This Boutique Hotel In Barcelona Is Serious Insta Goals | InStyle.co.uk
Published on InStyle.co.uk, 13th October 2017
Location, Location, Location?
Part of the El Born (or Born as those in the know call it,) neighbourhood in the Gothic Quarter, The Serras is thankfully well off the overly touristy beaten track. Overlooking the marina, it’s a short stroll fromBarceloneta beach, whilst you can walk to the centre of the Old Town in under 10 minutes. Think of Born as the Spanish equivalent of East London’s Red Church St, with cool boutiques, interior shops and chic cocktail bars with plenty of locals not just travellers mooching around.
The Vibe?
Designed by Francesco Daniel Molina, the Catalan architect behind Plaça Reiaits, the building's original Neo-Classical façade remians intact. It was also once home to Picasso’s very first studio and where he painted 'Ciencia y Caridad.’ However, don’t expect a stuffy old-worldly feel, instead The Serras is positively fresh with wood panelled floors, white walls and very on-trend exposed light fittings. The staff are as equally positive, greeting every guest by name and always on hand with a refreshing glass of Cava and advice on where to track down the best patatas bravas.
Bedroom deets…
The Serras has nailed comfy rooms that don’t compromise on style. So you’ll find floor to ceiling windows and balconies that let that gorgeous Barcelonian morning sun pour in, giant beds that epitomize the word cushy featuring the same brand of mattress favoured by Queen Elizabeth II, plus huge bathrooms with rain showers or jacuzzi baths alongside plenty of Malin and Gotez toiletries. There is also plenty of Instabait with nods to traditional Barcelona tiling on the headboards and bathroom floors whilst chairs in crushed yellow velvet add a pop of colour. With a Nespresso machine, 24 hour room service and one of best stocked mini bar we’ve come across, read cheese supplies, it’s tempting to never venture out.
Is the food just as Instagrammable?
Yes but tastes even better! Headed up by Michelin-starred chef Marc Gascons, he puts a fresh spin on traditional Mediterranean and Catalan dishes. Gnocchi with black winter truffles plus fresh scallops with peas were both ridiculously moreish, whilst I’m still dreaming of the pannacotta with a zingy raspberry sorbet. Get a table near the open plan kitchen windows to see Marc and his fellow experts doing their thing. Breakfast is also a must-do with an endless supply of pastries and really good coffee alongside made to order eggs and crepes.
What are we drinking?
Head upstairs to the roof terrace for an aperitif. Order the 'Serras Barcelona' – featuring a mix of Cachaça, açai liquer and fresh strawberries it instantly ups the mood then kick back on the sofas surrounding the infinity pool and watch the sun go down. With the perfect chill out playlist it’s just as inviting for a post-dinner cocktail too.
Ok, I need to check this out for myself. How do I book?
Doubles start at £236.95, B&B via Mr & Mrs Smith
