The best romantic hotels in Barcelona

The five-star Gran Hotel La Florida is as grand as its name, but you won't find it in Barcelona's city centre. Really get away from it all up on Tibidabo, where the phenomenal views you get over the whole city and the Mediterranean are the big draw, especially from the outdoor swimming pool and bar area, where you can clink glasses as you and your sweetheart watch the sunset. Relax into the experience with a couples massage you can get at the same time so you never have to leave each other's side. When you have to leave your room for sustenance, dig in to gourmet Catalan, Spanish and Mediterranean dishes at the hotel's L'Orangerie restaurant, and grab drinks in either of the two stylish bars.

This chic, exclusive hotel is hidden away inside an 18th-century aristocratic house overlooking one of our favourite squares in the city, Sant Felip Neri. When you want to head out from your quiet haven in the historic plaza, you're right around the corner from La Rambla and the busy city centre with all it has to offer. Escape once again into the privacy of your cosy room, create new memories on the lovely rooftop garden terrace, and sink into the sensual surroundings that help you and your special someone enjoy the perfect romantic getaway in Barcelona.

If you're the type of twosome who like to take time out from your city break to be surrounded by nature, you'll fall in love with the tranquil gardens at Alma Barcelona, where you can have a meal, a drink, a snack, or just stare into each other's eyes and breathe the same oxygen provided by lush greenery. Relax further in the spa's indoor pool, hammam or sauna. And when you're ready to head out, you're right there on Passeig de Gràcia, ready to discover modernista buildings, do some shopping, or just wander along holding hands and being the envy of all who cross your path.

Here's a building with some history: the 19th-century neoclassical building once housed the headquarters of the Association of Cotton House Manufacturers, and when it was converted into a hotel in 2014-2015, great efforts were made to preserve original elements, such as the imposing marble staircase, delicate parquet and embellishings in the ceilings, floors and walls of some of the rooms. The whole place drips with plush decadence and romance, from the lobby to the conservatory, the library to the lounges. Head up to the impressive terrace for a glass of cava and some tapas at dusk to get just the right moment for saying just the right thing or making just the right move.

When you know that 'Miramar' translates to 'Look at the sea', then you know you can expect some top views here. You could spend your entire stay staring from your window or balcony on Montjuïc at the port and the sea beyond, watching cruise ships swimming in and out, and the suspended cable cars above gliding back and forth. But perhaps you'll also want to make use of that bathtub-for-two right there in your room, get a soothing treatment at the L'Occitane Spa, head up to the bar on the terrace at some stage, or even explore Montjuïc and the rest of Barcelona. But then again, lazing together taking in the view isn't such a bad way to spend a holiday à deux.

Another treasured 19th-century building in the centre of Barcelona houses the exquisitely designed and decorated Hotel España. Take time to marvel at the details as you make your way to your cosy, welcoming room done up in muted, relaxing tones. Be sure you and your number-one budget in enough for a meal in the hotel's spectacular modernist restaurant, Fonda Espanya, run by chef and creative genius Martín Berasategui. Get some fresh air up on the terrace by the pool or at the bar reclining in those intriguing face chairs (you'll see). Around the corner you've got two landmarks to visit: stop in for fresh fruit, veg or even a meal at La Boquería market, or really wow your partner with surprise tickets to an opera or ballet at the famous Liceu opera house.

If you like a bit of luxury and art with your romantic vacation, the five-star Claris Hotel & Spa could be for you. The decor combines a bit of it all, from the classicism of the original 19th-century palace its housed in to the modern materials and comforts inside, and over 400 original pieces of art on display in the rooms and around the hotel. (If you want more, ask for your free pass into the Egyptian Museum next door.) Everyone's idea of romance is different, so you might be happy to know all rooms are soundproof and have a sofa as well as a bed. If you're feeling peckish, scratch that itch with classic Chinese recipes made with fresh Mediterranean ingredients at the hotel's Mr Kao restaurant. And of course head up to the rooftop terrace for some of the best views in town.

It’s hard to believe that this is just a three-star hotel. It's smack in the centre of town, boasts a cosmopolitan design, rooftop pool and terrace, and attention to detail – all making the Jazz a great value option. It's got a modern, design-led aesthetic, full of clean lines, innovative details and warm colours. From the spacious entrance to comfy sofas and stylish bookshelves in the common areas, and an extensive rooftop terrace with pool (open only in summer), this accommodation has much to offer. If you want to hearts-and-flowers it up a bit, look into the hotel's 'enhance your stay' options, and get red roses, cava or champagne, or chocolates sent to you.

Right at the foot of the enchanting Barri Gòtic, The Serras is a five-star hotel with another star inside, in the form of Michelin-awarded chef Marc Gascon at the helm of Informal. You can also dine at El Sueño with a great rooftop view overlooking the marina. History and art buffs will find it curious to know that Picasso started his career in this very building in 1896, where you are now starting your romantic conquest. To help you achieve your goal, you've got a stylish soundproofed room with a private balcony and state-of-the-art facilities. Perhaps some wooing on the rooftop terrace is in order, over chilled cava with dim lights, where the sea views and the look in your lover's eyes are all you see.

Right in the landmark Plaça de Catalunya in the very centre of the centre of town, the Hotel Olivia Plaza is dressed for romance with fab city views and dashes of lively red around the smart and inviting rooms. If you grow weary of the bed, your room also has a cosy armchair or plush sofa. And if you can't go a day without working to keep yourself as fit as possible for the object of your desire, you'll be happy to know guests at the Olivia Plaza get free access to the fancy Holmes Place Urquinaona gym nearby. You can sneak out early, get your abs glimmering and get back before you surprise your sweetheart with room service for breakfast.