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Our Kimpton Vividora Barcelona Review includes photos and our experiences with a King Premium High Floor Room, the rooftop terrace (Terraza de Vivi), and breakfast at Fauna Restaurant.
Kimpton Barcelona Location and Check-in
Unlike most other Barcelona luxury hotels, the Kimpton Barcelona is right in the Gothic Quarter, at Carreer del Duc 15, about a 20-30 minute drive from Barcelona Airport (BCN). Note that because of the warren of pedestrianized streets near the hotel, taxi drivers may claim they can't drop you off in front of the hotel, even though they can. The entrance to the hotel lobby and bar is rather dark, due to its ground floor level, and unfortunately the ground floor ends up leading to some insect intrusions, as there was a giant cockroach that scuttled across the floor when I was working there in the evening.
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We arrived in the mid-afternoon, and due to short staffing at the front desk, which is located on the mezzanine, there was a wait of about 15 minutes before we managed to check-in.
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Kimpton Barcelona King Premium Room High Floor
The hotel, which opened in early 2020, during the pandemic, has 156 rooms and suites. Entry level and lower category rooms are tiny and on lower floors, so we don't recommend booking anything lower than the room type we were in, a King Bed Premium Higher Floor Room. Even these can range from 183-270 square feet (17-25 square meters), still very small and only appropriate if, like us, you're traveling with carry-on luggage only. Instead of an enclosed closet, there's a small rack to hang clothes:
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At least the room gets better natural light than lower floor rooms that overlook the inner patio, however.
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The room is so small that the bathroom sink is in the room itself, in the hallway that leads from the door to the bed:
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The toilet and walk-in shower are separate rooms across from the sink; all of the rooms only have a shower, while suites have a standalone bath and shower.
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The design aspect of the hotel means that it attracts primarily young couples, which explains the cocktail welcome amenity that wasn't appropriate at all for my young teen.
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Along with the DeLonghi espresso machine, I was happy to see a hot water kettle for tea:
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Below this was the mini bar:
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Terraza de Vivi Rooftop Terrace with Swimming Pool
One of the best features of the hotel, given the dark lobby and tiny rooms, is the rooftop terrace, Terraza de Vivi, which also offers a small swimming pool and bar seating with a view of the Gothic Quarter rooftops.
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Breakfast at Fauna Restaurant
Breakfast at Fauna Restaurant was a good if not stellar buffet, with cold cuts, smoked salmon, cheeses, tomatoes, cereals, yogurts, and juices.
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There was also the option to order egg dishes, sandwiches and crepes cooked to order. We enjoyed a very fresh and tasty smoked salmon sandwich, as well as a crepe with berries and chocolate sauce.
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Kimpton Barcelona Virtuoso Benefits
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
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The Verdict
For our brief overnight stay, the Kimpton Vividora Barcelona was conveniently located in the lively Gothic quarter, and we even managed to walk all the way back from the Parc Guell, which took us about one hour. Our King Premium Room was tiny, at only ~240 sq. ft. (22 sq. m.), although it worked for us with only carry-on bags. Those who check with checked luggage should definitely book a suite at this hotel. We do recommend a Premium room on a high floor or a suite, so as to have more natural light and views. The rooftop terrace is also an ideal place to spend time, with its pleasant ambience, views, and a small pool to cool off in. Breakfast in Fauna was good, with simple and fresh items on the buffet and crepes, sandwiches, and egg dishes made to order.
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