I recently went to Catalonia on a press trip to explore Catalonia’s Food Experiences. And during my visit I stayed in seriously amazing hotels. Staying in these hotels took me back in time to the medieval ages, and some even made my childhood dreams come true!
So in this post, I’m writing about the best hotels in Catalonia from those that I stayed in. The hotels that made my stay in Catalonia a memorable one. I’m sure it will make your stay an unforgettable one too! However, bear in mind that this is a living list and not an exclusive one, which means other hotels could be added to this list when appropriate. The hotels are listed in no specific order, so please keep reading till the end.
LA GARRIGA DE CASTELLADRAL HOTEL
La Garriga de Castelladral was a medieval building dating back to the 15th century and a country house specialised in wine production in the 19th century. It has been turned into a charming four star hotel situated in the middle of the countryside and overlooking the Montserrat Mountain. Upon arrival to this hotel, I was warmly welcomed by the owner’s daughter who is running the hotel and is actually living in it with her own family. The family bought the ruins of this building, restored it, and converted it into a small piece of paradise on earth.
There are 14 different rooms in the hotel, all that have been restored and decorated by local craftsmen and artisans in a way to maintain the historical building and using natural materials and fabrics. The room that I stayed in is called the ‘wool room’ because it has a beautiful painting of a young lady and a bear playing with a ball of wool. This actually came to reflect the importance of sheep to this place and the area surrounding the hotel.
I also had a terrace in my room with a magnificent view on the Montserrat Mountain. On the table, I found a personalised message from the owners of the hotel with my name on it and a dark chocolate bar (it’s all about the little things in life!). In the bathroom, all necessary toiletries were nicely arranged. So if you’ve forgotten something, La Garriga de Castelladral got you covered. Not only that, but also all soaps, shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes and body lotions are ecological and made from natural ingredients.
After checking in, I was invited to a Masterchef competition and a cooking demo from Chef Albert Lopez Hostawhich that took place in the hotel’s restaurant, that used to be the barn. A great selection of healthy and delicious food is offered here. And this is also the place where cooking classes for groups are hosted. The restaurant is a great place to organise meetings and small celebrations in.
The olive oil press room has been converted into a cosy living room. This is where I had a fab olive oil tasting experience, where I got to taste different types of locally produced olive oils.
I have visited the Piano room which is the largest room in the hotel with a breathtaking view on mountain Montserrat and the surrounding nature. This is where a variety of different events are being held: from wedding receptions and musical concerts to company meetings and yoga classes.
There is also a swimming pool in the hotel, a library, a bar and a spa. As a matter of fact, the spa could be booked for couples or families. So you end up having your own private spa for as many hours as you wish. And that’s AMAZING! Don’t you think?
In La Garriga de Castelladral hotel you will reconnect with nature. Hiking and cycling tours are organised to nearby villages, as well as walks to the surrounding forest.
The hotel is situated 1 hour to the north of Barcelona and is easily accessible by car or by the hotel private taxi.
ES PORTAL – GOURMET BOUTIQUE HOTEL
This family gourmet boutique hotel is a restored sixteenth century farmhouse that features architecture from the Gothic Renaissance period. It has eight rooms and one suite, which guarantees that every guest receives all expected attention from the friendly staff working there. Owners and staff of ES Portal will do everything they can to make sure that their guests enjoy their exceptional dining experience, as well as their stay at ES Portal.
Es Portal has several indoor dining rooms with a unique rustical style, as well as outdoor gardens and a swimming pool.
What distinguishes this hotel from any other is the amazing dining experience that you are offered by the well known Chef Joan Carles Sanchez and his team. The Chef takes care of every single dish being served at the restaurant, to make sure that it looks as amazingly as it tastes!
ES Portal is placed a few minutes from the medieval village and is well connected to Costa Brava beaches and Montgri, Medes Islands and Baix Ter Natural Park. It is also situated a few kilometres away from the golf courses and has beautiful outdoor gardens. Moreover, it offers its services all year round.
The hotel is suitable for couples and families, as well as for organising business meetings and retreats.
HOTEL AND SPA TERRAZA
Hotel and Spa Terraza is a family hotel that is located on the arch-shaped bay of the sea in Roses. It has rooms with balconies that have a magnificent view of the sea. I loved watching the beautiful sunrise from my room early in the morning, with birds singing their beautiful songs and soft waves crawling gently to the shore, just a few steps away from me.
At Hotel and Spa Terraza you can have a magnificent dining experience in La Cuina d’en Norat gastronomic restaurant. It offers traditional Catalan cuisine that is served with a touch of creativity and modernisation. This is where we had a tasting menu consisting of five delicious and beautifully presented courses and best wines of Emporda.
Hotel Terraza is also well known for offering an amazing wellness experience in its panoramic spa placed on its rooftop. It has an outdoor heated pool and jacuzzi, in addition to the hamam, sauna, relaxation zone, solarium, bi-thermal shower and a shower of essences. It offers a variety of facial and body treatments and massages by its professional staff.
This is a great hotel for families, couples or individual travellers. It provides unique experience due to its location and its facilities.
CASTELL D’EMPORDA HOTEL
Have you ever dreamt of being a prince or a princess? If so, then at Castell d’Emporda your dream will come true! This is a thousand-year old castle that has been renovated to become a four star hotel. It is situated in Costa Brava and has 57 various bedrooms that combine the magic of a historical castle with modern requirements and comfort.
I stayed in one of the “Castle Rooms” which is beautifully decorated with materials reflecting a mixture of Spanish history and exquisite materials collected from all over the world. The only regret that I had, is that I didn’t bring my princess dress with me to feel like a real princess!
The Drag restaurant at Hotel Castell d’Emporda offers a great gastronomic experience through presenting classical dishes with a modern touch. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and is just a few kilometres away from beautiful beaches of Costa Brava.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Catalan Tourist Board. All opinions are my own.