DUQUESA DE CARDONA
Smart Barcelona boutique hotel with unbeatable rooftop views.
YOU’D BE HARD PUSHED to find a more appealing location in Barcelona than that of Duquesa de Cardona. This 19th century aristocratic townhouse – a one-time royal retreat – has wide open views of the waterfront while being just minutes from the Ramblas and the city’s famous Gothic quarter.
With the city behind you and the clear light of the Med streaming in from the port, it hardly feels like a city-centre hotel. From the rooftop terrace, with its sunloungers and cooling plunge pool, you can soak up panoramic views along the Paseo Colon promenade and the harbour. Spot the Olympic Marina, the Christopher Columbus monument, the passenger cruisers and party boats, Montjuic hill and the Olympic Marina.
The building’s historic feel belie its up-to-the-minute amenities, swish designer touches and ample comforts. Spacious rooms (it’s worth paying the premium for those front-facing harbour views in the delux rooms) are elegantly fitted out with a contemporary-classic feel and plenty of techno-touches.
Hit the spot
Twixt the sea and the city’s Gothic quarter.
Bedtime
Junior suite and deluxe rooms have fabulous views over the marina and out to sea.
Be savvy
Light sleepers might prefer a courtyard room, though you’ll miss the views and that wonderful light.
Be smitten
Barcelona with brio.
Neo-classical facade
Soothing shades of cream, chocolate and cinnamon are set off by suede furnishings, silken cushions, outsize artworks and tall vases of lilies. Sprawling junior suites have his-and-hers bathrooms and extravagantly large sofas whilst delux rooms have views across Paseo Colon to the water.
Rooms are meticulously kitted out comfort zones with everything from wi-fi access, a plasma screen TV and choice of pillows to spotless, Bulgari-stocked bathrooms in the junior suites, with robes, slippers and bath salts.
Downstairs, the lobby’s chequerboard marble floor, arched windows and neo-classical façade lend a nicely historic feel. Upstairs it’s even better, with a rooftop plunge pool and cocktail bar – atmospherically lit at night – perfect for watching the sun go down. Be sure to pop back in the morning and grab a table for breakfast, too.
Service at the Duquesa de Cardona is spot-on and willing staff go the extra mile to help. All the sights of the city are within easy reach, and there’s no better place to start than the old commercial harbour of Port Vell – now a happening waterfront packed with bars, bistros and gardens – right on your doorstep.
Duquesa de Cardona was reviewed by Room For Romance
With the city behind you and the clear light of the Med streaming in from the port, it hardly feels like a city-centre hotel. From the rooftop terrace, with its sunloungers and cooling plunge pool, you can soak up panoramic views along the Paseo Colon promenade and the harbour. Spot the Olympic Marina, the Christopher Columbus monument, the passenger cruisers and party boats, Montjuic hill and the Olympic Marina.
The building’s historic feel belie its up-to-the-minute amenities, swish designer touches and ample comforts. Spacious rooms (it’s worth paying the premium for those front-facing harbour views in the delux rooms) are elegantly fitted out with a contemporary-classic feel and plenty of techno-touches.
Hit the spot
Twixt the sea and the city’s Gothic quarter.
Bedtime
Junior suite and deluxe rooms have fabulous views over the marina and out to sea.
Be savvy
Light sleepers might prefer a courtyard room, though you’ll miss the views and that wonderful light.
Be smitten
Barcelona with brio.
Neo-classical facade
Soothing shades of cream, chocolate and cinnamon are set off by suede furnishings, silken cushions, outsize artworks and tall vases of lilies. Sprawling junior suites have his-and-hers bathrooms and extravagantly large sofas whilst delux rooms have views across Paseo Colon to the water.
Rooms are meticulously kitted out comfort zones with everything from wi-fi access, a plasma screen TV and choice of pillows to spotless, Bulgari-stocked bathrooms in the junior suites, with robes, slippers and bath salts.
