With no Olympics, World Cup, or World Fair, 2011 sounds like a largely uneventful year. That means there’s no major reason to visit (or avoid) any particular city, and no one destination will take over much of the travel media coverage. With that in mind, we guide you to the best city-break options for the [...]
When UCityGuides first reported on the opening of the controversial W Barcelona Hotel, it still didn’t have one of its star attractions which is the Eclipse Bar on its 26th floor. Designed by Ricardo Bofill, it’s become one of the hottest night spots in the city, in an exclusive ambience and stunning views of the [...]
Designed by local architect Ricardo Bofill, Barcelona’s newest hotel is already a city landmark — and a much controversial one. W Barcelona resembles a glass sail by the waterfront (its nickname is “the Sail Hotel”), but critics say it ruins the views of the sea from the port while others claim it is even a [...]
After almost a decade as head chef at the world’s best restaurant (that’s “El Bulli” not far from Barcelona, in case you’ve one of the very few who’ve never heard of it), Albert Raurich felt it was time to open his own business. The result is Dos Palillos, an Asian-inspired tapas bar-restaurant in the heart [...]
Travelers from around the world have voted in the last few months and have finally decided which are the ultimate urban creations of all time: GRACHTENGORDEL CANALS, AMSTERDAM The monumental result of 17th century urban planning that created one of the most pleasant and beautiful cities in the world. PASSEIG DE GRACIA, BARCELONA With a [...]
It’s June! That means summer! That means beach! That means urban pleasures in the sun, and in some lucky metropolises, urban beaches! No, we’re not talking about those seasonal man-made beaches increasingly common in European cities located far away from the coast. We’re talking about shores created by nature, facing real oceans, and with the [...]
Barcelona’s Passeig de Gracia is the world’s most unconventional avenue with its unusual street lights and benches around the surreal designs of Gaudi’s and other modernists’ buildings. Now a new striking, undulating façade has just joined those strange constructions, and this time it’s not a luxurious private residence, but a stylish hotel. Designed by Toyo [...]
Hotel & Spa Villa Olimpic@ Suites | Barcelona This brand-new Barcelona hotel opening this month is all about comfort and pampering. It offers both regular-sized rooms and suites, as well as its own spa and gym for body and beauty treatments, including a relaxing Jacuzzi in the sauna area. There is internet access in every [...]
The world’s 10 most rewarding cities, based on character, cultural attractions, art, street and urban life: New York – It defines the urban lifestyle and the ultimate cosmopolitan destination. You’ll be tempted into shopping more than you wished, paying high admissions to some of the world’s best museum collections, and find yourself having to make [...]
