Review of Duquesa de Cardona, by Jamie Dunford Wood

The Duquesa de Cardona is a converted aristocratic townhouse close to the port on the edge of the Gothic quarter (Barrio Gotic). It is this proximity to the beaches as well as the heart of the old city that makes the Duquesa so popular, as well as its intimate size: at just 44 rooms, the hotel has an intimacy lacking in the big port hotels.

The facilities

On the first floor are a series of sitting rooms, again in an understated, classic, interior design style, while the roof sports a great terrace with a small plunge pool, potted geraniums and wonderful port views. Unlike many Barcelona roof pools, this one is relatively quiet, and with much more inspiring views.

Downstairs, the former entrance hall has retained its vaulted ceilings and has been turned into the hotel restaurant, with antiqued fresco panels to give it some feeling of its former grandeur. Ochre walls and black and white tiled flooring reinforce the palazzo feel.

The rooms

Upstairs, concessions have been made to modernity. All but one junior suite are of a similar, standard size - perfectly adequate and, at least for those at the front, light. Light cafe latte walls and colour woodcuts and prints, beige carpet, sisal rugs and pretty fabrics all show evidence of taste. Deluxe rooms are those on the 4th and 5th floors with seaviews. However, this side is on a busy portside road, so you may prefer the quieter, if darker, rooms at the back.