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Setting an Eixample: Barcelona’s OD Hotel reviewed

I associate Barcelona with some of my fondest memories: balloon glasses of sweet sangria in El Born followed by late-night paella in the Eixample. And where better to rest your head after a day in Spanish bliss? Find out in this OD Barcelona hotel review.

Or an afternoon lounging on the sandy beach watching the sunset melt behind the glowing horizon. These are just a few of these poignant portraits that hold a special place in my heart (and iCloud storage). I’ve returned time and time again, leisurely pottering around Barri Gòtic to explore the old town and cycling through these same tangled streets in the later hours, pouring cartons of the ever-so-classy Don Simon into plastic cups with new-found friends.

Located just 200 metres from Passeig de Gràcia, OD Barcelona is perfectly positioned for first-time visitors wanting to explore the city’s sights, and is equally ideal for those yearning to explore its vibrant culinary scene. OD Barcelona is the group’s first hotel on the Spanish mainland with hotels in Ibiza and Mallorca, and is made up of 98 rooms and spacious suites, a slick lobby lounge featuring floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto an inviting terrace pleasantly sprinkled with sunshine and shrubbery. The elegant dining area, fluid spaces and refined interiors are especially trendy and comforting, and the Scandi-inspired furniture curates a feeling of utter tranquillity.

If you’re hoping to break away from the crowds for dinner, then the peaceful atmosphere in the hotel restaurant will certainly live up to these expectations. There’s a high chance you might find yourself salivating slightly whilst browsing through the abundance of flavours and natural ingredients that burst from the hotel’s menu, so put on a pair of your trusty elasticated trousers and get stuck right into what you really came here for: some serious eating and drinking.

The 7-course tasting menu is a sensory feast and is the best place to start if you want to try a bit of everything. Beginning with pan con tomate (a Catalan classic), it is the perfect way to tickle your taste buds and feels very traditional. I was immediately drawn to the outstanding truffle ravioli, a voluptuously creamy and rich dish, followed by the fresh Hawaiian poke made up of raw fish marinated in soy and sesame. The sardine toast with herb ricotta and trout tastes light and refreshing, and the Meloso de Venera with truffled parmentier is as seductive as it sounds. There’s the gyoza of sausage and prawns too which can easily be avoided should you request a veggie option consisting of cheese and silky soft bread. Rounded off with spring citrus dessert, a zesty melange of sobao, foam and a crown of ice cream, you’ll be sure to walk away with an array of fresh flavours and textures that remain etched in your memory.

Of course, the occasion doesn’t have to end there! Even if you are full to the brim and sleepily content with good food and wine. Take yourself to the contemporary lobby bar, a relaxing oasis from the hustle and bustle of the conventional bar or pub and an occasional DJ area for various events hosted by the hotel, such as ‘Burger Meets Gin’ and the ‘Mexican Brunch’. There’s a stylish wine bar too tucked away in a cosy little nook suitable for cosy catch-ups.

All bedrooms feature an open-plan design featuring full-length windows which give a huge amount of light, very effective for the smaller rooms. Amenities include sleep-inducing king-sized beds, 24-hour room service and a maxibar stocked with a selection of full-sized wines and regional snacks.

The OD Sky Bar is open from May to October, and a great way to cool off. Glide to the edge to take a leisurely look at the city, or head back later with your dancing shoes for late-night rooftop parties.

There’s also a large focus on sustainability with eco-friendly training and systems, like the green, vegetated façade, efficient building insulation, solar panels and a state-of-the-art heating and air- conditioning system that reduces energy consumption by 35%. You can even hop in one of the hotel’s free-to-use Smart cars to zip around the city sights; or for the more sophisticated sightseer, request the services of the hotel’s chauffeur. OD Barcelona was nominated as one of the Top 10 sustainable hotel development projects in Spain at Re Think Hotel last year.

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