ABaC, Tibidabo Hill, Barcelona, Spain - Explore & Book

"This is as good as it gets in hotel-land; it's genuinely hard to fault a thing about ABaC, and it feels slightly churlish to try and do so. Nevertheless, in the interest of critical reviewing, let's give it a whirl. It's set on a busy road. But it's cocooned in a lush garden and surrounded by high wooden walls (press a discreet buzzer to enter), so you barely notice the traffic - plus the bedrooms are fully soundproofed. It's expensive. But it's utterly spoiling and being here feels like a real treat. It's a bit out of town, near the Park Güell. But if you're a second-timer to Barcelona, or here on a romantic break, you might relish escaping the mad buzz of the city centre. And we're only talking 15 minutes in a taxi or a quick metro ride. Now let's look at the positives. An elegant, friendly restaurant with 3 Michelin stars and a sublime menu. Fifteen beautiful bedrooms, with hydro-massage baths, Hermès toiletries and amazing beds. An Elemis spa you can hire exclusively, with underwater loungers and a thermal circuit. Lovely staff, who are incredibly helpful and keen for you to experience the Barcelona they love. And last, but not least, a wonderful restoration of a historical 19th-century building that was once the cultural hub of the city, combined with a stunning wooden-and-glass extension and hip, modern décor. As Mary Poppins would say, practically perfect in every way. Highs Walking through the open kitchen to see the chefs at work, creating pure culinary magicWorld-class, incredible food: think pumpkin and citronella cream with roast scallops and leeks, then Belgian Ale: chocolate, coffee butter, toffee, cacao beans and black olives. Be sure to book a table when you reserve a roomPristine bedrooms with black-out blinds, sound-proofing and Treca de Paris mattresses on the bed; you will sleep amazingly wellPopping into town for a quick Gaudí fix, then returning to the peace of suburbiaAn uber-cool cocktail bar and lounge, plus over 1,000 choices of wine Lows It's set on a busy road - see aboveIt's expensive - see aboveIt's a little out of the city - see aboveBreakfast isn't included in the ratesNo twin beds, or extra beds for children. This is very much a couples' escape" - Liz Simpson