Barcelona has an uncanny ability to charm travelers, whether you’re a first-timer marveling at Gaudí’s architecture or a seasoned visitor returning for the exquisite Catalan cuisine and beachy Mediterranean vibe. Whenever we’re in town, we love testing out new hotels and booking strategies—particularly when we can take advantage of premium benefits through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR).

On our most recent visit, we tried out the Almanac Barcelona for a quick, one-night stay. This property promised a stylish boutique experience, steps away from the city’s main attractions. But how did it stack up in practice? Below is our detailed review—covering the booking process, our impressions of the lobby and check-in, what we thought of our room, the amenities, and more. If you’re considering the Almanac Barcelona and want to know if it’s worth your time and money, read on. And if you need gear for your own whirlwind city escapes, check out our Amazon Storefront for carefully curated travel essentials.

Plan Your Next Barcelona Trip: If you’re looking to book the Almanac Barcelona, check availability through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts if you’re an eligible cardholder. The added perks can transform a good stay into a great one.

Booking the Almanac Barcelona
Almanac Barcelona Location
Almanac Barcelona Lobby & Check-In Experience
Our Room: Modern Comfort & Chic Details
Amenities: Gym, Pool & Spa
Breakfast & Dining at Almanac Barcelona
Almanac Barcelona Lobby Lounge & Rooftop Scene
Service & Staff Impressions
Who Should Stay at the Almanac Barcelona?
Overall Thoughts & Final Verdict

(Note: This is a long, detailed post—intended to give you everything you might want to know about a one-night Almanac Barcelona experience. Grab a comfortable seat and let’s dive in!)

Almanac Barcelona Review: View From Room

Booking the Almanac Barcelona

Since we’re always on the hunt for ways to maximize comfort and value, we decided to book the Almanac Barcelona through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR). If you hold an Amex Platinum or Centurion card, you’re likely aware that FHR often throws in valuable perks like:

Complimentary Daily Breakfast (usually covers two guests)
$100 Property Credit that can be applied toward dining, spa treatments, or other eligible expenses
Possible Room Upgrade (subject to availability at check-in)
Guaranteed Late Checkout (often until 4 PM, if available)

On the date we stayed, the base rate was around €300-€350 for the entry-level room category. Although that may sound steep, we found the overall cost to be more compelling once we factored in the FHR benefits. Our property credit was enough to cover a generous portion of the dinner or spa treatments, while the daily breakfast perk alone can offset easily €20-€40 per person—especially in a city-center boutique hotel.

Almanac Barcelona Review: Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits

Considering Points and Other Options

As frequent Oneworld flyers, we also looked briefly at whether we could use any points or miles transfers for a property like the Almanac. However, given that it isn’t part of a major loyalty network (unlike Marriott, Hyatt, or Hilton), it made more sense to pay cash and leverage FHR. If you’re strictly a points traveler, you might prefer a chain-brand hotel in Barcelona. For us, the boutique vibe and sleek design felt like a unique experience worth paying for, especially for a short, splashy stay.

Almanac Barcelona Review: Azimuth Rooftop Bar

Almanac Barcelona Location

Eixample is the district you’ll see in postcards: wide boulevards, symmetrical blocks, and striking architecture courtesy of Gaudí and his contemporaries. Nestled near Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya, the Almanac Barcelona claims a prime spot in this iconic neighborhood. Here’s why the location works particularly well:

Proximity to Gaudí Landmarks: Casa Batlló and La Pedrera are just a few blocks away, making it easy to visit some of Barcelona’s most famous modernist buildings.
Convenient for Shopping & Dining: Eixample is brimming with boutiques, cafes, and upscale restaurants. Whether you crave a Michelin-starred meal or a cozy tapas bar, you can find it without a lengthy commute.
Walkable to Key Areas: From the Almanac, it’s a short stroll to Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, and El Born (depending on your energy levels). Public transit is also plentiful, with easy access to the metro and bus lines.
Safe & Upmarket: Eixample is regarded as one of the safer, more upscale parts of the city. While you should always be mindful of pickpockets (especially around major tourist sites), you’ll find the overall ambiance pleasant and well-lit, even in the evening.

