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If you feel the need to treat yourself and splurge a bit, then go up-town and stay at this three-star pamper-palace. Hotel Astoria really is a delight, without question one of the best three-star hotels we've seen, with great extras like a fitness center and roof-top swimming pool. The only catch is the location, which is not the pure center, but more posh business/residential. Still, Astoria's zone is one of the best in town for shopping and dining.
All 117 rooms are decorated in browns and creams in a modern-elegant style. Rooms have all the amenities, plus zippy panel-screen televisions, minibars, and Wi-Fi. All the spacious bathrooms have large inviting bathtubs. Most rooms have views of neighborhood residences, mainly older buildings from the early 1900s.
The real perk at the Astoria is the roof terrace. Besides the pool—which is uncommon in Barcelona three-stars, to say the least—there are also several private tables where the hotel serves lunch. Whether or not you're a guest, a quiet lunch on Astoria's terrace is a unique experience. The hotel also has a traditional restaurant downstairs, which serves breakfast and lunch.
Close to Hotel Astoria are three great areas. The first is calle Enrique Grados, a café-lined street perfect for a morning croissant. The second is Gracia, an area little known by visitors to Barcelona, but well worth the five-minute walk from the hotel. Here you will find Bohemian bars and eclectic restaurants in a trendy Catalan neighborhood. And finally, about three blocks from Astoria is Psg. de Gracia, where you will find the Metro, bus, taxis, and Barcelona's most high-end shops.
While it's a bit out of the way—and a taxi from the airport may be well worth it—Hotel Astoria is still a great deal.
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