Don’t believe the hype: some Barcelona locals may have been complaining about tourists, but it remains Europe’s elite city break experience. This is exemplified by the Kimpton Vividora, not so much a hotel as a fantasy cosplay where you are twice as cool as usual and the whole world loves you.
Where is it?
This five star hotel is almost bizarrely situated down an innocuous street in the Gothic Quarter, close to the central shopping area of La Rambla (which, incidentally is often flagged as Barcelona’s version of Oxford Street, but let me tell you, it’s nowhere near as grotty, threatening and ugly as London’s troubled centre - pedestrianisation can’t come quick enough if you ask me) but very distinct in character.
The Gothic Quarter is a haven for shops, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes amid its awesome medieval and Roman landmarks, and is full of surprises - but it still comes as a shock to enter the Vividora. The place has a sense of elan and sophistication that is apparent with the highly engaged staff, the modern décor and just the feel of the place. Hidden gem is the phrase. Or would be, if the word weren’t out on the Vividora. For us, though, the test was how good it was for families, with all the unsophisticated demands they create.
Style
Think Soho House made for socialising not privacy. Modern, artistic décor, locally-produced furniture, the place has a certain verve that balances high style with homeliness.
The downstairs lobby all houses a bar called GOT. This space has wide windows onto the street and is deliberately close to the entrance, to allow for the Gothic Quarter buzz to permeate. It’s seating plan makes socialising with others an inevitability, something which the hotel is keen to support – and does so, most memorably with the daily ‘wine o’clock’ sessions. An hour of free wine before dinner call, certainly lubricates conversation, and let’s face it, is the only way us English can manage it. What we liked, was how much our children - aged nine and eleven - were made to feel welcome there. Good job: I wasn’t about to miss it.
Which room?
We had our children with us and shared a family room, which is actually two interconnecting rooms – perfect for a bit of peace from children, and I’m sure they’d say, from adults. The style is modern, apartment-style, with locally designed furniture, with a nice touch of French windows and a small balcony to keep that city buzz going.
I liked the trendy touch of a signature scent too, this one from Carner Barcelona – I for one, don’t just like to stay in a hotel, I like to smell of it. Fully immerse.
Food and drink
Aside from wine o clock downstairs, there is a rooftop bar with swimming pool called Terraza De Vivi. Such rooftop amenities are an essential part of Barcelona life and are a particular godsend for those of us with children.
City breaks unavoidably involve a lot of walking around, and little ones getting fed up is therefore also unavoidable; coming back to a rooftop pool is a great way to avoid bad moods and sulks. Cocktails in the bar are outstanding, with the white sangrias particularly doing the job for me, along with endless croquetas.
The jewel in the, er, food crown at the Vividora, however, is Fauna, their restaurant offering modern spins on traditional fare. It feels homely and relaxed, as so few ‘quality’ hotel restaurants do, which again, makes a hell of a difference when you have children.
I had an amazing grilled Turbot, while my kiddies stuck to their guns with chicken and my partner had a Tenderloin of aged beef. Conservative choices, but that’s the kind of place it is: comfort eating, not showing off eating. Besides, we also had a cheeky addition of a local cheeseboard with the starters, which isn’t very British is it?
Extracurricular
Thanks to the recommendations of the team at the Vividora, we had a packed schedule for the children. Obviously, we didn’t do everything, but some things just have to be done. The Sagrada Familia feels like a pain to get to, and almost a tourist cliché…yet, it’s a must. Gaudi’s masterpiece – if something unfinished can be a masterpiece, which I think it can – is a Catholic church as imagined by an alien with a meringue fetish. Inside and out, it will enthral young and old alike. Apparently, they’ve nearly finished it, over 140 years since it was started.
Closer to the Vividora, we also liked the Museum of Chocolate, but particularly had a good time at Moco Museum, the little enclave of contemporary art which is very Instagrammable and interactive, and therefore great fun for the kids too. There’s no forbidding cool and hush here, only joy in the exhibitions including works by Banksy, Basquiat and Robbie Williams. Yes, that one.
Best for…
Families who know how to flex stylish.
The details
Double rooms at the Kimpton Vividora start at £176; kimptonvividorahotel.com
