Grand Hotel Central Celebrates Second Year With Major Global Accolades, Setting a New Benchmark for Luxury Hospitality in Barcelona

Published on December 16, 2025

Barcelona’s Grand Hotel Central marks its second year with top global honors, earning Classic Vacations’ Europe Partner Award and American Express Card Member Favorite.

As it celebrates two years since reopening, Barcelona’s Grand Hotel Central is entering a new chapter of international recognition, securing two prestigious global honors that underscore its rising stature within the luxury hospitality landscape. The hotel has been named the 2025 Europe Independent Hotel Partner of the Year by Classic Vacations and has also earned recognition as an American Express 2025 Card Member Favorite Hotel, affirming its strong appeal among discerning travelers and influential travel networks alike.

Together, these accolades reflect consistently high guest satisfaction, refined service standards, and a growing reputation that extends well beyond Spain. They position Grand Hotel Central as one of Barcelona’s most compelling luxury addresses, admired by both global travel advisors and travelers seeking distinctive, experience-led stays.

“We are incredibly honored to receive these recognitions, which reflect the dedication of our team and the overwhelmingly positive response from our guests and travel partners,” said Maria Contreras, General Manager of Grand Hotel Central. “Our vision has been to celebrate Catalan culture, creativity, and history – and we are proud to see this resonate with visitors from around the world.”

The Europe Independent Hotel Partner of the Year Award was formally presented to Alberto Rodriguez, Director of Sales and Marketing, during the 2025 Classic Europe Annual Awards ceremony held in Cannes alongside ILTM. This achievement carries particular significance, as Grand Hotel Central becomes the first hotel in Spain to receive the distinction since the award was established in 2015. The honor recognizes outstanding innovation, operational excellence, and strong collaboration with international travel partners, highlighting the hotel’s ability to align creative vision with professional consistency.

In parallel, the hotel has been selected as an American Express Card Member Favorite through The Hotel Collection, a designation reserved for properties that consistently achieve exceptional guest feedback from American Express Card Members. In 2025, only six hotels across Spain were awarded this status, placing Grand Hotel Central among a highly selective group recognized for delivering memorable, high-quality guest experiences.

Since its relaunch in March 2024, Grand Hotel Central has redefined its offering with a comprehensive transformation that blends architectural heritage with contemporary sophistication. The hotel now features 147 thoughtfully redesigned rooms and suites, complemented by two distinctive restaurants and bars, a wellness suite, and a striking rooftop infinity pool offering sweeping panoramic views across Barcelona’s historic skyline.

The interiors, conceived by London-based Sagrada studio, draw inspiration from Barcelona’s Noucentisme movement and the structural elegance of the Chicago School. Bespoke furnishings, natural textures, and a calm, earthy color palette create a refined yet welcoming atmosphere that resonates throughout the property. Culinary highlights include elevated rooftop dining at Terraza del Central and inventive tapas and sharing plates at Can Bo restaurant, both of which celebrate local flavors in a modern context.

Set within an unrivaled location in the heart of the city, Grand Hotel Central continues to attract global attention by seamlessly combining design, gastronomy, and service excellence. Its latest international accolades not only mark a successful second year since reopening but also signal its growing influence as a benchmark for contemporary luxury hospitality in Barcelona and beyond.

With its second year of relaunch celebrated through prestigious international awards, Grand Hotel Central reinforces its status as a leading luxury destination in Barcelona, blending exceptional design, service, and experiences that continue to captivate travelers worldwide.