Anna Smith reviews the Majestic Hotel in Barcelona.
Suited on the central Paseo de Gracia, the Majestic Hotel is one of Barcelona’s oldest and grandest hotels, with an imposing historic building and an impressive reception area.
It first opened in 1918 and was most recently renovated in 2013, with a 30 million+ makeover that updated it while retaining the classic features. This refurb also decreased the rooms from 303 to 271, thus allowing for larger rooms all round – smart move.
Our flight arrives at lunchtime so while we wait for our room, we have lunch at the hotel, delighted to see that the restaurant has a conservatory lined with a verdant vertical garden. We enjoy its calming properties while tucking into the set menu: the Caesar salad is a terrific start, while my duck is cooked to perfection. Like many Spanish restaurants, the lunch menu includes a glass of house wine – and on our first sip, we can tell that this house is a classy one.
Our room is on a higher floor and has a suite set-up, with a comfortable living area and a large bedroom. We’re lucky enough to have a city view, looking right down onto the Passeig de Gracia and its many shops. We also get to witness a real live street protest when Catalans take to the streets – it feels like we’re seeing a piece of history from a very privileged vantage point.
Facilities in the room are excellent, from the toiletries to the powerful shower, and there’s also a big spa bath if you’re here to relax. We’re welcomed with some tasty local galettes, and there are plenty more treats in the mini bar if we need them.
The bar downstairs is lively and large, and a good place to observe the international clientele, who range from couples to families to groups of friends from all corners of the earth. Breakfast is served back up in the restaurant, where there’s an excellent spread featuring all manner of fish, fruit, pastries, cereals and cold –and the Spanish reputation for fantastic cheese is upheld here.
With its characterful historic setting and some staff who seem like part of the furniture, the Majestic Hotel definitely has an old-school feel, but it’s got all the modern amenities you need, too. And the location is hard to beat: we find plenty of restaurants and craft beer bars around as well as more traditional Spanish bars and Paseo de Gracia’s many boutiques.
It’s not far from Las Ramblas, and it’s practically across the street from one of Barcelona’s most beautiful buildings: Gaudi’s fantastical Batlló. Majestic indeed.
Tell me more about the Majestic Hotel in Barcelona
Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona Passeig de Gràcia, 68. 10ma Planta,Barcelona
Rooms start at €289 per night.
