Why book El Palace Barcelona?<\/p>\n
For the ability to step out into the Catalonian capital\u2019s buzz at a moment\u2019s notice, while experiencing the lavish trimmings of the city\u2019s original luxury hotel.<\/p>\n
Set the scene<\/p>\n
Our suitcases buckle and roll through Eixample\u2019s 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\u2019s smartest doormen whisk our luggage away and escort us through the revolving doors. Inside, we\u2019re taken aback by the lobby\u2019s symmetrical opulence, where a central marble walkway flows into the deep red-and-gold carpet lining each side of the double staircase. As we\u2019d 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.<\/p>\n
The backstory<\/p>\n
The story of Barcelona\u2019s oldest luxury hotel dates back to Swiss hotelier C\u00e9sar 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The rooms<\/p>\n
Both classic and superior rooms measure 35 square metres; sizeable for the city, with the latter category\u2019s 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\u2019s 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\u2019re fortunate enough to check into the Jos\u00e9phine Baker Art Suite, where a sprawling open-plan lounge and dining room are ideal for hosting pre-dinner aperitivos \u2013 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 Ch\u00e2teau 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 Mir\u00f3 and Salvador Dal\u00ed and, intriguingly, musician Ronnie Wood.<\/p>\n
Food and drink<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 most things can be, for that matter \u2013 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 Jard\u00edn 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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
The spa<\/p>\n
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\u2019s also a personal trainer on hand to help keep on top of fitness goals and beat jet lag grogginess.<\/p>\n
The neighbourhood<\/p>\n
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\u2019ll 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The service<\/p>\n
You name it, the team\u2019ll sort it \u2013 El Palace has maintained its reputation as Barcelona\u2019s glitziest haven for good reason. Suite stays include the added benefits of butler and chauffeur services, leaving little reason to lift a finger.<\/p>\n
For families<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Eco effort<\/p>\n