Work of the architect Antoni De Moragas, the ABac Hotel and Restaurant in Barcelona is a fusion of two buildings surrounded by gardens. The building is over a hundred years old and is a listed monument. The history of this building is amazing and one I would encourage you to read before visiting the hotel. In 2008, this historical building opened its doors as ABaC Restaurant & Hotel.
The Abac is a 5-star boutique hotel with a two-Michelin star restaurant by chef Jordi Cruz. From the outside, it does not look like a hotel at all and what is more, fun is there is more than one entrance. But just buzz and in no time at all someone is there to greet you. Now, this hotel is not in the centre of Barcelona but it’s worth visiting if you are familiar with the city. It is in the Sant Gervasi area where you find beautiful mansions in modernista style and where a lot of consulates have their base.
Access to the centre is not far at all. There is a metro just a 2-minute walk anyway, which takes you straight to Plaza de Catalunya. The location and its surroundings are spectacular and you will see amazing buildings and the way the locals live in a new and different light. Also, just a stone throw away is the Cosmo Caixa, one of the most famous science museums in Europe.
Deluxe Room
I stayed in the deluxe room, which is 40 m2 (431 sqf) and has amazing garden views. The area was totally soundproof and I loved the parquet flooring and exotic wood. One of my favourite features was the Independent Bang Olufsen 32` TV and sound system, did I dance the evening away. With such a gorgeous room who would want to go out. It also had a Nespresso coffee machine in it so I was in heaven. The Merten remote control for lights and blinds completed my evening with good night sleep.
The huge bed and pillows and mattress from Treca de Paris was just divine. The working desk looked amazing and perfect for me to catch up on some work. I had a dislocated shoulder so the jacuzzi with chromotherapy was just what the doctor ordered. I am a huge fan of the rain effect shower and the Heaven products just matched everything so perfectly. The bathroom was big and I had a lot of fun with the ceiling mirror too.
Gracie Opulanza wearing a Ricki Hall t-shirt
Spa And Wellness
With my dislocated shoulder I was in a lot of pain so the use of the Spa came at a perfect time. I immersed myself in the warm waters of the spa and bathed in natural light and aromas that will take your body to a new experience. It went a long way in easing my shoulder pains. The facilities, consisted of a Jacuzzi with underwater sunbeds a cold plunge pool to get that heartbeat going. The Hammam was lovely and I liked how you could look out to the spa area in general. There is an option for treatment private cabins, a Tatami and heated sunbeds.
The Garden
This place is surrounded by a beautiful garden which is very private so you really feel exclusive. The outdoor setting is the perfect place to really enjoy a different side of Barcelona.
Breakfast
You can have the option to have breakfast in your room or in the restaurant. There is a nice set menu and it is great to see healthy options too. I was a huge fan of the lights in the restaurant area and how the mix of metals can be used in such a creative way. I come from an Italian background, therefore I am a huge lover of coffee, it was one of the best coffee’s I have had in Spain.
What a gorgeous looking #breakfast @ABaC_Barcelona #Barcelona#spain #luxuryhotel pic.twitter.com/DUlp4CwKd8
— Gracie Opulanza (@gracieopulanza) March 10, 2016
Restaurant
The restaurant awarded with 2** Michelin, and nominated by The Best Restaurant 2011 in Catalonia by the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy, can seat up to 56 diners. Located in the newly constructed pavilion with massive windows, in direct contact with the garden, the restaurant gives you that indoor-outdoor feel about it. You can have the option depending on what time of the year it is. One quirky experience I like is that where my room was, you had to walk through the kitchen to get to the restaurant. This allowed me to film the people working hard in presenting the food. Watch and see why this is a 2 Michelin star restaurant.
The food looked amazing and I am sure it tastes nice too?
I had to walk through this door to exit the building, very cool.
Conclusion
This Abac hotel is unique for a city like Barcelona, the setting is gorgeous and for those who know Barcelona well and want a different experience of the city, then you should try and stay here. The local surroundings are just mind-blowing. The surroundings are worth exploring and it is a beautiful place to really celebrate life. Of course, you should try the restaurant too. But make sure you book in advance as it is always full.
@gracieopulanza Because you always go to the best hotels, Gracie! @ABaC_Barcelona Many thanks and enjoy your visit to #Barcelona.
— Nespresso España (@NespressoES) March 9, 2016
Details
- Room Reviewed: Deluxe Room from €324 a night
- Website: www.abacbarcelona.com
- Address: Avenida del Tibidabo, 1, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
- Phone: +34 933 19 66 00
