With industry leaders from around the world in town for the Mobile World Conference this month, Breaking Travel News took the opportunity to visit some of the leading lights of the Barcelona hospitality scene.

Here reporter Alice McKeown visits Hotel Picasso in the El Born district as she explores the city.

Hotel Picasso has arguably one of the most enviable spots of any hotel in Barcelona.

This charming four-star property is situated on Passeig de Picasso in the El Born district, and the elegant, modern lines of the building blend in seamlessly with the more traditional architecture to be found close by.

Visitors staying at Hotel Picasso have the best of both worlds.

While El Born is a gem of an area, retaining the characteristic beauty of the Gothic Quarter with its narrow streets and open squares, it also has a refined tranquility which comes from being very slightly removed from the tourist traffic.

During busy holidays, this is something that guests will appreciate.

As a relatively new boutique hotel – it was opened in June 2012 – Hotel Picasso epitomises elegant, avant-garde architecture which blends harmoniously with its historic surroundings. 

As you approach the entrance on Passeig de Picasso, the warm light from the hotel’s arches spills out onto the pavement in greeting. 

Staff are intuitive when it comes to assessing guests’ moods and needs, and this allows for a very high level of service which never feels overbearing.

Rooms are spacious, and have a simple elegance to them; I stayed in an executive room, with rates starting from €268.00 per night.

This includes an excellent buffet breakfast – perfect for setting you up for a day of exploration.

The roof of Hotel Picasso holds a treat for guests – as you emerge onto it, you’re greeted by a beautiful pool and terrace which overlooks the Ciutadella Park next to the Arc de Triomf.

This is a perfect suntrap during the day, and guests can recline on a lounger by the pool, enjoying the red brick turrets of Castell dels Tres Dragons which jut upwards above the treetops.

The location of Hotel Picasso is a gift for visitors, regardless of whether you want to take in the numerous attractions or amble around Barcelona at leisure.

The Picasso Museum, La Ramblas and the Sagrada Familia are all within walking distance, and so too are some excellent tapas bars.

Special mention must go to Tapeo del Born, which offers up a delicious mix of classic and more elaborate dishes. The Iberico pork ribs were divine!

Guests of Hotel Picasso are also able to enjoy a beach holiday and city break in one; the beach is only ten minutes’ away, while the designer boutiques and legendary markets are within easy walking distance in the other direction.

For guests staying on business trips, the accessibility of transport and means that leisure time can be enjoyed to its fullest.

Hotel Picasso ensures its visitors enjoy a first-class experience during their stay, and their attention to detail ensures guests leave extremely satisfied. I hope to return!

More Information

With the new K+K Hotel Picasso, K+K Hotels brings a hotel with unusually elegant facilities to the lively city of Barcelona, Spain.

For more on the hotel head over to the official website.