Majestic Hotel, Barcelona

BACKGROUND The property dates back to 1918 when the Soldevila-Casals family opened the Majestic Hotel Inglaterra and has since counted film stars, artists, sportsmen, politicians, and writers, including Ernest Hemingway, among its distinguished guests. In 2013, the hotel, part of the Majestic Hotel Group and a member of Leading Hotels of the World, completed a major renovation.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? As you walk into the lobby of this neoclassical building you immediately take in the pleasant aroma of the hotel’s signature fragrance and the sta greet you with their friendly Catalan hospitality. The warm colour tones make the hotel very welcoming, and even if you are not an in-house guest, this is the place to enjoy a meal or sit on the rooftop terrace.

WHERE IS IT? The hotel is located on Barcelona’s famous Eixample district on Paseo de Garcia, a swanky street full of luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Carolina Herrera, to name a few. It is in this part of the city that you encounter Gaudi’s quirky Spanish architecture with his masterpieces like Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and the Sagrada Familia, which is a 20-minute walk from the property. Also close by are attractions including La Rambla, Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Gothic Quarters, and Plaça Catalunya.

ROOMS The Deluxe Rooms have a warm and neutral colour palette and most overlook the inner courtyard, or the Pasaje de Campos Eliseos. The newly renovated Deluxe Passeig de Garcia Room features a king bed (or twin beds) and great views of Passeig de Garcia, while the Majestic Royal Penthouse is the grandest of spaces, accommodating six guests and o ering a private panoramic terrace with a jacuzzi and solarium and views that include the famous Sagrada Familia.

FOOD AND DRINK Restaurant SOLC specialises in Catalan gastronomy, with fresh ingredients grown in the on-site garden or sourced from local producers. Many dishes pay homage to Spain such as the Maresme sweet peas and Catalan black sausage with young onions, or the Xisqueta lamb rack with broccoli and spicy sauce created by the restaurant’s ranchers. Bu et breakfast is served on the 1st floor and features Lebanese, American, and Continental options. Room service o ers a vast range of breakfast and all-day dining options, with tasty dishes including ‘Homemade Iberian ham and croquettes’ – a popular tapas dish.

Restaurant SOLC specialises in Catalan gastronomy

BUSINESS Located in Barcelona’s business district and featuring several venues, the hotel is ideal for meetings and events. Rooms like Alborán can be transformed into theatre, meeting or banquet style, while Tirreno seats 28 and Restaurant Condal accommodates 24 for a more intimate meeting, dinner or social occasions. Conventions, press conferences, gala dinners and training workshops are regularly staged at The Majestic.

LEISURE The top-floor spa o ers massages and therapeutic experiences and the gym, open 24/7, o ers strength and cardio training equipment.

VERDICT Perfect for meetings and events with a real Spanish flavour or a ‘bleisure’ trip, with all of Barcelona’s tourist attractions close by. Allyson Portee

BEST FOR Business mixed with leisure

DON’T MISS The rooftop and dinner at SOLC

PRICE From US$381

CONTACT majestichotelgroup.com