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tectural heritage, from the magnificent pillared lobby bar,
CaféVienés
, to the wonderful pan-
oramic roof terrace and pool - summer nights see the terrace turned over to chill-out lounge
bar
Blue View
. Th
ere's also a contemporary restaurant,
Galaxó
, plus fitness centre and 24hr
room service.
€176
PARC GÜELL
Alberg Mare de Déu de Montserrat
Pg. de la Mare de Déu del Coll 41-51 932 105
151,reservations on 934838363,
xanascat.cat
; Vallcarca (followAv.delaRepública
d'Argentina, c/Viaducte de Vallcarca and then signs) or bus #28 from Pl. de Catalunya, plus
ernment,issetinaconvertedmansion,withatiledandstained-glassinterior,gardens,terrace
and great city views - it's a long way out, but close to Parc Güell. Dorms sleep six, eight or
twelve,andtherearealltheusualfacilitiesplusmealsareprovided(orthere'salocalrestaur-
antjustaroundthecorner).GuestswithoutanIYHFmembershipchargedanadditional€2.05
pernight;six-nightmaximumstay;receptionopen8am-11p
m;m
aindoorclosesatmidnight,
but opens every 30min thereafter. Includes breakfast. Dorms
€22
LES CORTS, PEDRALBES AND SARRIÀ-SANT GERVASI
GranHotelPrincesaSofia
Pl. de Pius XII 4 935 081 050,
princesasofia.com
;
Maria
tels in town - also has wide-ranging city views from the upper floors. It still exudes old-
schoolcharm(theconciergesknoweverything)thoughthewarm-tonedrooms,massagesand
treatments in the Aqua Diagonal Wellness Centre, pool (with retractable roof) and superior
club rooms (from €210) and lounges offer a more contemporary experience. It's also very
close to the Camp Nou stadium, and Barcelona players have been known to stay here before
matches. An immense buffet breakfast
is se
rved in the
Contraste
restaurant, which also fea-
tures a pretty patio for summer dining.
€140
TIBIDABO
ABaC
Av. Tibidabo 1 933 196 600,
abacbarcelona.com
;
FGC Avinguda del Tibid-
cases the Michelin-starred talents of chef Jordi Cruz in a gorgeous designer, glass-and-wood
revamp of an old Tibidabo mansion. There are just fifteen rooms - cream and white de-
cor, swishing drapes, sumptuous bathrooms with whirlpool baths and Hermès cosmetics -
and services include a spa and lounge bar, th
ough
perhaps the measure of the place is the
personal-shopper service available for guests.
€300