Gran Hotel La Florida

Uber-deluxe hotel overlooking Barcelona with spectacular pool, design suites and panoramic views of the Mediterranean

High atop Mount Tibidabo, overlooking Barcelona, is the Gran Hotel La Florida, its crisp white towers standing like soldiers on a rich green blanket of pines. A sentry over the city for more than 75 years, La Florida served briefly as a military hospital in the civil war and then as a favourite hangout of the jet set in the 1950s. Luckily it’s the latter look that’s been recreated in an extensive restoration.

So superb five-star features are in full force: scores of sun-loungers on tiered terraces with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, a stunning stainless-steel infinity pool, spectacular sculptures throughout the lobby, an exceptional restaurant and wine cellar, a hedonistic spa / fitness centre with saunas, steam bath and beauty treatments. And there’s the luxurious rooms, all with massive beds and limestone bathrooms and kitted out with all kinds of high-tech amenities. Many also have garden terraces or balconies – some with Jacuzzis. Crowning the lot are the designer suites, created by internationally renowned artists.

Highs

• The amazing 100 ft L-shaped indoor-outdoor pool that seems to cascade onto the cliffs
• Fantastic panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the city of Barcelona, 300 metres below, but just 20 minutes away
• Fine dining under the stars...and Catalan cuisine that is a cut above
• The individually decorated designer suites: vast, sumptuous and worth the extravagance

Lows

• The wonderfully quiet summit setting is somewhat marred by the noise of the nearby amusement park (although it's open only in summer and not very late)
• Ever-so-slight corporate edge to the glamorous ambience - it's larger than the usual i-escape choice
• The hillside location means that Barcelona's shops, sights and nightlife are not within walking distance, it's a 10-minute ride into the city centre by taxi or the hotel's free shuttle service