We arrived from Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), which took around 20-25 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. Expect to pay roughly €30-€40 for that ride. Alternatively, you can catch the Aerobús or train to Plaça de Catalunya, then walk a short distance to the hotel. If you’re comfortable navigating local transport, it’s a budget-friendly alternative.

Almanac Barcelona Lobby & Check-In Experience

We pulled up to the hotel on a sunny afternoon and were greeted by a doorman who whisked our luggage inside. The building’s exterior is sleek and modern—an architectural style that blends right into Eixample’s trendy vibe.

First Impressions

The lobby has a refined, almost minimalist aesthetic: neutral color tones, plush seating clusters, and tasteful pops of artwork that subtly reference the city’s artistic heritage. Soft background music set an upscale but welcoming tone. The reception area is immediately visible upon entering, which is a nice change from some properties where you have to wander around searching for check-in counters.

Check-In Process

FHR Acknowledgment: One of the front desk associates immediately recognized our FHR reservation. No awkwardness, no confusion—just a warm, efficient welcome.
Documentation & Upgrades: After scanning our passports, the associate graciously looked to see if there was a room upgrade available. Since we only stayed for a single night, the staff didn’t guarantee a huge bump, but they did upgrade us to a higher-floor room with city-facing windows.
Amex FHR Perk Explanation: They walked us through our included breakfast and property credit, plus indicated we could enjoy a late checkout if the hotel wasn’t too busy the following day. This alignment on perks is always reassuring, especially if you’ve run into hiccups with other properties in the past.

From arrival to stepping into our room, the entire process took barely 10 minutes. Staff members exuded calm competency, which is especially appreciated after a day of traveling.

Our Room: Modern Comfort & Chic Details

Upon exiting the elevator, we found ourselves in a softly lit corridor with plush carpeting—quiet, with only a distant hum that reminded us we were in a bustling city.

Room Size & Layout

We stayed in a Deluxe King or comparable category (thanks to the slight FHR upgrade). The size felt generous for a European city-center property—roughly 300-350 square feet. It wasn’t a suite, but it was large enough for a couch, a desk, and enough closet space to store clothing for a multi-day visit. The room had a wonderful view of Barcelona.

Design & Décor

Color Palette: Predominantly whites, creams, and light grays. Sleek wood accents and brushed metal fixtures enhanced the contemporary ambiance.
Bedding: A plush king bed with high-thread-count linens. We loved the multiple pillow options—some firm, others delightfully soft.
Lighting: Thoughtful touches like reading lamps by the bed and ambient LED lights around the ceiling. A main switch near the entrance allowed easy toggling between bright and dim settings.
Walls & Artwork: Minimalist prints referencing Barcelona’s cultural icons hung in tasteful frames, adding a local flair without clutter.

In-Room Amenities

Smart TV: Mounted on the wall, loaded with streaming apps if you want to log in with your own credentials. We mostly used it for local news and weather updates.
Desk & Chair: Perfect for catching up on work or quickly reviewing your day’s sightseeing plan. Plenty of outlets, including USB ports—always a boon for the modern traveler.
Mini-Bar & Coffee Station: A Nespresso machine with a small selection of pods and teas. The mini-bar had a standard array of waters, sodas, and alcoholic beverages. Prices, as expected, were on the steeper side.
Safe & Storage: In the closet, you’ll find a digital safe plus robe and slippers. Drawers under the desk or in the wardrobe can handle a few days’ worth of clothes.

Bathroom Layout

The bathroom was separated from the bedroom by a sliding door. Inside, we found:

Walk-In Shower: A spacious rainfall shower that delivered consistent water pressure and temperature. The walls were marble-tiled, giving it that polished, luxurious look.
Sink & Counter Space: A single sink with enough counter area to accommodate toiletry bags. Perfect for two people if you’re not super spread-out in your routine.
Toiletries: Almanac-branded or locally inspired products in refillable containers. A subtle yet enticing fragrance—citrusy with hints of herbs.
Lighting & Mirror: The mirror included built-in LED lights, which we found helpful for detailed grooming tasks.

