Hotel Continental

The Hotel Continental is one of the hotel establishments that are part of the history of La Rambla. Over more than a century of history, the hotel has changed location twice without moving from La Rambla de Canaletes.

Initially, the hotel was located at the corner of La Rambla with Plaça de Catalunya. In 1931, the hotel was acquired by the Malagarriga Vallet family (who are still the current owners) and changed location to the Palau de la Marquesa de Pallejà, right next to where it was.

In this new location, on the ground floor, it housed the "Bar Automàtic." This bar operated from 1932 to 1947 and at the time represented a technological revolution as the system for dispensing drinks and food was through machines.

During the Spanish Civil War, the hotel was collectivized, becoming a headquarters of the local government.

In 1975, it moved to its current location at La Rambla 138, where it occupies three floors of a large building that it shares with other hotel establishments.

It is currently a three-star hotel that maintains a family atmosphere and personalized service as distinctive elements among the abundant hotel offerings in the area. Its standout rooms have small balconies that open to the spectacle of La Rambla.

One of the features of the hotel is that it offers a 24-hour buffet service to its clients. Two small dining rooms - one with views of La Rambla - and a small interior terrace are the common areas that allow guests to enjoy this buffet of meals and drinks.

The Hotel Continental is the only hotel establishment in the city that has been listed in the Michelin Guide since the first edition - from 1910 to the present day. But this is not the only distinctive feature that makes it special: Among its famous guests, George Orwell stands out, who mentions it in "Homage to Catalonia," which he partially wrote in his rooms. Other recognized guests include orchestra conductor Herbert von Karajan and singer Antonio Machin.

In terms of anecdotes, its balconies serve as a privileged viewpoint for televisions to show FC Barcelona celebrations at Canaletes.