1. Gastronomy.

At the beginning of the lent the “Coca de Llardons”, when in there the “bunyols” and, at its end at Easter time, the “monas de Pasqua”. This is really the queen of these dates. Try them at Canal, Bubo, Oriol Balaguer y La Colmena. www.canal.es, www.bubo.es, www.oriolbalaguer.com y La Colmena, Plaça de l´Àngel, 12.

2. Processions.

Barcelona is not Seville but it also has its own traditional religious processions. The most well know is in the evening of the Holy Friday (the 29^th of March), organize by the Hermandad Esperanza Macarena. It starts at the San Agustin church to the Cathedral and pasing by Las Ramblas.  http://barnacofrade.com

3. Dance.

The Spanish dancer Sara Baras pays tribute to the commemoration of 200 years since the 1812 Spanish Constitution, which was passed in Cádiz, her place of birth. The flamenco drama performance “La Pepa” transmits all the intensity of this period: war, the beauty of Andalucia, the political significance of the creation of the constitution, the desire to live and freedom. At Tivoli theatre from the 6th to the 31th March. www.festival-millenni.com

4. Music.

On March 25th, Easter Monday and March 28th, Holy Thursday, at the Palau de la Música, a classic of this time of the year, Mozart’s Requiem, will be performed on the first day by Orquestra de Cambra de l´Empordà and the Polofònica de Pug Reig and the second by the National Symphonic Orchestra of Ukraine with the choir of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Belarus. www.palaumusica.org

5. Shopping.

Start the spring with a change in your look to say hello to the new season. For little indie boutiques go to the Barrio Xino, for trendy fashion enjoy El Borne and for high street fashion to luxury brands go to Paseo de Gracia. Santa Eulalia is a must go visit. www.santaeulalia.com

6. Beach.

Easter means also the arrival of the first sea swimming. Go to vibrant Barceloneta to enjoy the sun, walking with the sea breeze, post your photos at Instagram or simply enjoy a paella overlooking the Mediterranean (try the ones of El Xiringuito d´Escriba). www.escriba.es

7. Parks.

This is the best moment of the year to visit the parks of the city. From the Citadella to the Park Güell and even the ones in the Montjuic Mountain. Enjoy the explosion of flowers and colours.

8. Nightlife.

The clubs and bars are open to the sea with the arrival of the good weather. Have the first “al fresco” drinks of the season in the terraces located on the maritime promenade, the marina and the Port Vell. One of our favourites is Sotavento. http://sotaventobcn.com

9. Sports.

The 2013 Ruta de la Sal will take place from 28th to 31st March during Easter Week. This regatta attracts some 3,000 yachtsmen and women and a varied fleet of more than 300 boats that cross the Mediterranean to commemorate the original crossing that took place in the 19th century when sailors used to set off in search of white gold: the salt. www.larutadelasal.com

10. Nature.

Enjoy the city from the sea, a perfect plan to enjoy with friends and family which runs daily. From the Olympic Port you can enjoy sailing in ships of 12 meters and in the company of a professional patron (ask at reception). www.barcelonaturisme.com

Much more at: http://insiderbarcelona.com

Hotels in Barcelona: Grand Hotel Central

It is the most important flamenco festival in the city, a must for all art lovers and flamenco culture. The festival started in 2006 with reference names on the poster as Paco de Lucia, Los Farruco or Enrique and Estrella Morente, which comes to the festival to present his highly anticipated new album, Self Portrait. The festival also features a small carefully form cycle at the Harlem Jazz Club, every Friday from January 25 to March 1. A must!

Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona, Spain

This Barcelona boutique hotel, Grand Hotel Central, member of Epoque Hotels, is cool and stylish, located in the very centre of the city, next to Barcelona’s Cathedral. The Grand Hotel Central offers amazing views over the Gothic district and the ancient city walls and is the perfect base for exploring the city.

Featuring a combination of the avant-garde and 21st century style, the Grand Hotel Central Barcelona has 147 spacious guestrooms and suites where guests will find a welcoming, quiet and elegant space, the ultimate in comfort and style. With views of El Born and the sea, the rooftop infinity swimming pool is possibly the most spectacular in Barcelona offering a break from the hustle and bustle of city below.

Ávalon Restaurant & Café, on the lower ground floor of Grand Hotel Central, is managed by Chef Ramon Freixa, a celebrity in Spain and internationally recognised for his imagination and talent. At Grand Hotel Central breakfast, lunch & dinner become an opportunity to enjoy the creative and fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

Grand Hotel Central Barcelona is located next door to El Born, Barcelona’s most fashionable area with its boutique shops, designer bars and restaurants scattered throughout its narrow streets. Las Ramblas, Plaza Cataluña, the museums and the sea front are just minutes walk away.