Overall Comfort

For a single night, we were thoroughly pleased. Though not over-the-top large, the room felt bigger than many typical European city hotels. If you’re someone who appreciates contemporary elegance without excessive frills, the Almanac’s style hits the mark. Air conditioning was quiet yet effective, which can be critical in Barcelona’s warmer months. We had no trouble sleeping, as the curtains blocked out virtually all morning light, and the bed was supremely comfortable.

Almanac Barcelona Review: Safe and robes

Almanac Barcelona Review: Touch-screen room controls

Amenities: Gym, Pool & Spa

While the Almanac Barcelona is not a mega-resort with sprawling grounds, it offers a respectable set of amenities tailored to a city-center boutique property.

Gym

The Almanac has a compact but efficient fitness room.

Equipment: A few treadmills, ellipticals, a rack of free weights, and a multifunction cable machine.
Hours: Open 24/7
Vibe & Maintenance: Clean, with a modern feel, large mirrors, and a small fridge stocked with cold towels and bottled water.

If you’re into serious strength training or require lots of cardio machines, you might find the gym a bit limited. However, for a quick morning workout before hitting Barcelona’s streets, it suffices.

Pool

A highlight for many guests is the rooftop pool area.

Rooftop Location: The pool sits on the top floor, offering partial city views—some vantage points let you glimpse the Eixample grid or Sagrada Família’s towering spires in the distance.
Pool Style: More of a plunge pool than a lap pool, flanked by a handful of loungers and umbrellas.
Bar Service: Sip on sangria or a refreshing juice while relaxing.
Atmosphere: Laid-back and trendy. Often used for chilling out rather than rigorous swimming.

Spa

The Almanac also advertises a spa in some listings, although it’s not a sprawling wellness center you might find at a larger luxury chain. Expect:

Treatment Rooms: Focusing on massages, facials, or body treatments.
Sauna & Turkish Bath: Available only to hotel guests.
Appointment Necessity: Generally wise to reserve in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, since spaces are limited.

During our single-night visit, we didn’t schedule any spa treatments, so we can’t vouch for the experience. However, if you’re looking for a quick relaxation session, it might be worth checking out.

Almanac Barcelona Review: Virens restaurant

Breakfast & Dining at Almanac Barcelona

One of the notable perks of booking through Amex FHR is that you often get complimentary breakfast or a hefty credit toward it. Here’s what we encountered at the Almanac:

Breakfast Spread

Location: The hotel’s main restaurant, Virens, is open for breakfast service.
Buffet & À La Carte: There’s typically a continental spread featuring breads, pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, yogurts, cereals, and fruit. Additionally, you can order from a short menu offering hot dishes like eggs, omelets, pancakes, or local favorites.
Quality: We were impressed by the freshness of everything on offer. Coffee was robust—essential for fueling a busy day in Barcelona—and the fresh-squeezed orange juice had that sweet, citrusy tang Spain is known for.

Atmosphere & Service

Even with the morning rush, the vibe remained calm. The staff greeted us at the entrance, asked for our room number, and immediately explained that part of our meal would be covered by the FHR benefit. We never felt rushed or crowded, as tables were spaced to allow private conversation.

Almanac Barcelona Lobby Lounge & Rooftop Scene

Most hotels in Barcelona aim to incorporate some sort of lounge or communal space—especially those pitched as “boutique-lifestyle” properties. The Almanac is no exception.

Azimuth Rooftop Bar

If the weather is favorable, the rooftop area transforms into an ultra-chic setting by night.

Cocktail Selection: Spanish twists on classics, using local ingredients like citrus, herbs, and even Spanish vermouth.
Sunset Views: For those who time it right, you might catch the last golden rays glinting off Eixample’s rooftops.
Seating & Atmosphere: There’s limited seating, so it can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends. Expect a younger, stylish crowd. The music is typically lounge-style or chill EDM, never too loud or raucous.