Downstairs, the lobby’s chequerboard marble floor, arched windows and neo-classical façade lend a nicely historic feel. Upstairs it’s even better, with a rooftop plunge pool and cocktail bar – atmospherically lit at night – perfect for watching the sun go down. Be sure to pop back in the morning and grab a table for breakfast, too.
Service at the Duquesa de Cardona is spot-on and willing staff go the extra mile to help. All the sights of the city are within easy reach, and there’s no better place to start than the old commercial harbour of Port Vell – now a happening waterfront packed with bars, bistros and gardens – right on your doorstep.
Duquesa de Cardona was reviewed by Room For Romance
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Dining in
Tall lamps and a chequered marble floor lend an elegance to the hotel’s La Duquesa restaurant, in the former stables of a 14th century ducal villa. Crayfish with baked Iberian ham, chicken salad with soyabeans, radicchio and parmesan, and tatin of apricot with rosemary are just some of the culinary treats on offer.
Dining out
You’re surrounded by inviting bars and restaurants along Barcelona’s humming waterfront. Re-pla in La Ribera (it can be hard to get a table) and 7 Portes are both big favourites with the locals, while atmospheric chiringuitos (waterside bars serving seafood) make an excellent eating-out option.
Where?
La Duquesa at Duquesa de Cardona.
What’s cooking?
Traditional Mediterranean and more modern fusion dishes.
Dress the part
Smart-casual: no need to dress like a duque or duquesa.
Top table?
Centre stage, where you can people watch.
See & Do
You can’t come to Barcelona without taking in Gaudi’s mind-blowing architecture. His great unfinished masterwork Sagrada Familia (Gaudi is buried beneath the nave here), the extraordinary Casa Batllo house and the amazing stone structures of Guell park are unmissable, while other examples are everywhere. Fabulous churches and museums are all part of the city’s cultural fizz.
Exploring the cobbled medieval streets of the El Born neighbourhood and the world famous promenade of Las Ramblas are a must. Spending Sunday on Montjuic mountain, with its jogging trails and stunning vistas, makes a great escape from the streetside bustle.
Shop
Fashionistas can admire the big names lining glitzy Passeig di Gracia – pausing for some tapas in one of the dozens of outdoor cafes – while the side streets off Las Ramblas offer a wealth of one-of-a-kind stores selling books, art and collectibles. You’ll find plenty of curios in the antique emporiums of Avinyo street, while the Bouqueria food market – Europe’s biggest – is a must-see in the Catalan capital. For something of everything, you can wander the department store floors of El Corte Ingles.
After dark
Night time is the right time here, and there’s an awesome array of places to try. Locals often opt for a promenade (paseo) in the evening cool, followed by a couple of hours in the city’s tascas (taverns). Watch the world go by in Plaça del Sol in Gracia, Plaça del Pi in the old town or one of the other pleasant squares.
Barcelona’s club scene comes alive after midnight – though as many venues don’t open till 2am, you’ll be in for a late-late stint. Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter are the big nightlife centres, and whatever your taste you’ll find it here.
Dates
Late September
La Mercè festival turns Barcelona into one big street party. Watch out for the Correfoc – fire runs complete with dragons spraying sparklers into the crowds
August
Turn up if you dare for the Tomatina – a huge, squishy outdoor tomato fight. Not the place for your new designer gear.
Tall lamps and a chequered marble floor lend an elegance to the hotel’s La Duquesa restaurant, in the former stables of a 14th century ducal villa. Crayfish with baked Iberian ham, chicken salad with soyabeans, radicchio and parmesan, and tatin of apricot with rosemary are just some of the culinary treats on offer.
Dining out
You’re surrounded by inviting bars and restaurants along Barcelona’s humming waterfront. Re-pla in La Ribera (it can be hard to get a table) and 7 Portes are both big favourites with the locals, while atmospheric chiringuitos (waterside bars serving seafood) make an excellent eating-out option.
Where?
