Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. I paid for both stays at the airbnb and Grand Hotel Central. As always all opinions are my own.
With so many options for accommodations, it can be hard to choose. In the past I’ve stayed at hostels, hotels, Airbnb/VRBO or with family and friends. For our stay in Barcelona we decided to mix it up and do two nights in an Airbnb and two nights at the Grand Hotel Central. It ended up being the perfect combination.
When we arrived in Barcelona we followed the directions our Airbnb host gave us to the apartment. Communication was easy and we made it there without a problem. Our place had a little kitchen with the essentials (like coffee, tea and water) provided by our host. We were both recovering from being sick so it was nice to have a kitchen readily available to use to make a cup of tea or small snack. The apartment was clean and I loved the simple decorations. Our wonderful host also provided a list of places to eat and things to do in the neighborhood. This was every useful our first evening as we had no idea where to go for dinner.
After a day of walking around the city R and I were both exhausted and wanted to have a relaxing night in. We went out for a nice dinner and made our way back to the apartment early. Lying on the couch we setup Netflix and watched an episode of the Crown. Now I know what you may be thinking : “you are in beautiful Barcelona and you decide to stay in and watch Netflix?!”. Yes, we did and honestly it was just what we needed. Traveling can take a toll on you and as I had mentioned we had both been sick. We had an incredible day sightseeing but sometimes you just need that night in. We felt like a local couple, enjoying a casual dinner, stopping at the grocery store on the way to pick up some snacks and then going home to watch an episode of our favorite show. That’s one of the great things about staying in an apartment when you travel, you feel like you are coming back to a home.
Checking out of our apartment we made our way through the meandering streets of the gothic quarter to the Grand Hotel Central, a luxurious five star hotel next to the Barcelona Cathedral. We made sure the airbnb and hotel were near each other so we wouldn’t have to carry our luggage far. We chose to stay the last two nights in the hotel because it was New Year’s Eve and we wanted to treat ourselves to a nice spa day at the end of our trip.
Somehow whenever R books a hotel we always get a complimentary upgrade or some extra perk. This time was no exception and we ended up getting upgraded to the largest room on our floor. How do I know it was the biggest room? I always study the fire exit plan on the back of hotel room doors because it shows the layout of the entire floor and each room. I love studying floorplans, I’m an architect remember?
As we swiped our room card and walked into our hotel room it felt like our little Airbnb apartment was a world away. The entry and living room space had a mini fridge stocked with complimentary food and drinks. The bed was huge and of course, perfectly made. Our bathroom and a huge walk in shower and a separate room for the bathtub, toilet and bidet.
Overlooking the entire gothic quarter and a glimpse of the Mediterranean water, the Grand Hotel Central rooftop also has an infinity pool. I wish it had been a bit warmer so we could have jumped in for swim. Instead we went up to the roof to enjoy complimentary coffees and take in the breathtaking view. We also caught the first sunrise of the new year from the rooftop.
One of my favorite things to do is get a massage so if I am traveling somewhere that offers a unique spa experience I like to book it (read my post about the incredible Chakra re-balancing massage I had in Breckenridge last year here). The Grand Hotel Central not only provides massages but has a special amenity: the thermal suite. Guests can rent the private dry sauna and steam shower for forty five minutes. When we heard about the thermal suite we knew this was an experience we had to try. Following our private sauna experience we booked a couples massage. It was the perfect way to celebrate the first day of the New Year.
Overall our stay at the Grand Hotel Central was unforgettable and I have to thank the Carlos and Felipe, the concierge, who were extremely helpful in making reservations for us and recommending places to get the best paella. The hotel is centrally located in the gothic quarter which makes it easily accessible to nearby tourist spots and the metro.
Having stayed two nights in an Airbnb and two nights at the Grand Hotel Central made the trip feel longer and special. Of course staying at a fancy hotel doesn’t compare to an apartment but we did get to experience the best of both worlds: living as a local and staying in a beautiful five star hotel. I think we may do this again on longer trips, we loved staying at both.
This concludes my last post about our trip to Barcelona. It was such a memorable trip and I hope my posts are helpful if you are planning a trip to the beautiful city. To recap my posts:
Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and the Sagrada Familia
If you are interested in the airbnb, email me at dreamofadventures@gmail.com and I can send you the link!
x the Adventurer
Copyright © Dream of Adventures 2018. All rights reserved.
Both accommodations are super beautiful. Love that view too. Glad you had a great time. Spain is such a gorgeous country with lovely people. xoxo Cris
http://photosbycris.blogspot.com.au/2018/03/gamiss-show-stopper-outfit-in-carrara.html
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Thank you! It was fun experiencing both and now I want to see more of Spain =o)
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Wow, I’m loving both the Airbnb and hotel…they both are beautiful spaces! Great photos!
http://roadesque.com
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Thank you! It was fun experiencing both =o)
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What a lovely space! Stocked with complimentary snacks and drinks?! YES please! I love the teal tiles in the kitchen as well, such a pretty and subtle touch. Happy to hear you had a great stay there babe!
aglassofice.com x
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Who doesn’t love complimentary snacks right!? Thanks for reading xx
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I love how home-oriented your Airbnb looks! Glad you got to live like a local. Glad you two got to recover a bit at the apartment. Nothing wrong with having a night in during a vacation!
