Derby is well-known in the travel industry for their selected boutique urban properties in the main European capitals.
Kitchen at boutique Apart-hotel Arai from Derby Collection
During the first days of September we were headed to Costa Brava for a brand project and decided it was time to pay Barcelona a visit and get to know some new places. We wanted to meet some friends there and also get to know in person some of our clients. Barcelona is a place we know quite well at this point, but we never get to be there more than a couple of days so usually the schedule is a bit tight and we miss some of our favorite spots.
Our hotel choice this time was the beautiful Hotel Arai, by Derby Hotels Collection. Derby is well-known in the travel industry for their selected boutique urban properties in the main European capitals. Barcelona is home for some of them and each one of them has a distinctive personality. Hotel Arai is a renowned palace that dates from 1702 and is part of Catalan’s novelty heritage. The first time we got to see it in person, we couldn’t help but think about our stay in Hotel Calimala at the beginning of summer. Both of them are definitely good examples of tasteful hotels that preserve the architecture and spirit of the original building and are perfectly integrated within the city centre.
Old palace historical room
Breathtaking light at shower
Arai Room
Hotel Arai has one peculiarity we were both very happy about: it’s an apart-hotel. That meant that we could finally spend some more time working quietly in our bedroom and prepare our own meals after a rather hectic summer going here and there. Tapas are something not to miss in Barcelona but it’s good to find some balance.
We stayed for a couple of nights in one of the 31 rooms of Hotel Arai. Ours was located on the 4th floor and had views of a lively square filled with busy terraces. The hotel is placed in the heart of the celebrated Gothic Quarter with some of the city’s most acclaimed attractions just a walk away. The Gothic Quarter is full of narrow streets covered in lightbulbs that are lit up every night, old artisan stores, local restaurants and an overall magical atmosphere. However, Hotel Arai is very quiet and silent, and you’re fully protected from any city life noise.
King size bed at Derby’s Arai
The dreamy shower
A way to say good morning
Montjuic views from Arai’s rooftop
Derby’s Arai rooftop
The interiors of the hotel are exquisite, with stoned walls, lounge chairs in leather, bi-toned floors and a classic marble central staircase that goes all the way up to its rooftop. Rooms also preserve some of the original elements of the former palace and are decorated in perfect balance.
Our room had a full equipped kitchen with everything you might need for a short stay in town. The bathroom had a spectacular shower with natural light coming straight into the dark walls and creating a strong impression. Its king size bed has been one of our favorites so far with a tile headboard on top of it and views to the charming balcony.
Take a minute
The pink rooftop
Barcelona
As predictable as it is, the icing of the cake for us was the beautiful rooftop. We didn’t have the time to go for a swim in the pool or rest on some of their deck chairs, but we could definitely admire the views of the surrounding buildings, the many rooftops around and the ever extraordinary architecture of Barcelona. You could even see some chair lifts going up and down against the sunset.
Hotel Arai is definitely a good choice if you’re looking for a tasteful well located property and also a hotel that offers a private kitchen for longer stays. The staff throughout the property were always very willing to help and kind, with a special mention to David. We will definitely be back, Barcelona.
Pool with a view
Historical interiors
Welcoming hall of Arai Hotel
Disclaimer: The hotel stay at ‘Hotel Arai: Derby Collection’ is a gifted invitation. Opinions and reviews are completely reserved to editors’ real experience.