CLARITY

Defining what luxury truly means is an open ended discussion, refined by countless intricacies. However, based on definitive terms, Barcelona’s Hotel Claris (A Design Hotels Group Property) has been labelled one of the top 10 luxury hotels in the Spanish Capital by Luxury Traveller, writes Cameron Pine.

While Barcelona has all the brands and big name hotels you’d come to expect from a city full of architectural wonders, it has a lot more to offer in the boutique department and the Claris is a neo-classical 19th century wonder.

Housed in the Palacio Vedruna, a former Palace, the Claris is only one block from the busy touristic Passeig de Gracia but with a level of service and charm you just don’t get from even the most gregarious luxury offerings.

You can expect to not only arrive to flattering alcove lighting, copper and steel concrete, but also crisp water, champagne or orange juice no matter the time of day.

The décor is regal, with almost Egyptian influences while the rooms combine elements of East meets West, antique Asian influences melded with the strong architectural stature of a fascinating city with something unique at every turn. A glass elevator takes guests to the floors and the rooftop pool, which is an oasis of cool, class and understated calm. The poolside drinks and refreshments almost feel like your own, and the views allow you to soak up the blue skies of Barcelona’s warm summers.

On the second floor, the Junior Duplex Suite was given an apartment feel with a lofty split level design, a European overtone in all with the low-set pillow-laden king bed and rustic Chinese furniture. There was even a giant birdcage that made one ponder the true origin, but also taps into the true mindset that makes a stay unique.

Each of the 124 rooms and suites is decorated with unique touches, but with the same attention-to-design detail and oneof-a-kind artworks. The atmosphere is so considered that it feels like there are only 12 rooms. The rooms make generous use of rosewood panelling, which contrasts with walnut and cherry and black in the furniture, not to mention leather, silk, chrome and the odd splash of marble in the bathrooms.

Upstairs is the real star of the stay: La Terraza del Claris. It is on that aforementioned rooftop boasting views across the city and a menu stacked with Mediterranean flavours from small to lavish.

It’s surprising how quickly, with a few antiques on the walls and a feeling of individuality in every room, the big hotel stay with the fancy luxury logo quickly becomes very unappealing. The antique rug in my room was worthy of particular note and within the Asian inspired credenza were all the mod cons you’d expect, wireless stereo, unlimited Nespresso coffee and a very adequately stocked minibar with some unexpected treats. The breakfast downstairs is like sitting in a cozy museum and the food perspective is custom, curated, and quality with real table service. Far removed from the never ending buffet style breakfast of larger hotels. It's all a feast for the eyes as well as food for the soul at one of the best addresses in this Catalan city.

Perhaps you should take a trip to the Claris yourself to get some clarity on the matter.

For more information visit www.hotelclaris.com