Arrival/Check-in: The traditional façade of the Casanova Barcelona Hotel contrasts with its modern, stylish interior. Valets met me at the curb before the taxi had fully stopped, took my luggage and escorted me to the front desk. After a busy morning arriving from Madrid and navigating Barcelona’s rush hour, the lobby felt quietly restorative. Cool marble surfaces, clean right angles and backlit green panels created a calm yet inviting atmosphere. A side counter offered citrus-infused ice water and chilled washcloths, a thoughtful touch that let me freshen up while the front desk completed check-in.
Guest Quarters: My corner room, decorated in cream and brown with green accents, hinted at Asian influences. The bed was dressed with a plush comforter and plenty of pillows, and an area rug softened the sleek feel of dark hardwood floors and angular furnishings. A settee placed to overlook a small courtyard was ideal for curling up with a book and a glass of Spanish cava. The bathroom was generous in size and featured both a bathtub and a separate shower. A frosted glass panel separated the bathroom from the sleeping area, which preserved privacy while allowing soft, ambient light to pass through. I experienced a minor issue with a slow shower drain, but a prompt call to housekeeping resolved it quickly.
The room included a roomy desk with ample workspace and complimentary high-speed internet, which made it convenient for work or planning excursions. My only significant criticism was the overall lighting: while the designers succeeded in creating an atmosphere of calm and contemplation, there were moments when brighter task lighting would have been useful.
Services and Amenities: I generally value a leisurely, private start to the day, so in-room breakfast service is important to me. At Casanova I used the door-hanger order form the night before, and breakfast arrived reliably at the requested time each morning, providing a relaxed and punctual beginning to days spent exploring the city. The hotel’s location made it easy to visit local highlights such as La Boqueria market, Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla.
The hotel’s second-floor restaurant, Mexiterranée, blends Mediterranean, Catalan and Mexican influences on its menu, while the lobby-level Ceviche Bar is a comfortable spot for afternoon or evening drinks and casual bites. A compact but well-appointed spa offers treatments that draw on regional ingredients like native plants, stones and Spanish olive oil, delivering a distinctively local wellness experience.
The Experience: Casanova Barcelona Hotel benefits from an excellent central location within walking distance of many attractions and a nearby subway station that connects easily to the rest of the city. The property strikes a balance between contemporary design and warm service, and the staff were attentive throughout my stay. The hotel feels lively without being overwhelming, making it suitable for both leisure travelers and those visiting on business.
Total Score: (93/100)
Casanova Barcelona Hotel
559 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes
Barcelona, Spain 08011
tel 34 933 964 800