El Palace, Barcelona, Spain

We loved the rich array of modernist architecture nearby and the lively nightlife scene locally.

The hotel is centrally located on the eastern side of Eixample, a few blocks from the Gothic Quarter.
By plane: Fly direct from London (2 hours 5 mins) and Manchester (2 hours 20 mins) to El Prat airport. The hotel is a 30-minute drive away. Public parking costs €38 per day. skyscanner.net

With its old-fashioned ambience - you feel this must be what it would have been like to stay at a luxury hotel in the 1950s - El Palace largely attracts a more mature following. You'll be struck by the grandeur of the place; huge rooms are extravagantly decorated.

We loved the outrageous opulence of the Great Hall - you need to have a drink there even if not thirsty.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Roof terrace
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Fitness centre
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The Ronnie Wood suite is styled by him and decorated with his artwork, complete with a 1956 Wurlitzer jukebox and bespoke playlist; it's great fun - but you'll need deep pockets to stay. The Roman baths in the Classic rooms - long hidden away behind plaster - are a riot of mosaics and a bit special.

Classic Room, Superior Room, Junior Suite, Superior Suite, Family Suite, The Art Suites, El Palace Suite by Ronnie Wood
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with sustainable toiletries, TV, tea and coffee facilities, desk, free Wi-Fi

For afternoon tea in the Grand Hall, the kitchen makes vegan cakes and sandwiches on request. On the rooftop during colder months is a Swiss-themed Chalet where you can have a delicious traditional beer or champagne fondue.

Grand Hall: Modern European dining: pastas, salads and sharing plates. Open all day. Mains from €19.
Amar: seafood restaurant from chef Rafa Zafra. Open Tue-Sun for lunch and Tue-Sat for dinner.
Rooftop: Mediterranean cuisine, tapas and sandwiches. Open 10am-10pm.