Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona occupies a former bank building on Passeig de Gràcia, the city's grand central avenue, a two-minute walk from Gaudí's Casa Batlló. Interiors by designer Patricia Urquiola run from the sophisticated guest rooms through to Banker's Bar, where the ceiling is built from the original vault's security boxes.

Rooms start at 348 sq. ft in the Deluxe Garden category, with suites adding free-standing tubs, dining areas and butler service; the Premier Suite reaches 1,200 sq.

ft with its own master bedroom and dining table for six. Dining runs from the Catalan restaurant Moments, led by chef Carme Ruscalleda and her son Raül Balam, to the all-day Blanc and the rooftop Terrat.

The spa pairs a lap pool and hammam with a separate rooftop dipping pool and city views. It suits guests comparing central Barcelona addresses who want a landmark building, a chef-led restaurant and spa facilities in one stay, rather than a beach resort or a budget base.