VISITING

1. Hotel AB Skipper

Litoral 10 (Barceloneta), Tel. 93 221 6565, www.hotelabskipper.com. Per night: €182-385, double.

Located only 50 metres from the beach, spacious rooms with large, luxury-style bathrooms. Several restaurants and bars are located in the Skipper, with a special Sunday brunch available as well as a terrace-top pool and bar. Check the website for regularly updated package deals.

2. Hotel Arts

Marina 19-21 (Barceloneta), Tel. 93 221 1000, www.ritzcarlton.com. Per night: €390-813, double.

A spa on the 42nd floor, the beachfront pool, and multiple restaurants and bars are only the beginning on the Arts’ list of luxury amenities and services available at the 44-storey hotel, owned by Ritz-Carlton. Great for families in the summer season, when a children’s club hosts a lineup of games and activities.

3. Hotel Claris

Pau Claris 150 (Eixample), Tel. 93 487 6262, www.derbyhotels.com. Per night: €161-375, double.

Located in the uptown Eixample district. A terrace restaurant offers views of the city while East 47 serves traditional Catalan cuisine under the watchful eyes of Andy Warhol prints. Egyptian art abounds and dogs are also welcome.

4. Hotel Majestic

Passeig de Gracia 68 (Eixample), Tel. 93 488 1717, www.hotelmajestic.es. Per night: €470-740, double.

The name suits it. Located on the main street of the sophisticated Eixample district, Chanel and Louis Vitton stores are within view of the Majestic, which also houses The Drolma, one of the finest restaurants in Barcelona.

5. Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I

Av. Diagonal, 661-671 (Les Corts), Tel. 93 364 4040, www.hrjuancarlos.com. Per night: €160-240, double.

An oasis a bit outside the city centre where sprawling gardens flourish while dining options include an Asiatique menu and a Scottish themed bar among others. The hotel was inaugurated by the King and Queen of Spain a few days before the 1992 Olympic games in Barcelona.

6. Le Méridien Barcelona

La Rambla 111 (Centre), Tel. 93 318 6200, www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien. Per night: €265-435

In the thick of the action on La Rambla, recently renovated with a longstanding reputation. Double paned windows keep the volume of the renowned festivities on Las Ramblas out in the streets. Children under 12 stay free.

7. Grand Marina Hotel

Molle de Barcelona s/n (Port), Tel. 93 603 9000, www.grandmarinahotel.com. Per night: €150-200

Mediterranean fusion dishes at the Aire del Mar restaurant fit the atmosphere at the Grand Marina, where ‘Opera Saturdays’ mean ensemble Operissimo performs in Lobby Bar starting at 8pm.