Specials & Promotions

• Barcelona & Breakfast
• EARLY BOOKING (10% DISCOUNT)
  Non refundable
• Best Rate
  

Boutique Hotels in Barcelona:

987 Barcelona Hotel Best Rate Guaranteed!

Ideally located next to Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s main boulevards, just 5 minutes walk from Gaudi’s famous buildings, Hotel 987 Barcelona is an example of fine art hotel. Our boutique hotel is equipped with the most up-to-date facilities, comfort and convenience for a perfect balance. This hotel provides Free Wifi

Suites Avenue Best Rate Guaranteed!

The Suites Avenue has a unique and avant-garde identity, with its privileged position on the Passeig de Gracia, in the heart of Barcelona. At the Suites Avenue, we offer spacious, luxury apartments with a minimalist and chic décor that is marked by contrasts, and the most exclusive services of a modern deluxe hotel.

Hotel Rekord Best Rate Guaranteed!

Small luxury four-star hotel with exclusive, large and spacious, guestrooms, our Hotel is extremely quiet, with only two rooms per floor. The Rekord is located in the North side of Barcelona, in the Sant Gervasi district.

Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona GL Best Rate Guaranteed!

Eclectic five star luxury hotel boasting the most modern facilities: pool, health club and meeting rooms. Located on the prestigious Paseo de Gracia, our Hotel Majestic is home of the most exclusive restaurant in Barcelona: The Drolma.

Hotel Pulitzer

Fashionable boutique hotel with a cool elegant design, our Hotel Pulitzer is located in the center of Barcelona, just meters from Placa Catalunya. Each of Pulitzer’s guestrooms provides all the comforts for an exceptional stay. This hotel provides Free Wifi

Hotel Denit Best Rate Guaranteed!

The Hotel Denit is located in a small, quiet street in the Gothic Quarter, away from the general noise of the city, but in the center of everything. It is nearby Las Ramblas and the Placa Catalunya. The Hotel Denit offers 36 functional rooms with a modern design, original layout and comfort.

Inglaterra Hotel Best Rate Guaranteed!

Our luxury boutique hotel with beautiful contemporary design is housed in an elegant historic building. Located just two steps away from the famous Placa Catalunya, Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, the Inglaterra is a charming hotel.

Duquesa de Cardona Hotel Best Rate Guaranteed!

Our luxury four star boutique hotel boasts original style and modern decor for an exceptional comfort. The Duquesa de Cardona is located right on the Maritime Promenade, in the Gothic Quarter, near many of Barcelona’s attractions. This hotel provides Free Wifi

Regina Hotel

Our luxury four-star boutique hotel features an Art Noveau entrance and elegant contemporary design. Regina Hotel is located right next to Plaza Cataluña, right in the heart of Barcelona, steps from Paseo de Gracia and Las Ramblas.

The first wellness centre in Europe to be awarded the prestigious SpaExcellence Certificate

MajesticSpa has renewed for a second year SpaExcellence certification awarded by the American organization SpaQuality LLC, that specializes in assessing the quality of this kind of centers around the world.

In a record four years, the MajesticSpa of the Majestic Hotel & Spa has managed to comply with the high standards set by SpaQuality LLC. and become the first centre in Europe to obtain such coveted certificate, positioning itself at the top of the continental ranking.

In words of Ms. Eva Crespi, the Manager of MajesticSpa: “To implement the standards established by SpaExcellence has helped us to be much more efficient and also to have a good understanding of where we stand now and where we want to be in the future”. An auditor, expert in these matters, visited the centre and fully inspected it, focusing on such diverse areas as management, the experiences of clients, what might be needed to improve the spa and its maintenance, or how the staff worked as a team.

Linda Bankoski, co-founder of SpaQuality LLC, has also congratulated MajesticSpa for its achievement and has declared: “This is a clear example that even a small spa can be an excellent spa that meets the highest quality standards as well as the needs of clients and the objectives of the centre’s team & management”.

MajesticSpa, a pleasure for the senses

Since it opened just over three years ago, MajesticSpa has become a referent for exclusivity. Now recognized as the wellness centre per excellance in Barcelona, the MajesticSpa is located on the top floor of the hotel, -which is known as The Majestic Moments Floor-.
From this floor, clients can enjoy breathtakingly beautiful views of the city while they have, for instance, a natural fruit juice full of vitamins or a delicious and relaxing green tea. And those interested in gastronomy, will surely be tempted by what is on offer at the Gourmet Bar, including some exquisite tapas.

