Its name might sound like that of a standard international hotel, but Grand Hotel Central is actually one of Barcelona’s most historic hotels – and one of the most characterful. Located right on Via Laietana – recently revamped and more pedestrian-friendly than ever – this grand 1920s building was once the tallest in the city, and still hides one of its best-kept secrets at the top: Casa Cambó. A Noucentista-style building, the hotel was renovated in 2024, retaining its elegance and classical feel but adding a practical, urban style full of personality. One of the city’s best – and least well-known – luxury hotels.
Why stay at Grand Hotel Central?
The building is steeped in history and heritage – in fact, it’s officially listed as a local cultural landmark. It’s part of Casa Cambó, a Noucentista residence that was once home to Francesc Cambó, founder of the Regionalist League and a major figure in early 20th-century Catalan and Spanish politics. Step into the lobby and you’ll feel like you’re in Chicago – Cambó commissioned the building from Adolf Florensa after visiting the Illinois capital, inspired by the emerging architecture after the Great Fire of 1871: rationalist, with rooftop gardens. The hotel offers all the features of a modern luxury stay with the rationalist flair of the Chicago School. Some luxury hotels feel tacky – this one is a work of art.
What are the rooms like at Grand Hotel Central?
The hotel has 147 rooms spread over eight floors in seven categories, ranging from classic rooms to master and grand suites. They all share a timeless yet fresh and highly functional style, with thoughtful touches you’d hope to find: art and cookbooks on the shelves, quality glassware for those diving into the minibar, and toiletries from Carner Barcelona. If you're looking for a good night’s sleep, you’re in luck – the beds are superb and the soundproofing excellent.
What’s the food like at Grand Hotel Central?
The hotel’s 2024 reopening brought exciting updates to its food and drink offering – one of its strong points. The ground-floor restaurant, Can Bo, open to all, delivers a superb mix of Italian cuisine with local dishes, tapas and flavours, under the guidance of Michelin-starred Oliver Peña (Teatro Kitchen Bar). The space is stylish and welcoming, the bar highly inviting, and the wine-by-the-glass list extensive. At the top of the hotel, La Terraza del Central offers more casual Mediterranean dishes with spectacular views. Breakfast is also good news, with high-quality produce and excellent specialty coffee from Café de Finca. Less positive: dishes made to order (like eggs or avocado toast) come with an extra charge.
What’s the service like at Grand Hotel Central?
Although the reception area is due for a revamp to create a more personalised welcome, check-in still takes place at classic counters for now. Service is excellent – attentive and happy to help with directions or restaurant bookings around the city. Grand Hotel Central manages to strike a fine balance between business and leisure: meeting rooms near the library are well equipped, while the overall atmosphere suits both work trips and holidays.
What facilities are on offer at Grand Hotel Central?
Few hotels can boast a gym with views like those on the hotel’s seventh floor, looking out over Via Laietana and the Gothic Quarter. Though small, it’s well equipped. While you’re up there, you must also visit one of the hotel’s hidden gems: the library of Francesc Cambó, a politician, entrepreneur and cultural patron, with an impressive book collection in an utterly charming setting. At the very top of the hotel is Cambó’s private residence and its gardens – they’re not currently open to the public, but they give the building and hotel a unique identity. And the pool? Small, yes, but with truly unbeatable panoramic views – and highly Instagrammable, if that’s your kind of thing. Sun loungers are limited, so it’s best to reserve in advance.
What’s the area like around Grand Hotel Central?
Via Laietana is one of Barcelona’s main streets, connecting the city centre with the sea. Until recently, heavy traffic and narrow pavements made it a road locals avoided on foot, but recent redevelopment has turned it into a more welcoming thoroughfare. This greatly enhances the hotel’s location, positioned just steps from three of Barcelona’s most historic neighbourhoods: the Gothic Quarter across the street, El Born on the same side, and Barceloneta just a short walk away.
Why book the Grand Hotel Central?
Look, this city is crammed full of hotels, and each of them tryies to offer something unique. What makes Grand Hotel Central isn’t just that it’s got history and character in abundance – it’s also that it’s less well-known than other five-star hotels in the city, giving it that rare ‘hidden gem’ feel (if you’ll excuse the phrase) that we’re all secretly after. Ideal for business trips thanks to its central location and facilities, and equally perfect for leisure stays, this is a really perfect hotel for those seeking authenticity and a connection to local heritage over a cookie-cutter hotel that could be anywhere.
DETAILS
Address: Via Laietana, 30, 08003 Barcelona
Price per night: Rooms from €350
Closest transport: Right between El Born and the Gothic Quarter in central Barcelona, with Jaume I metro station (L4) just across the street. The airport is about 40 minutes away.