must see Barcelona
Being the capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is simply incomparable and it is one of these few must-see cities with its very own identity. There’s something to delight everyone in Barcelona. For some it is the proximity to the sea with an endless beachfront, for others, it is the world-class nightlife and the food of a city that has a total of 20 Michelin stars. But most of all it is this inexhaustible choice of beautiful buildings, partly down to a generation of early-20th-century artists and architects, like Antoni Gaudí, whose unforgettable architectural masterpieces are like nothing you’ll see anywhere else.
Strolling between this sequence of promenades that run from Plaça de Catalunya down to the Columbus Monument at the waterfront, is a must do for everyone visiting Barcelona. There is nothing more entertaining than walking through the crowds of 'Las Ramblas' under the shade of the tall plane trees, passing living statues, street performers, bird-sellers and flower stands. Sightseeing never ends when promenading through Barcelona and walking distances of 10-15 km per day are not uncommon.
Room Mate Anna
Our hotel, the 'Room Mate Anna', is located just off the Passeig de Gràcia, better known as the 'Golden Square' of Catalan modernism, the heart of life and culture in Barcelona, where you can find some of the most important modernist buildings. From our balcony, we have a straight view of one of Antoni Gaudi's most postcard-friendly creations, the Casa Batlló, with its few straight lines and those famous roof tiles that look like the scales of a great dragon. The hotel is well placed for shopping and sightseeing and the Plaça de Catalunya as well as the wonders of the Old City are right around or in near walking distance.
Room Mate Anna is a modern design hotel decorated by the antique expert and interior designer Lorenzo Castillo. The interior stands out with a bold, playful design and orientalist touches. In keeping with Barcelona’s proximity to the sea, turquoise and aquamarine hues dominate, alongside bespoke timber furniture, brass finishes, and the maritime touch by way of corals and shells. With his design, Castillo moved away from industrial nordic chic and returned to the city's Mediterranean Catalan roots. The property is a fan of flamboyant sea-life-motif wallpaper, gorgeous geometric floor tiles and colour-happy rooms. The deluxe rooms stand out with scarlet lacquered furniture and Chinese trellis, recreating sea life.
After a long day of sightseeing, we stop by at the bar on the roof terrace of the hotel. From here we have a perfect 360-degree view of Barcelona's skyline and from here we will now enjoy the upcoming sunset. The venue presents itself in a 'pace of the sea' decoration with a small pool, divans and an extensive bar counter with one of the most complete cocktail lists in Barcelona’s leisure scene. Although it is mid-October, the breeze from the sea is still warm and cosy.
"What would you like to do tonight?", I ask. "Let's dance tonight, I always like to dance", you say with a naughty hint of happiness on your face. I look at the setting sun and can't help smiling when I reveal, "Yes, I remember."