Notes on Spain

Looking over Barcelona toward the Mediterranean from Güell Park

Barcelona has more to offer than most European cities its size, but even if it had nothing else, it is a key destination because it is the home of the work of modernist architect and all-around genius Antoni Gaudí. To wander his expansively eccentric Güell Park, the curvaceous Casa Mila with its hallucinatory sculpture garden roof-deck, and the above-mentioned Sagrada Familia is to become enraptured and enslaved by the Dante of architecture, a man with a vision utterly unparalleled in the last 100 years. His lavish work is inextricably bound to the character and essence of marvelous Barcelona, and your experience of it will surely haunt you for the rest of your days.



Nightlife

BARCELONA

Dietrich (Consel du Cent 255A): scrupulously researched throwback to gay bars in 1977 Manhattan, Dietrich was my first gay bar in Spain, and it made me homesick! Phone 011+34 (93) 451-77-07

Diva (Calle Casanova 85): Certainly teaches American drag restaurants a thing or two about having good food and great drag, a combination I have yet to encounter on these shores. Phone 011+34 (93) 454-63-98

Punto (Calle Muntaner #63-65): Extremely popular at the moment. Music videos, classy cocktails, raucous laughs. Phone 011+34 (93) 453-6123

MADRID

Liquid (Calle Barquillo 8): This is where I put my fist in my mouth. Phone 011+34 (93) 532-74-28

Why Not? (San Bartolome 6): Indeed. Like many gay bars in Spain, this is a mixed crowd. Phone 011+34 (93) 577-75-12

OHM (Plaza Callao 4): This is a wildly popular, anything-goes Friday and Saturday after-hours club. No phone

NOTE: The clubs and bars of Spain tend to move around a lot, change hours and names, and even clientele. As in large American cities, there are free gay guides available in the gay areas that offer the most up-to-date listings.

Hotels

BARCELONA

Gran Hotel Catalonia (Calle Balmes 142-146): A perfectly beautiful five-star hotel, located right in the heart of Barcelona and close to plenty of gay bars. Phone 011+34 (93) 415-90-90

Hotel Arts Barcelona (Marina 19-21): Quite simply, the most spectacular modern hotel I’ve ever stayed in, with every imaginable amenity from masseurs to a pillow menu! Ask for a room or a suite that faces the Mediterranean. You’ll just sigh helplessly the entire time you're there. Phone 011+34 (93) 483-80-67

MADRID

Hotel AC Aitana (Paseo Castellana 152): A four-star, highly masculine (in décor) medium-sized hotel with most anything you’d need, including a spiffy CD player in every room. Phone 011+34 (93) 458-49-71

Hotel Gaudi (Paseo de la Gran Via 9): A four-star hotel in the center of the city, within walking distance of most of Madrid's gay bars and major attractions. Phone 011+34 (93) 531-22-22