Grand Hotel Central

You'd hardly know you were in the heart of Barcelona once you're inside Born's most in-demand hotel: the place is wonderfully quiet, with Hitchcockian corridors opening up onto sleekly appointed rooms. The big bedrooms exhibit a contemporary edge, with modern furniture, industrial-style windows (some of which look out onto the Plaça Ramón) and nicely planned mod cons.

The real charm of the hotel lies on the roof. Here you can sip a cocktail and admire the wonderful views while floating in the vertiginous infinity pool. There's also a swish cocktail bar and Mediterranean restaurant on the ground floor.