Just like with Madrid (which I told you about very recently), it had been even longer since I last visited Barcelona. My last (and first) visit was back in the early 2000s, I believe… which doesn’t make me feel any younger! Once again, the reason for my trip to Spain is the same (a continuation of my visit to Madrid), which is to discover another hotel in the NH Collection range, but this time in Barcelona: the Gran Hotel Calderon. In this article, I’m going to tell you about my experience at the Gran Hotel Calderon during my stay, and of course, I will also share some great spots that I had the opportunity to test out while there, as per my usual custom.
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Table of Contents
The NH Collection Gran Hotel Calderon in Barcelona
The 5-star hotel from the Spanish hotel group NH is located in the Eixample district, designed by Ildefons Cerdà around 1860. The hotel’s location is extremely convenient for exploring and discovering the city (notably because there is a metro station just a 5-minute walk away). The hotel was designed by the architect Josep Rodriguez Lloveras, a student of Puig i Cadafalch (the founder of Catalan modernism).
The NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón was built on the site of the Teatro Calderón, from which it takes its name. Although the theater was demolished during the 20th century, its facade is an architectural structure protected and preserved by the government. The hotel was built in the 1970s, shortly after the demolition of the theater. Coincidentally, both buildings were designed by the same architect I mentioned above. I had already discovered the NH Collection hotel range by this group in Madrid, so I was thrilled to stay at this other hotel, which was completely renovated in 2016.
The Rooftop
Just like the NH Collection in Madrid that I mentioned not long ago, this establishment also has a magnificent rooftop terrace with a breathtaking panoramic view (this is clearly one of the signatures of NH Collection hotels). As a little bonus, this terrace located on the eleventh floor of the building also features a very nice swimming pool, a little extra that is extremely appreciated during sunny days.
My tip: grab a cocktail on the rooftop, at the Eleven Cocktail Bar, and enjoy the stunning view of the city.
My room
I really liked this large, all-white room preceded by a small entrance hall; it was very functional and had a super comfortable bed (I slept very well, which is always a good sign!).
The little extra: the small tray of delicacies to welcome me upon my arrival in my room (it’s a touch I always appreciate).
Breakfast
Breakfast is served via a large buffet in the room on the ground floor. I highly recommend trying the Spanish-style omelets served at the hotel; they are delicious!
Quick tip: if you want to take advantage of the nice weather to be outdoors, you can have your breakfast delivered to your room and take it up to the rooftop to enjoy the view, as we did.
Lunch at Tablafina restaurant
The hotel restaurant offers gourmet cuisine by chef Abel Valverde, making it the perfect place to taste some Spanish and Barcelona specialties: the Barceloneta Bomb, croquetas (one of my favorite Spanish specialties), Spanish olives, Iberian Bellota ham, a fine selection of local cheeses (we made some great discoveries), Catalan cream… I also recommend pairing your meal with some Spanish wines; it’s the perfect opportunity to taste them!
Hotel tips:
- if you need to iron your clothes, simply ask for an iron at the reception for free (yes, I know, I hear you can do this in almost every hotel, but for me, it was the first time I discovered the concept, so don’t make fun of me…)
- free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
- “lazy Sunday” offer (breakfast until noon and free late checkout on Sundays): reserved for NH Rewards program members
- free airport shuttle service available by reservation (inquire at the front desk)
NH Collection Gran Hotel Calderon Rambla de Catalunya, 26 Barcelona Rates: room from €230
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Things to see and do in Barcelona
I took advantage of this stay to do some sightseeing, obviously, and I’m sharing with you below a small selection of ideas for places to visit, and things to see and do in the Catalan city.
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Take a Free Tour of Barcelona with Civitatis
Civitatis is a platform specializing in the online distribution of activities, excursions, and guided tours for major tourist destinations around the world. The great tip is that they organize Free Tours (free guided tours) in several major cities worldwide, which have no fixed price. At the end of the tour, each person is free to give the guide an amount in cash based on their level of satisfaction. You will visit the historic center of Barcelona to discover all its mysteries.