Besides all the above, one of the keys to the success of MajesticSpa lies on its highly qualified staff: expert professionals who really offer Spa services of excellence, as well facial & body treatments that are always welcomed by those who wish to mitigate the effects of stress or just want treat themselves.

The Argan Oil Ritual – that nourishes, protects, regenerates and revitalises de the skin – as well as the Kobido Facial Massage aimed to increase facial beauty, making it tighter and softer by stretching and kneading the skin, based on Japanese massage techniques.

However, if what is really needed is to get rid of any electromagnetic contamination derived from the use of computers or mobile phones, the best option is the Diamonds of the Majestic Treatment: a combination of micronized iron, wild lavender and diamond dust that enhance positive energies.

The use of Natura Bissé products, – the prestigious Catalan cosmetic firm- is the final element to treat our customers, who will no doubt want to conclude any treatment with a massage like the Lomi-Juma Ritual, – a perfect blend of Eastern and Mediterranean techniques-, or the Especial Jet-Lag massage for anyone who wishes to relax after a long flight.

MajesticSpa has 6 separate compartments for special treatments; 2 independent areas for manicures; 2 for pedicures; 1 for make up; and finally an area fitted with sauna (hot/cold), steam bath, sensations shower and ice fountain.

About Majestic Hotel & Spa

Built in 1918, the Hotel Majestic Barcelona, a member of Epoque Hotels, is located next door to the famous Gaudi building La Pedrera. Its long history has made this boutique hotel a real symbol of Barcelona’s finest tradition. The Hotel Majestic Barcelona has been renovated in 2004, cleverly combining different design elements. The result is an eclectic hotel boasting the most modern facilities: a roof top pool, a health club and meeting rooms. Guests and visitors of the Majestic Hotel Barcelona can admire a collection of Vanguardista New Art of the 20’s and experience the most exclusive restaurant in the city: The Drolma. The Majestic Hotel Barcelona also has a sister boutique Hotel Inglaterra located one block from Barcelona’s signature pedestrian avenue Las Ramblas.

Savor the spectacular views at trendy hotel rooftops from New York through Rio de Janeiro to Melbourne, Australia. Either admire the stars or enjoy the sunshine while at the same time immerse yourself in luxurious atmospheres. Follow us along on a journey on the top of the boutique hotels’ roofs of Epoque Hotels worldwide.

***

Dream Hotel, New York, United States

When visiting New York, for the ultimate Manhattan experience, ascend to the Ava Lounge – a stunning bar and terrace perched on the Dream Hotel’s rooftop. This terrace, located on the 14th floor, offers spectacular views of Times Square, the New York skyline above and the Hudson River below. This is definitely a place to be.

***

Kimberly Hotel, New York, United States

Simply called Upstairs, this extensive rooftop terrace of the Kimberly Hotel features 360 degree views. It gives visitors the chance to enjoy sprawling views of the city while sipping a cocktail. The ambient heated floors guarantee this experience to be unique in the winter as it is sunny and stylish during the summer months.

***

Casa Colonial Beach and Spa Hotel, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

A signature infinity rooftop pool, four jacuzzis and a bar overlooking the Caribbean Sea… welcome to the Casa Colonial Beach and Spa Hotel! The top-floor location of the pool lets guests take some sun and admire the gorgeous views, the beach below and the ocean to the north, all at once. Four Jacuzzis run along the edge and face the beach as well. Go up there at midnight and you will lose your breath while watching the stars overhead.

***

Marina All Suites, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The pool of the Marina All Suites is located on the rooftop and features fantastic views. It is said that the sensation in this pool is beyond description. It is a place where you can please your eyes with the ocean view, where you actually lean into the ocean. Check it out in order to discover why so many photo sessions with the world’s most famous models and celebrities took place right there.

***

Marina Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

From the rooftop swimming pool of the Marina Palace, the most beautiful sights in the city can be admired: the Leblon and Ipanema beaches, the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, the Pedra da Gávea and the Corcovado. These are the pearls of the charming city of Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy a day of sun at the rooftop pool and escape from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.

***

Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

From the Majestic Hotel’s rooftop swimming pool, bar and spa you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views. Sunbath by the pool during the day, relax in the spa in the afternoon and grab a cocktail at the bar in the evening.

***

Limes Hotel, Brisbane, Australia

The Limes Hotel boasts an open-air roof top bar, open to guests and the public, where you can relax and socialize at night. An exclusive feature of the rooftop is the open-air cinema where you can enjoy a great evening watching a movie under the stars with the city lights as a backdrop.

