IF YOU’RE heading to Barcelona this summer and looking to mix luxury with location, look no further than this Spanish jewel.
The Hotel 1898 – a four-star gem perched right on La Rambla, the city’s most iconic boulevard – is where I found myself at the start of June. And it’s safe to say it was a trip to remember.
Nestled amid the lively pulse of shops, cafes, and street performers, this hotel offers a peaceful sanctuary with a rooftop view that will steal your breath.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Hotel 1898 prides itself on the little touches that turn a holiday into an unforgettable experience.
We were welcomed with a bottle of prosecco, handmade chocolates, and a beautifully presented fruit basket – a gesture that instantly set the tone for the luxurious stay that lay ahead.
Our street-facing room was a showstopper in itself – incredibly spacious, elegantly finished with rich wooden interiors, and home to a king-sized bed.
We were delighted to find thoughtful care boxes, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, that were a lifesaver after we realised we’d left ours behind.
It’s this attention to detail that puts Hotel 1898 in a class of its own.
A classic double room in Hotel 1898 will set you back around €195 per night, while a superior suite lands at €210 per night – but after staying in this room, I can safely say it’s worth every penny.
After what might have been the best night’s sleep we’ve had in years thanks to cloud-like bed sheets, we awoke to golden Spanish sunlight pouring through the curtains.
Breakfast was next, and this was not your average hotel buffet.
Whether you’re a light eater craving fresh fruit and yoghurt, or seeking the comfort of a full Irish fry-up, you’ll find it here.
With fresh pastries, Nespresso coffee, and everything in between, it’s easy to linger over breakfast a little longer than planned.
But it’s upstairs where the real magic happens – the hotel’s La Isabella panoramic rooftop terrace is nothing short of jaw-dropping.
FINE VIEWS
From the iconic Sagrada Familia to the beach, Barcelona stretches before you in all its sun-drenched glory.
The rooftop pool offers a swim with a view, while the generous sun lounge area wraps around the entire terrace.
Whether you’re basking on a sun lounger beside the pool or curled up on a shaded sofa nook, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
COCKTAIL HEAVEN
Forgot your beach towel? No problem. The hotel has plush ones ready and waiting.
Of course, no day in paradise is complete without a cocktail in hand, and the friendly bar staff were more than happy to oblige.
We sipped on beers and Aperol Spritzes as we soaked in the views. Pure bliss.
To top it all off, we were treated to dinner at the rooftop restaurant – and if you’re wondering whether it lived up to the rest of the hotel, the answer is a resounding yes.
I opted for the spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta with parmesan bechamel. It was rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.
My travel buddy went for the Galician beef burger, which came out juicy and cooked to perfection.
FAB FOOD
But the real star of the meal was the homemade chicken croquettes. They were the stuff of dreams. If there’s one thing you must try while staying at Hotel 1898, make sure to get your fill of them.
In short, the hotel is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a full-on experience.
With its unbeatable location, luxurious rooms, stunning rooftop terrace, and impeccable hospitality, it’s the kind of hotel that makes you forget there’s a whole city outside to explore.
But if you do venture out, you’ll find Barcelona’s best right at your doorstep.
