. My assistant Dom and I spent hours there, but we were so enthralled that it felt like mere moments. In just a few days, I managed to fit in what usually takes others a week to experience.
I am yearning for more. So here comes a new journey in 2024 – Spain & Portugal with LDTG. Have you checked it out yet? Will you join me?