When you go on vacation, on a business trip or while organizing a city break, remember that not only what is inside the hotel plays a role but also what is on its top counts as well. While booking your stay, think not only about a hotel room, but also outside the box. You will be impressed by what you can find on the top of the hotels. We encourage you to discover with us some of the best hotels’ rooftops in Europe. We will not let you down as we know the way up!

***

***

Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona, Spain

Without a doubt, this spacious terrace of more than 350 square meters is one of the most stunning places in Barcelona. Check out the image of its infinity swimming pool and you will be certain about it. Enjoy the sun, have a dinner and a cocktail at the Sky Bar while admiring the far-reaching views. You can also book the entire space for a private event.

http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/barcelona-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/centralgrandhotel/l/en

***

Duquesa de Cardona Hotel, Barcelona, Spain

Enjoy a cocktail or two, try some tapas and admire panoramic views of Barcelona. If you think your family, friends or co-workers would like this amazingly located rooftop terrace as well, throw a private party for up to 90 of them. Oh, look at the yachts in the port!

http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/barcelona-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/duquesacardona/l/en

***

Hospes Casas del Rey de Baeza Hotel, Seville, Spain

Swim, take some sun, admire the unique views of the historical city center of Seville as well as trying the flavors and the aromas of Andalusian cuisine –you can enjoy all of that on the rooftop of the luxury Hospes Casas del Rey de Baeza Boutique Hotel.

http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/seville-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/hospescasasdelrey/l/en

***

The Sofa Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey

Art*8 Lounge with a stunning view of the Bosphorus as well as the city of Istanbul. You can have a peaceful breakfast here or throw a party for up to 100 people, everything while enjoying the sea view and admiring the works of well-known contemporary artists.

http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/istanbul-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/sofahotel/l/en

***

Fresh Hotel, Athens, Greece

If you would like to swim until 2 o’clock in the morning while enjoying the view of the historic city of Athens, particularly the impressive columns of the Acropolis, the Air-Lounge, located on the 9^th floor of the Fresh Hotel is the perfect spot for your holidays.

http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/athens-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/freshhotel/l/en

A new boutique hotel has joined Epoque Hotels’ Collection in Barcelona: Hotel Denit.

The Hotel Denit is located in a renovated old building in Barcelona’s historic quarters, just within a stone’s throw away from the Paseo de Gracia and the popular Las Ramblas: the ideal starting point for any sightseeing tour of Barcelona. Hotel Denit’s 36 rooms are functional and yet cozy, covering the needs of today’s travelers: they feature plasma TV, sound proof walls, WIFI connection, high speakers and charger for the iPod, etc.

One of the main characteristic of the Hotel Denit is its avant-garde design, both in the rooms and public areas. It includes lamps by Louis Poulsen and Foscarini, seats by Vitra and Zanotta, sofas by De Padova and armchairs by Fritz Hansen, amongst other prestigious international brands. The hotel has a pleasant dining hall where breakfast is served every morning and that can also be used as a multi-functional room for small gatherings and professional meetings.

Denit is part of the Majestic Hotel Group that also has other emblematic establishments in the heart of Barcelona: Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, the boutique hotel Inglaterra. Moreover, the group has a hotel in the heart of Paris: Hotel Montalembert. All this properties are part of the Epoque Hotels‘ Collection.

.

Please enjoy below the floral gallery which definitely will indulge your eyes and will make you think about your own floral design!

725 Continental Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/buenos-aires-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/725buenosaires/l/en

Hotel 562 Nogaro, Buenos Aires, Argentina http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/buenos-aires-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/nogaro/l/en

Hotel Alexandra, Copenhagen, Denmark http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/copenhagen-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/alexandrahotel/l/en

Hotel Amira, Istanbul, Turkey http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/istanbul-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/amirahotel/l/en

Banke Hotel, Paris, France http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/paris-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/bankehotel/l/en

The Beaufort Hotel Knightsbridge, London, UK http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/london-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/beaufort-knightsbridge/l/en

Central Park Hotel, Hong Kong, China http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/hong-kong-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/centralparkhotel/l/en

Cosmo Hotel, Hong Kong, China http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/hong-kong-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/cosmohotel/l/en

Diamant Hotel Sydney, Australia http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/sydney-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/diamanthotelsydney/l/en

Dream Hotel, New York http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/new-york-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/dreamny/l/en

Duquesa de Cardona Hotel, Barcelona, Spain http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/barcelona-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/duquesacardona/l/en

Hart's Hotel Nottingham, UK http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/nottingham-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/hartsnottingham/l/en

Hollmann Beletage Boutique Hotel, Vienna, Austria http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/vienna-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/hollmann-beletage/l/en

Bloom Brussels Hotel, Brussels, Belgium http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/brussels-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/bloombrussels/l/en

Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli Gran Canal, Venice, Italy http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/venice-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/palazzogiovanelli/l/en

Kirketon Boutique Hotel, Sydney, Australia http://www.epoquehotels.com/h.php/sydney-hotels/boutique-hotel/h/kirketonboutiquehotel/l/en

TO  BE  CONTINUED

This is the Events Calendar for the rest of July.