Free tour of Barcelona by Civitatis Duration: 2h Link to book your free tour
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Take the Barcelona Bus Turistic
This tourist bus offers 3 circuits with stops in front of the main sites, monuments, and museums of the city. What’s nice is that in front of every seat, there are headphones with the option to hear explanations about the sites and the city in the language of your choice. I found this way of getting around between the important sites of the city quite pleasant, and I also learned a lot about Barcelona on this occasion. Obviously, if the weather is nice and hot, the open-top terrace level is a very pleasant little bonus…
Barcelona Bus Turistic Rates: for adults €30 for 1 day / €40 for 2 days / for children €16 for 1 day and €21 for 2 days The great tip: with the purchase of tickets, you get quite a few discounts for visiting the city (shopping, museums…)
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Visit the MUHBA, the Museum of History of Barcelona
This museum tells the story of the ancient past of Barcino, a Roman colony founded around the year 10 BC by order of Emperor Augustus. What is wonderful is that the museum is installed on the ruins of the city and therefore allows you to walk through the ancient city via an underground archaeological path. The place also presents a permanent exhibition on Barcelona during the High Middle Ages.
MUHBA Rates: €7 (combined entrance for all MUHBA sites) / €5 reduced The great tip: free admission the first Sunday of the month and every Sunday from 3:00 PM Placa Del Rei 08002 Barcelona open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
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Visit Park Güell
This park, built between 1900 and 1914, is the work of the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is a very beautiful place to visit in good weather (we went while it was raining cats and dogs, and obviously it spoiled our visit a bit…).
The great tip: Park Güell has 2 distinct zones: the Monumental Center, for which you must purchase a ticket, and the free access zone, which is open to all visitors for free!
Park Güell 08024 Barcelona, Spain
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Go see the Sagrada Familia
I had already visited this iconic monument of the city of Barcelona during my first visit to the city many years ago. This basilica, whose construction began in 1882 on a project by Gaudí once again, has been under construction since that time and the completion of the work is scheduled for 2032… although many doubt the possible completion of this project one day. As there is always a huge wait in front of the place, I decided not to visit it this time, but whether you go inside or not, a quick look at this imposing construction is obviously essential (especially if you have never seen it)!
Sagrada Família Carrer de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona
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Visit the National Art Museum of Catalonia and Montjuïc
Located at the top of Montjuïc hill, the climb to this museum also allows you, once you arrive at the top, to have a magnificent panoramic view over the city of Barcelona. Before or after visiting the museum, you can go take a tour of the lovely botanical garden (free admission) which is located just behind the building housing the museum.
Once you arrive at the top, I strongly advise you to visit this incredible museum, which notably possesses an incredible collection of Romanesque wall frescoes that are among the most beautiful in Europe!
Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya Parc de Montjuïc Rates: €12 / reduced for students / free for under 16s and over 65s and for everyone on the first Sunday of the month and Saturdays from 3:00 PM
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Discover the city by Segway
Apparently, city tours with this mode of transport are becoming more and more popular… The idea is to travel around the city a bit faster than on foot, with a guide who obviously offers a few stops with explanations throughout the route. I had already tested the Segway during my getaway to Granville and when you know how to handle this machine (learning is very easy, I assure you), it’s quite pleasant.
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Visit the Maritime Museum of Barcelona
A very nice discovery because this museum is fascinating; the museography is modern and extremely well-designed! I highly recommend it.
Maritime Museum of Barcelona Av. de les Drassanes, s/n, 08001 Barcelona Rates: €10 adult / €5 reduced The great tip: every Sunday after 3:00 PM, entry to the museum is free
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My favorite spots in Barcelona
Of course, the capital of Catalonia is full of addresses, and I tested very few during my short stay, but I still wanted to share them with you.
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Dinner by the sea at Xiringuito Escriba restaurant
This restaurant, which is ideally located right in front of the sea, obviously offers fish and seafood specialties and also makes giant paellas!
Restaurant Xiringuito Escriba Av. del Litoral, 62, 08005 Barcelona
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El Nacional
This very trendy gastronomic space offers several food courts in the same place, and also some bars. It’s a good outing option for dinner and/or an aperitif.
El Nacional Passeig de Gracia 24 bis 08007 Barcelona
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The Cocktail Bar at Rilke Barcelona
A very, very beautiful place for cocktails in Barcelona, which you absolutely must test if you are a fan of this kind of drink! Plus, the setting is sublime, which doesn’t hurt…
Rilke Barcelona Carrer de Mallorca, 275, 08008 Barcelona Cocktail prices: between approximately €10 and €12
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Thanks to Camille from Tout Un monde, to NH Collection, and to Visit Barcelona for this lovely welcome to their hotel.
I hope that with all this, I have made you want to discover Barcelona and the NH Collection Gran Via, and if you, too, have your local favorites and tips for this destination, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments!
Photo credits: Melle Bon Plan and Borey Sok Photos are not royalty-free; permission from the photographer is mandatory before any use
