GRAND HOTEL CENTRAL - BARCELONA

A few days after my thirtieth birthday, I flew to Barcelona with 3 good friends to celebrate, bookended with a few days in Palma either side. We stayed in the Grand Hotel Central, on Via Laietana, on the edge of the Barri Gòtic, or Gothic Quarter, and renowned as one of Europe’s coolest hotels. As well as being a great base to explore the city, we were holed up in complete luxury, with my club suite having the largest bed I have ever slept in, and a wet room that could comfortably accommodate 5/6 people.

Given the baking Catalan heat at that time of year, we made more than good use of the rooftop pool with views over the city, and on one night I was lucky enough to witness an incredible thunderstorm from there (see below).