Hotel ABaC
Avda. Tibidabo, 1, Barcelona, Catalonia 08022, Spain
Why We Like It
There are many reasons to like this hotel, but two stand out more than others and that’s the three-star Michelin restaurant and the stellar modern design and artwork throughout. Ideal for romantic couples who don’t want to be in the center of the city, this hotel has everything you could need including a pool, spa, and gym. Though it’s a bit out of reach from Barcelona’s main attractions, there is a metro stop practically next door to get you where ever you need to go. High design combined with high levels of service and one of the highest rated dining experiences in the country – what more could you ask for?
Fodor's Expert Review
This super modern and meticulously designed boutique hotel belongs in Architectural Digest for its sleek lines and avant-garde style. Though it’s small – there are only 15 rooms – this former house that belonged to a US Ambassador is now home to a three-star Michelin restaurant and five-star service. Set on the north side of the city, away from tourist sites, ABaC is the perfect retreat for art-loving couples who want some tranquility to go with their vacation setting.
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Room
Because it was originally a house, all the guest rooms differ in size and shape. What is common is light wood floors, cushioned headboards, day beds, gray area rugs, and loads of natural light pouring in through the huge windows that look over the hotel’s sculpture garden. Rooms also feature giant, curved smart TVs and come with bottled water and Nespresso machines.
Tip It’s worth splurging for larger rooms as they come with giant terraces.
Bathroom
Modern design can be seen throughout and so it goes in the bathrooms with new-age sinks and giant brutally honestly lit vanity mirrors. Also featured are rain showers and Jacuzzi tubs, towel heaters, shaving mirrors, and Deborah Mitchell bath products. Whitish/gray marble is everywhere.
Lobby
There’s no central lobby area, but as you traverse the zig-zagged floors, you’ll find modern art strewn along the walls and corners around the entire complex.
Pool
Underground is the hotel’s indoor pool, which is just big enough for some lap work. Open from 8 am to 9 pm, the tranquil space is actually inside the hotel’s spa area.
Spa
Inside the spa, you’ll find the indoor pool, a separate hammam, steam and sauna facilities, and two cabins for massages and other treatments.
Gym
Also underground within the spa space, the fitness area features three Technogym machines and not much else – though it is open 24/7.
Dining
One of the main reasons to stay at this hotel is its eponymous three Michelin star restaurant. Here, super-chef Jordi Cruz regales his customers with a 17+ course tasting menu with some of the most innovative cuisine in Barcelona. Beyond the main restaurant, there is a separate salon for breakfast.
Drinking
Below the restaurant is the ABaC Lounge. Here guests are met with hardwood floors, white arches, and brown and white leather chairs and couches and more modern art. Open from 11 am to 1 am, the space is often used by the restaurant for appetizers before moving into the main dining area for the rest of the opulent dinner.
Gardens
In the back of the hotel is the sculpture garden. Here, guests can ponder the art over breakfast or just relax with a coffee in this very chill space.
What's Nearby
Getting Around
The hotel is on the northern side of the city, away from most of the main attractions that tourists typically flock to. The surrounding area is mostly residential with small boutiques, local restaurants and bars. About a 1-minute walk from the hotel is a metro stop so it’s easy to get to the center of the city if you want to.
Restaurants
A Contraluz (7-minute drive) is a short cab ride away for Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal ingredients. If you just want some tapas, check out Bar Montesquiu (10-minute walk), which is also a great bar.
Bars
If you eat at Bar Montesquiu (10-minute walk), stay for cocktails. Another good bar nearby is Chico Bar (13-minute walk), which specializes in tapas and vermouth and has live music on Fridays and Saturdays.
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