Gran Hotel La FloridavsAxel Hotel Barcelona
Both hotels are rated highly by travel writers. On balance, Gran Hotel La Florida is preferred by most reviewers compared to Axel Hotel Barcelona & Urban Spa. Gran Hotel La Florida ranks #29 in Barcelona with accolades from 10 reviewers such as Fodor's, Rough Guide and Condé Nast Traveler.
Gran Hotel La Florida Show All Reviews
Ctra Vallvidrera al Tibidabo 83-89, 08035 Barcelona
From $145/night
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Rough Guide
"The five-star, hillside Gran Hotel La Florida re-creates the glory days of the 1950s... Sunday brunch on the terrace at L’Orangerie restaurant is one of the city’s great secrets."
Concierge
"For some, it's too far removed from Barcelona's bustle. For others, the setting is the draw—high atop a lush mountain 15 minutes outside the city center."
Fodor's
"Nonpareil views over Barcelona, water sculptures everywhere but in your bed, a superb restaurant (L'Orangerie), and design-conscious suites." Full review
Oyster
Luxury
"With a fairly removed location in the hills that ring the city, the 70-room Gran Hotel La Florida has a history as a luxurious, star-studded getaway far from the frenzy of Barcelona's crowds." Full review
Travel + Leisure
"This 70-room hotel is situated atop a hill next to an amusement park in the Mount Tibidabo area." Full review
DK Eyewitness
"Set in a Modernista villa in the hills above Barce lona, this luxurious hotel has been beautifully renovated by the finest designers and architects."
Condé Nast Traveler
"Not only defines urbane comfort for the twenty-first century but is pulling in one of the sexiest crowds on the Continent." Full review
Star Service
"This hotel sits on the panoramic bluff Mount Tibiabo (one of the highest points in town) overlooking the entire city of Barcelona and the Mediterranean beyond." Full review
i
However, at quiet times of the day it may be hard to find someone to help, and chances are about 50/50 that they will speak English or be interested in going out of their way for special requests.
Gayot
"Built as a hotel in 1924 and restored in 1950 after serving as a military hospital, Gran Hotel La Florida has housed prestigious guests."
Afar Magazine
"All the rooms have oak floors, luxurious furniture and fittings, and generously-sized marble bathrooms with in-floor heating and separate showers and bathtubs." Full review
Axel Hotel Barcelona
Aribau 33, 08011 Barcelona
From $51/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Laundry Service
Rough Guide
"It’s a hip but relaxed space with designer rooms... a bar and restaurant that are part of the local scene."
Fodor's
"Inside a lovely historic building typical of the Eixample, this recently renovated hotel caters primarily (but by no means exclusively) to gay travelers in an area dubbed "Gayxample" by locals." Full review
Oyster
Upscale
"It is in the heart of the Eixample neighborhood, the city's dynamic gay area with great restaurants and nightlife." Full review
Frommer's
"The staff is hip, and amenities range from a cool, scarlet-colored cocktail bar and restaurant in the lobby to a trendy rooftop pool, bar, sauna, and sundeck." Full review
Lonely Planet
"Favoured by a mixed fashion and gay set, Axel occupies a sleek corner block and offers modern touches in its 105 designer rooms." Full review
Jetsetter
"Art Deco mansion with a lively rooftop pool scene and a champagne bar in Barcelona's Eixample district." Full review
Afar Magazine
"This elegant and stylish hotel, renovated in 2010, is conveniently located in Barcelona's gay neighborhood, Gaixample." Full review
Frommer's
"The hotel advertises itself as being hetero-friendly, and with its rich linens, larger-than-usual rooms, and a full menu of pillow choices" Full review
Lonely Planet
"Its 101 smartly contemporary rooms have soundproofing, king-sized beds and tea/coffee sets; Premium Superior rooms have lovely stained-glass galleries." Full review