We found ourselves drawn to the rooftop on a late afternoon, enjoying a mild breeze and the hum of Barcelona below. Even in a short stay, it’s a spot that can give you a sense of the city’s heartbeat without leaving the hotel.

Service & Staff Impressions

Sometimes, the difference between a decent hotel and a standout experience lies with the people who run it. The Almanac Barcelona staff performed admirably during our short visit.

Front Desk & Concierge

Warm Welcome: From the moment we arrived, staff members greeted us by name (thanks to the doorperson’s discreet radioing ahead).
Proactive Assistance: The concierge offered suggestions for local restaurants when we mentioned looking for a late-night vegan options.

Housekeeping

Our interactions with housekeeping were minimal, but we noticed the room was spotless upon arrival. Linens felt fresh, and the turndown service included a small chocolate on the pillow—an endearing, personal touch.

Dining & Bar Staff

Efficiency: Servers at breakfast were quick to top off coffee cups, remove used plates, and offer additional pastries. No long waits or confusion.

Overall Vibe

Nobody seemed rushed or stressed, even during peak breakfast hours. The staff carried themselves with quiet confidence, balancing professionalism with a friendly, approachable manner. This level of consistency suggests the hotel invests time in training and fosters a culture of hospitality.

Who Should Stay at the Almanac Barcelona?

The Almanac caters to a specific niche—if these descriptions resonate with you, you’ll likely enjoy the experience:

Design-Conscious Travelers: If modern, minimalist style speaks to you more than the antique grandeur of a historic property, you’ll appreciate the Almanac’s clean lines and neutral palette.
Short-Stay Guests Wanting a Prime Location: With easy access to Gaudí landmarks and central squares, it’s perfect for weekend city-breakers who want to pack in maximum sightseeing.
Couples Seeking Urban Romance: The sleek bar, plush rooms, and rooftop pool create an atmosphere conducive to a romantic night in Barcelona.
Business or “Bleisure” Travelers: If you’re mixing work and leisure, the location offers excellent proximity to commercial areas, while the ambiance gives you that relaxing transition from business to pleasure.
Amex FHR Enthusiasts: If you book through Fine Hotels & Resorts, the daily breakfast and property credit make the price more palatable, especially for a higher-end boutique property.

Those traveling with children or large families might find the smaller footprint limiting. Likewise, if you prefer big, sprawling resorts with multiple on-site restaurants and extensive grounds, the Almanac’s boutique style might feel too compact.

Overall Thoughts & Final Verdict

So, how does the Almanac Barcelona stack up in a city with no shortage of four- and five-star hotels? In our view, it holds its own thanks to a combination of smart, contemporary design, an enviable location in Eixample, and staff who deliver service with genuine warmth and polish.

The Good:
- Central, Upscale Location near Gaudí landmarks and top dining spots.
- Modern Rooms that avoid feeling sterile, with thoughtful amenities.
- Rooftop Pool & Bar for that extra dose of urban luxury and partial city views.
- Competent, Cordial Staff across all departments.
- FHR Perks like daily breakfast and property credits add tangible value.
Potential Downsides:
- Pricing can be steep if you’re on a budget or traveling off-season; consider how much time you’ll spend in the hotel versus exploring the city.
- Limited Gym & Spa might not satisfy travelers who want extensive wellness offerings.
- Boutique Scale means fewer on-site dining options if you prefer a resort-like variety.

For a single-night stay, especially one booked through Amex FHR, we left satisfied with our choice. The Almanac Barcelona gave us a refined, restful perch in the midst of one of Spain’s most dynamic cities. While it’s not necessarily the property we’d choose for a prolonged family vacation (larger properties might handle those needs better), it’s an excellent fit for couples, business travelers, or individuals seeking a stylish base for exploring Barcelona.

Would we return? Absolutely—particularly if we had just a couple of nights in Barcelona, wanted to be near the action, and felt like treating ourselves to something more design-driven than the typical chain hotels.

Almanac Barcelona Review: A Brief But Memorable Stay

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