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Known for its outstanding cuisine, dynamic nightlife, and UNESCO world heritage sites, Barcelona is a classic favourite when it comes to fun and culturally rich European getaways. In the mood for a quick city break, I recently spent three days in the Catalunan capital and discovered a home away from home at Almanac Barcelona. 

Almanac: The Lowdown

A stone’s throw from Las Ramblas and the boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia in the central Eixample neighbourhood, this 5-star boutique hotel boasts views over the Sagrada Família, remarkable culinary credentials, and a unique history. 

Connecting a turn of the century building and a contemporary one, Almanac Barcelona is an architectural jewel with chic and modern interiors drawing on classic Art Deco style. The mission behind this European-wide hotel collection is to be a living, breathing guide to local discovery. At Almanac Barcelona, they do this by channelling the spirit of the city into a series of bespoke experiences available for guests: a tasting and wine pairing menu at their recently-launched VIRENS restaurant, headed by Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle, a three-hour foodie tour of Barcelona, and a private visit of one of VIRENS’ specialist producers, a family winery making organic sparkling wine. 

From the very first moment I set foot in the lobby, I was met with seamless service that struck the perfect balance between eager and relaxed, without ever feeling contrived. Along with my keys, the concierge host handed me a voucher for a complimentary drink at the hotel bar, and we started off on a great note.

Almanac: The Rooms

Spread over six floors, the hotel’s 61 bedrooms are spacious and elegant, with large bay windows offering scenic views over the city –particularly suggestive at sunrise and sunset. Eager to explore Barcelona and eat my body weight in pan con tomate and other delicious tapas, I didn’t spend long in my room, but whenever I had a moment to relax, you could find me sitting at the window nook and marvelling at the gorgeous sights. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, the coffee machine stocked with complimentary capsules, and the marble-and-golden bathroom fitted with double sinks and a walk-in shower. 

For even more comfort, you can try one of their 30 suites: spanning up to 210 sqm, with private penthouse terraces and independent living areas, they redefine the meaning of living in luxury.

Almanac: The Food

Starting with an excellent and wide-ranging breakfast, food is the star of the show at Almanac. 

Every meal is served in the large and modern dining room on the ground floor, where ceilings are high enough to accommodate a mezzanine floor and seats are covered in gorgeous dark velvet. The breakfast buffet is well stocked with homemade breads, cakes, cheeses and fruits, with ample choice for vegan and gluten-free dietary requirements as well as hot dishes and fresh smoothies available to order. I’ve never seen chia pudding on offer at a hotel breakfast, but it was so delicious I went back for more –twice!

Lunch and dinner are prepared by Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle, who heads the hotel’s VIRENS restaurant, and whose focus for an innovative plant-forward menu is on local, seasonal, and sustainable dishes inspired by the philosophy of organic farming. Barcelona was named World Capital of Sustainable Food 2021, and Almanac is eager to helm the culinary revolution our planet so badly needs. 

At lunch, I tried the roasted cauliflower heart with black garlic aioli, which was tender and delicious, and a suquet of fresh market fish with green tea bread: suquet is Catalan for ‘small juice,’ which perfectly describes this mouth-watering juicy fish stew. I topped it all off with a strawberry and chocolate charlotte, and went for a typical siesta right after. When in Barcelona… do as the Spanish do!

My dinner highlights were a carrot salmorejo (cold soup) with crumbled mató cheese and fried sprouts, white asparagus from the region with black garlic demi glace and capers, and a creamy rice with green curry and sautéed vegetables. Each ingredient complemented the others and melted in my mouth, and the experience proved that vegetables do not have to be boring. When done right, they are exceptional and highly memorable.

The Chef’s Table menu paired the dishes with a range of homemade probiotic drinks such as passion fruit kombucha, apple kefir, and hidromiel, as well as organic wines from local Bodega Torelló: cava Torelló, corpinnat miranda d’espiells, do penedes and do tarragona. 

Almanac: The Spa, Rooftop Bar & Pool

If you’re in need of recovering from a long travel journey or a flurry of tourist activities, the experts at Almanac’s wellness centre can take care of you. With steam and sauna rooms, a 24-hour fitness space, and a personalised choice of soothing massages and treatments, you’ll instantly relax.

Then venture up to the eight floor, and you’ll find a little slice of paradise. Azimuth Rooftop Bar is listed among the best rooftops in Barcelona, and for good reason! It offers panoramic views over the city, a sleek and stylish lounge setting, and some of the best craft cocktails in the city. When you’re done exploring, you can catch some rays by the outdoor pool, a true oasis of peace far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Live DJ nights turn up the heat on weekend evenings, when Azimuth turns into a popular hotspot for locals and hotel guests alike. I was sad to leave on a Friday and miss the fun, but I now have more of a reason to go back!

Almanac: Our Verdict

I loved every minute of my stay at Almanac Barcelona. The sleek ambience and relaxing feel added an elegant touch to an experience that managed to combine luxury and a deep sense of connection to the city. The staff go above and beyond from check-in to check-out, the views make you feel on top of the world, and Chef Rodrigo’s plant-forward menu is truly incredible: Almanac is setting itself apart as a hospitality brand rooted in the heart of what it means to champion a place and its history. 

The Almanac Barcelona opened in February 2018 and has 91 rooms (30 of which are suites), starting from €300/night. The Almanac Barcelona Foodie Package costs €1,615 for two people and includes: a two night stay in an Almanac Room, breakfast, the Virens Wine Pairing Menu, a private tour of Bodega Torelló, a bespoke three-hour foodie tour of Barcelona and airport transfers to / from Almanac Barcelona. For more information and to book please visit almanachotels.com/barcelona/special-offers or call +34 93 0187000

BY Anna Myers