Anyone knows that when travelling with a low budget airline, transfers to the city from the airport are seldom easy and certainly not fun. So it was a surprise to say the least when we bought a £50 return ticket from London to Barcelona and it didn’t just fly us to Barcelona El Prat within two hours but it only took us 30 minutes to get to the centre.

When we arrived at Plaza Cataluña, rucksack on back and wheelie case in hand, it took us a few minutes to navigate before setting off in search of Hotel Pulitzer, our hotel for the first night of our four night stay. Despite not having a map, we found the hotel very easily and were relieved that we had done so with little stress. We checked in and headed to our room, past the lobby and up the lift to the fourth floor in a glass lift that looked down onto the glamorous cocktail bar and lounge below.

Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona stands out for its distinctive personality, with interiors crafted by Lázaro Rosa-­Violan whose character is exuded throughout the hotels exclusive bedrooms and rest areas, library, meeting rooms, terraces, restaurant and cocktail bar.

Our room was small but had everything we needed – a large bed, mini bar, plasma TV, a plush bathroom and air con. The dark colour tones made the room feel warm and comforting. A plate of fruit and bottle of cava had been left out for us but rather than drinking in our room, we wanted to get out and explore the city. Sadly, it was 10pm and after a quick Google and browse through the guide books that told us most good places nearby would be closed, we decided to head up to the hotels VISIT UP terrace bar. And what a surprise we had. It was a medium sized terrace full of hotel guests enjoying a few drinks and nibbles on a balmy evening. We ordered a plate of iberico ham and pan con tomate with a glass of prosecco to ease us in gently and enjoyed the buzz of the lively terrace. We managed to sneak in another glass of prosecco before the bar closed and we were forced to retire to bed.

After a very good nights sleep, we woke, got dressed and headed to the breakfast table. We sat in the covered outside terrace and enjoyed a buffet style breakfast with coffee and freshly squeezed juice. Jack brought a slab of Spanish almond cake to the table and devoured it in seconds.

We had only just relaxed into life at the Pulitzer before we had to pack our cases and move on to the next stop. But not before a full day on Brompton bikes provided by the hotel – an ingenious idea that allows guests to enjoy riding freely through the city, rather than having to squish onto the underground packed with tourists and pick pockets.

Our day on Bromptons was perhaps my favourite day in Barcelona. We rode to the flea market then on to the beach and right along the promenade to a locals restaurant called Can Mano for a spot of tapas. Following lunch, we rode to the old Olympic Park, up the windy hills and past beautiful parks and tremendous views. It was a hard ride, particularly as it was so hot but I would much rather have done that than take a bus or taxi.

We finished off our day by returning the bikes to the hotel. We reluctantly handed back the bikes and walked out of the hotel wishing that we could stop time at least for another evening to enjoy one last night of comfort right in the center of Barcelona.

Hotel Pulitzer
Calle Bergara, 8
08022
Barcelona

0034 93 481 67 67

Average rate per double room: €150-­€250

Food for Think was a guest at Hotel Pulitzer