Hotel Casa Fuster

Description:

• Opened in 2004 for the first time as a hotel, Casa Fuster is one of the city's most emblematic moderniste buildings. In the early 20th century it served as private home for the Fuster family, before being bought by a state electricity company in 1960. Recently acquired by the Center Group, which invested 68 million euros ($78.2 million) in its ambitious face-lift, the Casa Fuster is now classified as a five-star deluxe hotel. The result is a combination of sheer luxury and state-of-the art amenities. The renovation has been meticulous in the foyer and downstairs Café Viennese, once a well-known meeting spot for the city's intelligentsia. A Belle Epoque color scheme in mauve, magenta, and taupe has been adopted in the rooms, many with balconies that look onto the elegant Passeig de Gràcia. In keeping with the period architecture, drapery, cushions, and padding are abundant, giving the hotel a slightly over-stuffed feel for some. But if it's total indulgence you are after, plus a chance to live like the turn-of-the-20th-century bourgeoisie, the Casa Fuster offers everything you could possibly want: from Loewe toiletries to hydro-massage showers and an extremely high staff-to-guest ratio. Unlike other luxury hotels such as the Arts or La Florida, the Casa Fuster also has the added advantage of being located in the city center, with some of the best shopping and sightseeing on its doorstep. Check their website for special deals.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Ciao Bambino Family-Friendly Hotel

•  Reviewed 2009

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2009
•  Very Highly Recommended 2010