La Duquesa at Duquesa de Cardona.
What’s cooking?
Traditional Mediterranean and more modern fusion dishes.
Dress the part
Smart-casual: no need to dress like a duque or duquesa.
Top table?
Centre stage, where you can people watch.
See & Do
You can’t come to Barcelona without taking in Gaudi’s mind-blowing architecture. His great unfinished masterwork Sagrada Familia (Gaudi is buried beneath the nave here), the extraordinary Casa Batllo house and the amazing stone structures of Guell park are unmissable, while other examples are everywhere. Fabulous churches and museums are all part of the city’s cultural fizz.
Exploring the cobbled medieval streets of the El Born neighbourhood and the world famous promenade of Las Ramblas are a must. Spending Sunday on Montjuic mountain, with its jogging trails and stunning vistas, makes a great escape from the streetside bustle.
Shop
Fashionistas can admire the big names lining glitzy Passeig di Gracia – pausing for some tapas in one of the dozens of outdoor cafes – while the side streets off Las Ramblas offer a wealth of one-of-a-kind stores selling books, art and collectibles. You’ll find plenty of curios in the antique emporiums of Avinyo street, while the Bouqueria food market – Europe’s biggest – is a must-see in the Catalan capital. For something of everything, you can wander the department store floors of El Corte Ingles.
After dark
Night time is the right time here, and there’s an awesome array of places to try. Locals often opt for a promenade (paseo) in the evening cool, followed by a couple of hours in the city’s tascas (taverns). Watch the world go by in Plaça del Sol in Gracia, Plaça del Pi in the old town or one of the other pleasant squares.
Barcelona’s club scene comes alive after midnight – though as many venues don’t open till 2am, you’ll be in for a late-late stint. Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter are the big nightlife centres, and whatever your taste you’ll find it here.
Dates
Late September
La Mercè festival turns Barcelona into one big street party. Watch out for the Correfoc – fire runs complete with dragons spraying sparklers into the crowds
August
Turn up if you dare for the Tomatina – a huge, squishy outdoor tomato fight. Not the place for your new designer gear.
GETTING THERE
Location
Paseo Colon, Barcelona 08002
Parking
No dedicated parking, but you don’t need wheels in Barcelona.
Trains
Mainline station: Francia – 1km. Metro stations: Drassanes (line 3), and Jaume (line 4).
Taxis
EUR 30-35 from the airport
Airport
Barcelona Airport (El Prat) – 20km
Rooms and suites
35 rooms, 5 suites
Special features
You'll find everything from slippers and bathrobes to phone lines ready for you to talk and surf at the same time.
Also…
You can cool off in the rooftop pool, with its brilliant skyline and harbour views. Staff will bring you drinks poolside even if the upstairs bar has closed.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 160 - 495
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast (charged at EUR 14 per person) is served until 10:30. Nab a table on the rooftop terrace for brilliant start-the-day views for EUR 25
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
Spanish, Catalan, English, French and German
Wedding license?
No
Your contact
Cristina Reus – general manager
Location
Paseo Colon, Barcelona 08002
Parking
No dedicated parking, but you don’t need wheels in Barcelona.
Trains
Mainline station: Francia – 1km. Metro stations: Drassanes (line 3), and Jaume (line 4).
Taxis
EUR 30-35 from the airport
Airport
Barcelona Airport (El Prat) – 20km
Rooms and suites
35 rooms, 5 suites
Special features
You'll find everything from slippers and bathrobes to phone lines ready for you to talk and surf at the same time.
Also…
You can cool off in the rooftop pool, with its brilliant skyline and harbour views. Staff will bring you drinks poolside even if the upstairs bar has closed.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 160 - 495
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast (charged at EUR 14 per person) is served until 10:30. Nab a table on the rooftop terrace for brilliant start-the-day views for EUR 25
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
Spanish, Catalan, English, French and German
Wedding license?
No
Your contact
Cristina Reus – general manager
