Postcards from... Booklet 2022

One of the impressive façades of the Neri, tucked away in the heart of the romantic Gothic district, gives onto Sant Felip Neri square, a magical place with Gothic edifices and the church where Gaudí used to come to pray every day. This hotel was created when, in the 18th century, two mansions merged – one dating from the Middle Ages. It boasts a delightful décor, blending period features with ultra-modern design. A gourmet retreat, chef Alan Guisard creates a Mediterranean cuisine with a seasonal menu based on sharing. At the top of the building, “Roba Estesa” is an oasis in the city, where you can enjoy vistas of the city at nightfall, while trying delicious tapas. The Pick of Barcelona Hotels Highly recommended luxury hotels with very different appeal in prime locations Sant Felip Neri Square, Barri Gotic Historical Barri Gotic Boutique Passeig de Gràcia Classic Sleek Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is an exclusive hotel located right on Passeig de Gràcia, the most exclusive shopping boulevard in the heart of the city, also home to historical modernist sights and Gaudi's architectural gems. All of the unique rooms and suites offer an exquisite interior design by Patricia Urquiola while The Spa, is a sanctuary where guests find relaxation and harmony. Carme Ruscalleda, one of the most awarded female Chefs in the world and champion of Catalan gastronomy oversees the culinary operations. The best rooftop terrace in the city centre with sweeping views including the Sagrada Familia. It is the way of Barcelona that its prosperity has ebbed and flowed over the centuries since Roman times (4km 2 of the ancient city of Barcino can still be viewed beneath the modern city). At the turn of the 20th century it witnessed a time of great affluence as change swept through Catalunya. The city underwent rapid transformation as people moved from the countryside to the city in hope of finding work in the newly opened factories. As living conditions deteriorated, the local authorities were urged to take action and decided to give the city an extension – eixample in Catalan – giving rise to the large, grid-patterned neighbourhood of the same name. At the same time, inspired by the wave of socio-reform sweeping Europe, a cultural movement emerged which had at its heart a desire to make Catalan society a modern society, and there was an element of Catalan nationalism at the heart of the movement as well. Rejecting bourgeois, traditionalism and the old guard, the socialist movement gathered momentum in artistic circles, among poets, writers and artists, but also with those who wished to take a more hands-on approach to this new vision for society. Modern Barcelona’s identity is fundamentally linked to this period, and in no small part to the work of one man in particular, architect Antoni Gaudí. His designs, more than anyone else’s, have become some of the biggest tourist attractions in the city and have even been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Catalan Identity Catalans are very proud of their region, language and lifestyle. Barcelona is the exciting epicentre of a seriously determined people who certainly know how to enjoy life’s pleasures from relaxed fashion trends, great street culture and amazing gastronomy. Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona Hotel Neri (Relais & Chateaux)