-          Summer 2010: Terraza Brisa del Mar presents the new summer season program 2010. The best views of the Port of Barcelona will have background music every day, except Wednesday and Friday nights, in which “The Piano Has Been Drinking Jazz Trio” will play cover versions of Pop, Hollywood Golden Age and Broadway songs starting at 21:30 hours.

The band, consisting of piano, bass and vocals, explores alternatives to the twentieth-century Western music, daring to create atmospheres that transform acoustic electro-known songs to generate a sophisticated musical environment.

-          18 and 25 July: Dj DrLove invites us for a sexy walk across the big figures of the International Pop from 19.30 to 22.30. A different way to spend a Sunday evening!

Check out also the Mediterranean Experience special package that includes an exclusive sailing experience with Cava, Flowers and Music for 2 hours in the port of Barcelona with Business Yachtclub Barcelona.

Duquesa de Cardona Hotel

Rates from 108 EUR (135 USD) :

This Barcelona hotel is a XVI century residence completely rebuilt for top level boutique hotel use. The Four Star Hotel Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona retains the spirit and the style of the original building, combined with a modern vanguardista decor in the guestrooms. This Barcelona hotel offers exceptional levels of comfort along with panoramic views of the Montjuic Mountain, the Columbus monument and the Marina right in front of the hotel.

Location:

Barcelona Hotel, the Duquesa de Cardona Hotel is right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, on the maritime promenade of Barcelona, 3 blocks from Las Ramblas. – View Location Map.

General Information:

VISIT: Barcelona Walks Gòtic

Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter links past and present. Discover in a guided tour the charm of its streets, squares, hidden corners and hundred-year-old buildings with expert guides who will take you, step by step, on a journey through history.

Departure point: Turisme de Barcelona information office at: Pl. de Catalunya, 17 basements. You should be at the information office 10 minutes before the visit of the Gothic Quarter begins. It takes 2 hours long and you could start every day. It takes 2 hours long. Times: In English: Monday to Sunday at 10 am. In Catalan/Spanish: Saturdays at 12 pm.

http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/

DISCOVER: Collserola Park

The Collserola range offers visitors the chance to feel as if they were in the middle of a forest. The park is spread out over close to 8,000 hectares, releasing 60,000 metric tons of oxygen every year and eliminating 80,000 of carbon dioxide. It contains some 10 million trees, 1,000 different species of plants and close to 190 species of vertebrates.

The park has eleven important scenic viewpoints, such as those on Carretera de l’Arrabassada, Torre Baró, la Font Groga and el Puig de la Guàrdia, all offering different views of the park. You can reach Tibidabo by public transport, either by bus or local train, the Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat and then the Tramvia Blau to Peu del Funicular, or from one of the park’s many footpaths. At the top of the hill there are a few restaurants and the Tibidabo Amusement Park.

http://www.bcn.es/turisme/english/turisme/welcome.htm

ENJOY: Sightjogging in Barcelona

Whatever for people on work or vacation – Sightjogging in Barcelona is a unique way to experience the city. We run at the place suited for you and your group. You can choose from eight different routes. Barcelona is trendy. But only in the early morning you will escape the big heat, especially in the summertime and the big crush of tourists in the streets. Therefore our advice: Discover the awaking city between 6 and 10 am. If you want to be picked up use the pick up service.
All you need are your running shoes and comfortable running attire.

http://www.sightjogging-barcelona.com/

CUISINE IS PASSION…

A special day means a special dinner here at Ávalon restaurant. Our recognised chef, Ramon Freixa has created a Valentine’s Menu, the most romantic dinner with candles, selected wine and the best company. Celebrate with us this unique day in a different way!

Book your table now! welcome@avalonrestaurant.es

15% discount at the Hotel Alexandra, see the new newsletter here.

Hotel Alexandra is one of the best located boutique hotels in Barcelona. It is located between Paseo de Gracia and Rambla Catalunya. This hotel overall has 109 rooms and they are all decorated in different styles and categories.