Why book El Palace Barcelona?
For the ability to step out into the Catalonian capital’s buzz at a moment’s notice, while experiencing the lavish trimmings of the city’s original luxury hotel.
Set the scene
Our suitcases buckle and roll through Eixample’s streets until El Palace comes into view on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes like a mirage. The striking Modernist facade is peppered with opulent scarlet hangings across the entrance and on balcony exteriors, and we admire the grandeur as the city’s smartest doormen whisk our luggage away and escort us through the revolving doors. Inside, we’re taken aback by the lobby’s symmetrical opulence, where a central marble walkway flows into the deep red-and-gold carpet lining each side of the double staircase. As we’d find out later that evening, the view from the revolving doors is all the more breathtaking once the doors ahead into The Hall are flung open to reveal a catwalk-esque space with a glittering bar at the far end.
The backstory
The story of Barcelona’s oldest luxury hotel dates back to Swiss hotelier César Ritz, who sought to open an opulent haven in the heart of the city following the world-renowned success of the Ritz outposts in Paris, London and Madrid. The Ritz of Barcelona opened its doors in 1919 and has since played a crucial role in many notable events throughout the city’s modern history, from the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition to the hotel’s seizure in 1936, which placed it under union control just days after the Spanish Civil War broke out. El Palace took its current name in 2005, with a series of renovations to the bedrooms, the spa and the rooftop following.
The rooms
Both classic and superior rooms measure 35 square metres; sizeable for the city, with the latter category’s layout accommodating up to three guests. Junior suites offer a lounge area near the bed, while superior and deluxe suites offer breakout areas in adjoining rooms. Regardless of category, each of the 120 rooms is decorated with plush furnishings that pull guests into a bygone era, with timeless elegance and century-old secrets spilling out of antique drawers. Balconies offer glimpses across the city while bathrooms are marbled sanctuaries tucked away from the surrounding buzz of the boutiques and bars. In 2017, the hotel’s deep connection to various art forms and artists was honoured with the creation of the Art Suites; the El Palace Suites were subsequently renovated. We’re fortunate enough to check into the Joséphine Baker Art Suite, where a sprawling open-plan lounge and dining room are ideal for hosting pre-dinner aperitivos – or full-blown dinner parties, even. The legendary French dancer and singer stays at the hotel during her visits to Barcelona in the 1950s; hence, one of the glitziest suites is named in her honour, with decor inspired by Château des Milandes, the Renaissance palace in Dordogne she once called home. Other starry guests and icons to have suites named in their honour include artists Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí and, intriguingly, musician Ronnie Wood.
Food and drink
In a city as renowned for its food scene as Barcelona, even the most exceptional hotels face their fair share of pressure to entice discerning gourmands. Amar Barcelona does just that, as Sevillian chef Rafael Zafra declares his love for the Catalonian capital and the azure Mediterranean beyond through sea-centric dishes. Brioche toast is adorned with caviar – most things can be, for that matter – before fresh-from-the-sea lobsters, prawns, king crab and turbot are sizzled to preference and delivered to tables alongside uber-indulgent sides. Supper at Amar is entirely optional, but breakfast at El Jardín is a must. Descend into the chequered, monochrome greenhouse-esque space flooded with natural light, where fellow guests plot their days while washing down continental spreads and cooked classics with iced coffees and fresh juices. So extensive is the selection that early overindulgence is known to warrant a lift to the rooftop garden ahead of schedule for a poolside slumber – sightseeing can wait, in such cases. Speaking of, the rooftop level is the buzzy heart of the hotel, spanning a swimming pool (for dipping, rather than laps) and a restaurant/bar ideal for sundowners.
The spa
Wellness enthusiasts check in for visits to Mayan Luxury Spa alone, where talented therapists curate massages, facials, and rituals that transport guests to Caribbean shores. Settle in for replenishing anti-ageing facials, refreshing sea salt scrubs and oil wraps, and massages that utilise the healing powers of hot stones and seashells, among other natural elements. There’s also a personal trainer on hand to help keep on top of fitness goals and beat jet lag grogginess.
The neighbourhood
Many travellers see Eixample as the place to be in the city, particularly for short stays where restaurant-hopping, boutique shopping and shoestring sightseeing are equal priorities. You’ll hear plenty of animated conversations in Spanish before ambling into the depths of the Gothic Quarter, mere minutes away on foot, and heading towards the sea. It’s possible to dine over a sea breeze within half an hour, while the Sagrada Familia is a 25-minute stroll through leafy streets in the opposite direction.
The service
You name it, the team’ll sort it – El Palace has maintained its reputation as Barcelona’s glitziest haven for good reason. Suite stays include the added benefits of butler and chauffeur services, leaving little reason to lift a finger.
For families
Families frolic by the rooftop pool and older children and teens are catered for across the dining spaces and even in the spa. However, on the whole, El Palace feels like an escape for adults more than a family-friendly favourite.
Eco effort
El Palace Barcelona is loud and proud about its sustainability initiatives and the importance of corporate responsibility. The hotel makes regular food donations to vulnerable groups; annual initiatives support childhood cancer research at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu; and, as signatories of the Barcelona Zero Plastic Commitment, the team works towards the end goal of a plastic-free city.
Accessibility
Wheelchair ramps and lifts provide easier access to spaces across the hotel for guests with limited mobility, while select suites feature roll-in showers, grab bars and handheld shower heads. The website proudly states that the hotel is “adapted for any person with physical or sensory disabilities, with appropriate supports and everything our guests need to enjoy free mobility. The corridors have ramps and wide spaces to ensure full mobility and our lifts include embossed Braille on the keys to allow for easy tactile identification.”