Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental occupies a former bank building on Passeig de Gràcia, a few doors from Casa Batlló, and puts guests at the heart of the city's most elegant avenue. Its interiors are calm and contemporary, a deliberate contrast to the Modernista exuberance outside. Connecting rooms, family rooms, signature suites and accessible rooms are available.

The food is a major draw. Moments serves gastronomic Catalan cuisine led by the chef Carme Ruscalleda, whose restaurants have earned seven Michelin stars between them, and Blanc, the all-day restaurant, also has a menu designed by her. Up on the roof, Terrat serves Mediterranean dishes and cocktails outdoors, alongside the rooftop pool, and Mimosa Garden offers another place to eat and drink. In-room dining is also available.

The spa is a calm retreat after a day of sightseeing, with treatments, retreat programmes, a hair spa and a fitness centre. The rooftop, with its views over the Eixample rooftops, is especially pleasant on summer evenings. The hotel can arrange transfers from Barcelona-El Prat Airport, about 20 to 30 minutes away by car depending on traffic, and guests arriving by car should contact the hotel in advance about parking.

The hotel suits couples, families and business travellers who want a central location with the service of a leading international luxury brand. Being on Passeig de Gràcia means the designer boutiques of the avenue are on the doorstep, as are many of the city's best restaurants. It is in the upper price range, as you would expect for the address and facilities. Book directly through the hotel to manage or change reservations easily.

Passeig de Gràcia station, served by metro lines L2, L3 and L4 and by regional trains, is a few minutes' walk away, making it easy to reach the old town, the beach and the airport. Casa Batlló and the rest of the Block of Discord are almost next door, La Pedrera is ten minutes' walk up the avenue, and Plaça de Catalunya and the start of La Rambla are about ten minutes' walk downhill. Lasarte, the three-Michelin-star restaurant in the Monument Hotel, is a short walk away.