Ilunion Barcelona ★★★★

Mediterranean beaches, world-famous architecture, unique culture, some of the best sights in Europe, endless festivities, award-winning cuisine, stunning scenery… is it really possible to have all this in one city? Add one more thing to this list, The ILUNION, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect city break in beautiful Barcelona.

Just a ten-minute walk from the beach, this contemporary hotel in the Poblenou neighbourhood provides you with the best of both worlds. It’s within easy reach of all the main sights, but far enough out to make sure you can completely relax and enjoy some peace and quiet, away from the bustling city centre.

After arriving late on a Sunday afternoon, we decided to dedicate our first day to making use of the hotel’s wonderful facilities. Upon entering the striking lobby, we were checked in by the friendly staff who made us feel completely welcome and offered us lots of helpful advice for our stay. Our room was a modern and spacious area flooded with natural light and decorated in a simple but stylish way, with all the amenities that you’d expect from a high-quality hotel.

On the eighth floor, the solarium roof terrace boasts amazing views overlooking Barcelona and the Mediterranean. It’s a tranquil area with a swimming pool surrounded by loungers – perfect for basking in the sun after a day of discovering the treasures that the city has to offer. There’s also a well-equipped fitness centre – I wasn’t planning on spending much time there during my relaxing break, though the panoramic views are tempting! Our first evening was spent dining in the hotel’s avant-garde restaurant, where we enjoyed a seasonal Mediterranean meal made from fresh and local products – a good taste of what was to come throughout the rest of our whirlwind adventure. We later wandered over to the beach for a nightcap in a typical Spanish ‘chiringuito’ beach bar.

Our first full day began with the buffet-style breakfast at the hotel. Feeling guilty about the amount we’d consumed, we hired bikes from reception and spend the day ticking a few of the must-see places off our list, starting with a cycle along the beach. We enjoyed an exercise-earned meal at a traditional paella restaurant by the harbour, before strolling through the tiny, cobbled streets that make up the oldest part of the city. We ended the day admiring the sun setting over the impressive skyline from a rooftop bar. We vowed to come back to the ILUNION next year, toasting the start of an unforgettable few days in Barcelona!