Barcelona is a dynamic city. It can take days, weeks or – for the more intrepid traveller – even months to fully explore and appreciate its ancient streets. The city’s roots spread as far as Rome and as deep as the Middle Ages, although it is also known for characteristics that appeared much more recently: the modernist architect Antoni Gaudi is responsible for some of the city’s most famous icons, including Casa Milà and the unfinished church, la Sagrada Família.
Authentic experiences
The urban widening and redistribution of Barcelona, planned by Idelfons Cerdà in the 19th century, has stamped the city with a rationalism that perfectly contrasts the chaos of the old city. The Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, situated in the centre of Raval, is one of the city’s main tourist attractions, while Torre Agbar, designed by Jean Nouvel, has become the gateway to the technological distract of Barcelona known as ’22@’.
Meliá Hotels International offers visitors a wide selection of accommodation options that provide an authentic experience of Barcelona or Madrid
On the east coast of Spain, the city of Barcelona is a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to truly experience the atmosphere, traditions and tastes of the country. Visitors can soak up the city’s history and unique way of life as they get lost among bustling streets and breathtaking landscapes.
Madrid – Spain’s capital and the third-largest city in Europe – offers a unique cultural experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere, where a lively social life and a wide range of leisure activities continue to draw in both visitors and locals. The city boasts 73 museums, including the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, which each house culturally significant paintings by Picasso, Dalí, Goya and Velázquez.
Sampling Spain
Boasting a catalogue of 28 hotels across both cities, Meliá Hotels International offers visitors a wide selection of accommodation options that promise to provide an authentic experience of Barcelona or Madrid. The hotels are located across a variety of areas, including the city centres, financial districts, shopping districts or within easy reach of the airports. Gran Meliá Fénix, for example, is one of Madrid’s most emblematic hotels and has consequently been recognised as part of the Leading Hotels of the World programme. It is located next to Paseo de la Castellana in the bustling Plaza de Colón, offering guests a truly opulent experience of Madrid city life. Meliá’s additional range of accommodation under the ME by Meliá marque breaks tradition within the hotel industry, focusing on the nonconformist spirit of travellers who are looking for a more creative and stimulating experience.
ME Madrid Reina Victoria is situated in the city’s liveliest district, and has brought about revolutionary change through its creation and installation of cutting-edge technological systems. Its Ana la Santa restaurant and The Roof terrace are as innovative and spectacular as the rest of the hotel, with the latter’s vibrant atmosphere ensuring it has become a popular venue for locals.
The Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand offers unique experiences in both Madrid and Barcelona. One of Barcelona’s most attractive offerings is the cutting-edge hotel Meliá Barcelona Sky Hotel, situated in the 22@ district. The modern skyscraper, designed by Dominique Perrault, offers impressive facilities including an outdoor pool, Michelin-star fine dining at Dos Cielos restaurant, a well-equipped congress centre and terraces providing spectacular panoramic views of the city. By offering such a wide range of accommodation, both cutting-edge and luxurious, Meliá is succeeding in bringing its distinctive touch to the daily lives of business travellers.
