Castell de Guardiola — Hotel in Sant Salvador de Guardiola

The best decision we made on our entire trip to Barcelona and Catalunya was to stay here at the Castell de Guardiola. We had a package deal that gave us two nights in Montserrat, but we decided to skip the second night and stay here instead. Best choice we made. Firstly the room was 100 times nicer than the hotel up at Montserrat. (see my other reviews). The bedroom was precious, 2 beds (room #5) with a very modern beautiful clean attached bathroom, and a large window/door that opened up to amazing views looking back to Monserrat. The room was absolutely spotlessly clean, and there was an additional sitting room next to the dining room that was lovely to sit in after dinner. We had made a reservation (make a reservation! ) for dinner and she had it on the table within 15 minutes of us arriving and we were so grateful because we were so hungry after a lot of driving. The food was literally the best food we had on our entire trip. Don't miss a dinner by Marta. It started with beautiful rustic bread with fresh thyme and the best olive oil I've ever had. Then there was a salad and fresh mushroom risotto, then a fabulous fall off the bone chicken in Catalan sauce with apricots and prunes that was to die for. She followed it up with flan for dessert. Everything was locally sourced from her own kitchen garden, The olive oil, the wine and probably everything else was from her agricultural cooperative. We were so tired and told her we were going to sleep-in and she accommodated us with breakfast at 10:30 which was also a huge spread and absolutely wonderful and homemade. We enjoyed the pool area and relaxed on the chaise lounge for a few hours before driving on to our next destination. We really hated to leave because it was such a nice day and we wished we had had more time here. Marta made sure that we got to see the little chapel on their property. She walked down the hill with us with the key and open it up to show us. Thankfully I speak very good Spanish and was able to get the full story of the property; it was a guard castle, or a military castle from about 1000 A.D. which had fallen into ruins by 1600. In 1600 her husband's ancestors purchased the property and built a house out of the stones/ruins. There had also been an early Romanesque church on the site which you can still see the foundation today. In 1600 they rebuilt a smaller chapel on the property out of the church's ruins. They managed to keep the property in the family for all these generations, including through the 1936 Spanish Civil War which was difficult. The chapel sustained a lot of damage in the war. And the great aunts who were held up in the house as refugees somehow survived and maintained the property in their family. ||If you were in the area make sure you stay here. Marta was the best hostess I have ever met. She is like the Barefoot Contessa of Catalonia. There are not enough stars here to give this bed-and-breakfast....

If you are looking for stunning views, peace, comfort, amazing food and a warm welcome then this is the place to go. We were looking for a quiet place to stay near Barcelona before spending the rest of our week in th city and this property ticked all of the boxes. The breakfasts are plentiful and delicious, the bedrooms pleasantly decorated and comfortable and the views from around the property (including our bedroom) were spectacular. We hired a car as it is otherwise difficult to reach, but there were a number of places within an easy drive; Monserrat mountains, the Oller del Mas vineyard and of course, Barcelona (to name a few). ||||Marta and her son Josip could not have been more welcoming or accommodating. Marta cooks evening meals on request (24 hours notice) and whilst there are no menu choices, you will not be disappointed. ...it is all delicious and extremely good value for money (18 euros pp for 3 courses including carafe of wine). Pre book your 1st night's meal prior to arrival||||Thee is WiFi if you want that, a pool and sunbeds, plenty of outside space to chill, walks, a comfortable lounge, TV room and large breakfast room with amazing views.||||4 nights was perfect to take us away from our usual hustle and bustle, and to prepare us for the noise and energy...

This is an amazing little hotel. I would recommend using a satnav when you go as it is very difficult to find but it’s location is so peaceful with fabulous views of the mountains around it. Joseph welcomed us and we sat on the lovely terrace with a drink. The rooms are small but guests have use of a sitting room and lounge with tv and games etc so this isn’t a problem. At any rate, sitting on the terrace is such a lovely experience you don’t want to spend much time in your room!||We were so glad that we had read previous reviews as we booked dinner in advance and what a treat that was! Marta cooked the most fantastic vegetarian meal for us. Both nights we were treated with a feast. The food was terrific and at 20 euros including wine (each) it was amazing value. There is nowhere else to eat nearby but the food was better than any we’d had elsewhere. Breakfast too was fantastic; freshly made omelettes, home made jams and local fruit and tomatoes etc. ||Marta and Joseph were such welcoming and kind hosts. We can’t...