It’s always nice to get a complimentary upgrade! Thanks for sharing your adventures!
exquisitely.me
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We definitely needed that night in but it was worth it for sure =o) Thanks for reading xx
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Sounds like you had an amazing trip hun! The AirBnB looks gorgeous! xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
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Thank you we did =o) It was fun experiencing both
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Just told my husband recently that I have never been to Barcelona – really need to change that! Both places look really nice and how gorgeous is that infinity pool!
Miriam x
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The pool may have been one of the best amenities for sure! Thanks for reading =o)
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Wow! Both places look absolutely beautiful. I’ve stayed at airbnb twice and have been pleased with both stays. Thanks for sharing.
☼ cabin twenty-four
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Glad to hear you also have had good experiences with airbnb =o)
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Wowowow! I’m so inspired by your travels! That Airbnb looks great too – definitely a great idea for traveling!
-Emily | http://www.East91Blog.com
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Thank you =o) It was fun experiencing both
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These apartments look so cool! I have to experience an airbnb.. cause being a room watching netflix and relaxing is a must!
xx Dasynka
http://dasynka.com
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You definitely have to book with Airbnb next time =o) So fun and worth it
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Amazing photos! Love them all!
Happy Tuesday!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
XO
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Thank you =o) Happy Sunday xx
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Haha we literally did the exact same thing when we got to Florence. We checked in, and then took a 3 hour nap. Traveling takes it out of you! And WOW. That hotel room is EXTRA fancy! I’m not sure I would’ve left the room haha. I think two nights of each was perfect!
Susie | http://milehighdreamers.com
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Sometimes you just need that rest haha. Glad we aren’t the only ones who nap while traveling =o)
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Must agree with rest of your readers; Both places look great! Good to do AirBnb first and Five Star second :). I am glad you got over your sickness and were able to enjoy rest of your stay in Barcelona. Great post and photos as always! Thank you for sharing!
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It was fun experiencing both places =o) Thanks for reading xx
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Just planned a trip to Barcelona with a friend!! This place looks amazing would love to stay there.
Your pictures are so beautiful ❤
xx
Selina | Selinas Inspiration
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How exciting!! You will absolutely love it there =o)
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What a cool airbnb! But of course the hotel looks extra cozy too 🙂 Barcelona is on my bucket list and I’ll make it there someday
Sarah
http://www.thefrenchpress.me
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Thank you! It was fun experiencing both =o)
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It’s so true that you do feel like home when you rent an Airbnb! But that hotel looks like the perfect place to stay too! I love the idea of combining two different types of accommodation.
Have a great week!
Andrea.
Seize your Style
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It was fun combining the two for sure =o) Thanks for reading xx
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All of the places that you’ve stayed look super nice!!! I love your pictures!
Love,
Olga from Myme
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Thank you =o) It was fun experiencing both =o)
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Beautiful photos! Both places look really lovely! 🙂 xx
http://www.nevenakrstic.blogspot.co.uk
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Thank you =o) It was fun experiencing both
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Looks like you stayed in some amazing places! I’ve used Airbnb in the past and loved the experience, it was so nice and made me feel like a local x
alicered.co.uk
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Exactly! That’s why we love staying at airbnbs too =o)
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This looks so amazing! Makes me want to go back to spain!
xx jen
http://lilthoughtswithjen.com/
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It was such a memorable trip =o) Thanks for reading xx
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I loved the first place, it’s so cozy!!! xx
http://www.bonjourchiara.com
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Thank you it was! We loved staying locally in the apartment
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I”m currently looking for hotels in Barcelona and this hotel sounds amazing!! You guys were lucky to have an upgrade! Thanks for sharing this!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
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We definitely splurged but it was well worth it =o)
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Combining both is a great idea, that way you can save a little and still experience some pampering without breaking the bank.
Anne – Linda, Libra, Loca
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Exactly my thoughts! Thanks for reading xx
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Thanks for sharing!<3
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What a great idea to stay in Air B&B and posh hotel. Your review is a great help, the hotel looks plush, I like the eternity pool a lot. Sometimes I stay in the hotel because of the eternity pool and the views.
http://www.busyandfab.com
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Thank you for reading =o) It was fun to try out both!
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Great views from that rooftop! 🙂
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They were breathtaking!
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Wow, both look absolutely gorgeous! I’m still yet to experience an airbnb, I feel like I’m missing out. Can totally relate to the wanting to stay in and watch Netflix thing. Usually on longer trips I ALWAYS have a day in doing nothing!
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You have to give Airbnb a try! We really liked the local feeling of staying in the apartment =o)
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