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Granados 83 hotel, part of the Derby Hotel Collection is a 4 star boutique hotel, located in the Eixample district (the ‘gay’ district) of Barcelona. As part of our recent trip to the city at Vada Magazine, we explore whether Granados 83 is LGBT friendly accommodation.
Granados 83
Being located in the heart of the gay district means Granados 83 is conveniently close to many of the gay bars and shops (or a short walk home after clubbing). Many of the latest eateries appear to be popping up within a couple of blocks too, which is an added bonus for foodies, and those looking to escape the tourist-filled diners. Entering the reception of The Granados 83 hotel, we found semi-industrial, city-chic interiors in the form of terracotta colours, black furniture and exposed brick. This dark ambience is offset by a large light well running next to glass elevators. Hindu, Buddhist and Roman style art is collected throughout the hotel including pieces in some rooms.
Accommodation is split over 6 floors, with 77 rooms, and on top of this is the Terrace 8 bar, and small outdoor swimming pool.The ground floor also houses the G bar cocktail lounge, and in the lower ground floor there is a breakfast space including outdoor terrace and the hotel’s restaurant, Restaurant 3.
Accommodation
We stayed in the highest room category, a Duplex Room (room 608) for our time at Granados 83. Entering the room, on the sixth floor is a bedroom with terrace overlooking the back of the building (there is a school next door, so keep the terrace door closed if you want to sleep in). The room interior continues the theme from reception with more exposed brick, black furniture and finishings and leather sofa and headboard. Wooden floors finish the effect of a boutique, chic industrial space. In contrast to chain hotels and the spacious, light architecture of Barcelona this interior makes for a cosy space in which to relax and recuperate after a long day (or night) in the city.
Grandos 83 makes clever use of sliding wooden doors to enclose the wardrobe and mini bar/TV area. The bathroom is finished in white marble, and includes bath with shower over, single sink and toilet and bidet. Amenities are from the British brand, The White Company, adding to the luxurious offering. We also noted the fresh rose in the bathroom as part of our stay, a welcome small touch that does make a difference – take note airlines who are trying to sell budget as ‘business class’.
Taking the stairs up a level, there is a living room area with a further TV and a comfy leather sofa on which to relax. Opening the door upstairs reveals a semi-private pool (shared with 3 other rooms in this category). and outdoor seating area. The water is not heated, but this is a perfect space to enjoy a private drink and dip to cool down on a summer day.
Dining
Granados 83 has one restaurant, Restaurant 3, on the lower ground floor. Whilst we didn’t have time to try this out on our stay, prices for a main course are in the 20€ – 25€ price bracket. Breakfast is also served on the lower ground floor. As well as a buffet selection, fresh orange juice and your choice of teas or coffees is brought to your table. Also included in the breakfast rate, is a choice of hot dishes (cooked to order) from the kitchen including eggs how you want with sides, blinis with smoked salmon etc. We found the atmosphere calming and relaxed, and enjoyed this quiet start to the day given the small size of the hotel, rather than what can often be a hectic and frenetic experience at larger properties.
G bar and the outdoor ‘8 Terrace’ both offer drinks, with the latter also able to cater for light bites, useful if you’ve chosen to have a lazy afternoon. Both are open from 11am until 1am.
Amenities
In addition to the dining facilities, Granados 83 has a rooftop pool available to all hotel guests, and a gym. Both are small areas, and the pool is certainly not big enough to swim, but is more a chill out area to cool down from the heat of the sun. Like out semi-private pool, the water is not heated so we decided not to take a dip in mid-October (despite the 24C temperature), but there’s nothing to stop those inclined at any time of the year.
Overall thoughts
We found Granados 83 to have an ideal location for those wanting to explore the gay bars and clubs, or the foodie scene of Barcelona. As an LGBT-friendly hotel, we found the service friendly and open. The luxuryous touches of The White Company products, and semi-private pool will appeal to those looking for affordable luxury, and Granados 83 definitely meets the needs of the design conscious.
Nightly rates start from 95€ at Granados 83, with a Duplex Room including breakfast costing from 190€ per night depending on season and day.
Granados 83 is located at Carrer d’Enric Granados, 83, 08008 Barcelona
For specific room rates and to book, visit hotelgranados83.com.
