THE HOTEL REVIEW: BARCELÓ RAVAL, BARCELONA, SPAIN
Images: Derrick Jones
Review: Val Jones
Rambla del Raval, 17-21, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
www.barceloraval.com |+34 933 201 490j
THE HOTEL & LOCATION
The visually impressive 4-star Barceló Ravel is well placed in it’s a prime city centre location, from which you can walk or gain easy access to many of the top spots in the city; mere moments from Drassanes metro station and the popular and vibrant area’s of the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas – which offer a mix of cultural venues, markets, bars and coffee shops. There is a plunge pool and bar on the roof top terrace, which gives amazing 360-degree views over the city and is a great spot to soak up the Spanish sunshine. The B Lounge restaurant offers sensational tapas and a great wine list. The hotel’s ultra contemporary design concept makes for a stand-out piece of architecture from the outside and offers modernist quirky décor on the inside.
Images: Derrick Jones
THE FACILITIES
182 Rooms | 4 Junior Suites | 360 Degree Roof Terrace | Rooftop Bar | Solarium | Rooftop Plunge Pool| Gym | Sauna | B Lounge and Restaurant | Underground Parking
THE ACCOMMODATION
The hotel exterior’s innovative deign concept very much continues on the inside. We stayed in a Deluxe room on the top floor; quite petite in size but the space is well used. Floor to ceiling windows give breath-taking panoramic views over Barcelona city – it’s almost a shame to close the curtains in the evening. The monochrome décor gave way to bright pops of accent colour on feature walls and soft furnishings and LED down-lighting gave the room an almost futuristic feel. The rooms were sound-proofed which is a huge bonus in a city centre hotel (no noise at all) ensuring a good nights sleep on Ravel’s comfy beds which come with pillow menus.
The rooms all have plasma TV with satellite channels, i-pod docking station and complementary wi-fi, Nespresso machine, mini bar and option for a ‘lite box’ breakfast. The bathroom has a fantastic hydro massage shower. We loved the mini gifts left on our beds by the hotel staff while we were out for the day – day one brought sachets of soothing foot scrubs to ease well traveled feet, and day two brought a relaxing pillow spray and mini diffuser – to aid a restful nights sleep ready for our journey home.
Images: Derrick Jones
THE DRINKING AND DINING
Breakfast offers an extensive selection of cooked and continental options, you can even indulge in a glass of Cava – just like we did.
We really recommend enjoying afternoon and evening drinks at the 360-degree bar situated on the 11th floor. This destination bar sees people from all over the city visiting just to enjoy the scenic sunsets whilst sipping on sangria.
We had dinner in the B Lounge where we were served by superb waiting staff who were fantastic at recommendation signature food and wine. We selected from the impressive Tapas menu, (we may have been a little ambitious with seven dishes to share!) were we indulged in some seriously delicious signature dishes such as Piru-pizza Manchego cheese brochettes, Flatbread with sardines, smoked aubergine and beetroot mousse, Mini burger ‘mc foie’ with sweet onion and potatoes, Octopus with potatoes mousse raval and Home made chicken croquettes. We didn’t quite stop there, we followed with mains of succulent Sea Bass with roasted vegetables, and afterwards a dessert of and Banana Splote (a light banana mousse) We wanted a bottle of Rioja to accompany the dishes and the Crianza 2012 was a perfect match.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
A central city location close to the Metro transport system, famous landmarks and popular districts.
Staff are on hand organise trips and tours – we recommend the open top bus tour and a visit to the Nu Camp Stadium.
Stunning views from the 360-degree bar, terrace and pool.
An exceptional dining experience at B Lounge – well worth a visit, even if you are not staying at the hotel.
THE RATES
Rates at Barceló Raval start from £86 per night based on two sharing on a B&B basis. www.barceloraval.com |+34 933 201 490
THE TRAVEL
Flights:
Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, operates year round flights to Barcelona from Birmingham, London Gatwick, Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £59 one way (£136 return)
For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk
Airport lounge & parking:
Start your holiday in style and escape to an airport lounge before your flight. HolidayExtras.com offers airport lounges at all major UK airports as well as a choice of airport parking, including Meet and Greet parking at most UK airports. Meet and Greet parking is the hassle free way to start a holiday – to book Manchester Meet & Greet from £49.99 for a week visit www.holidayextras.com or call 0800 1313 777.
Transfers:
Resort Hoppa Transfers from Barcelona Airport to city centre locations from £15 pp.
G&G RATING:
