Review: Majestic Hotel, Barcelona

Background

The hotel was opened in 1918 as the Majestic Hotel Inglaterra in its neoclassical building, and started by the Soldevila-Casals family. Today, it’s under the grouping of The Leading Hotels of the World and has catered to film start, artists, sportsmen, politicians, business people, and guests - some of them including Joan Miró, Josephine Baker, and Ernest Hemingway. Owned by Pascal Billard, the General Manger who has 30+ years in international luxury service. In 2013 the hotel completed a major renovation.

What’s it Like?

As you walk into the lobby you notice the signature fragrance of the hotel. With the front desk to your immediate right, you hear the sounds of piano playing in the evening. The staff greet you with Catalan hospitality and warmth. The warm tones make the hotel even more welcoming, even if you’re not a guest, is a place to have 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, Carolina Herrera- just to name a few- and high-class taste.It’s in this part of the city that you encounter Gaudi’s unique and quirky Spanish architecture with his masterpieces like Casa Batlló, La Pedrera, and the Sagrada Familia, which is a twenty-minute walk from the hotel. And close by you find tourist attractions like Les Rambles, Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Gothic Quarters, and Plaça Catalunya.

Rooms

The deluxe room is the most basic room. It like most of the rooms in the hotel have a warm and soft color palette of creams and light brows and off-white. Most of these rooms overlook the inner courtyard, or the Pasaje de Campos Eliseos. The Deluxe Passeig de Garcia Room includesa king bed (or two twin beds) with sprawling views of Passeig de Garcia. Newly renovated include the warm color tones of the hotel, and just below is the Chanel boutique. And the Majestic Royal Penthouse is the grandest of spaces that fit 6 people and offers a private panoramic terrace with a jacuzzi and solarium that overlooks Pesseig de Garcia and the Sagrada Familia.

Food and Drink

Breakfast is served on the 1st floor in buffet style with a mixture of Lebanese, American, and Continental options.  Restaurant SOLC includes Catalan gastronomy, with fresh ingredients coming from the kitchen garden, as well as from local producers. Dishes pay homage to Spain like the Maresme sweet peas and Catalan black sausage with young onions, or the Xisqueta lamb rack with broccoli and spicy sauce that comes from the restaurant’s ranchers.

Room service has a comprehensive menu of breakfast and During the day items. Breakfast options are continental, international, healthy, and Lebanese. The During The Day menu options range from starters like “Homemade Iberian ham and croquettes”- a famous Spanish tapa, to traditional humus with pita bread- or falafel. Salads like the “Burrata salad with tomato, Mediterranean crumbs, and pest offers a unique quick. Other items range from the Lobster hot dog, Majestic beef burger, fish, and meat and pasta options. And of course there’s dessert like the Jean Maire Hiblot chocolate and hazelnut praline cake.

Leisure

For health and wellbeing, the Spa, located on the top floor is available for massages and therapeutic experiences. The gym is open 24/7 for those wanting to use weightlifting and cardiovascular equipment. 

Verdict

Stay here. It’s proximity to La Familia Sangria, and it’s location in the heart of Barcelona makes it a must stay.

            Best For: a hotel close to all of Barcelona’s tourist attractions

Don’t Miss: Restaurant SOLC that makes dishes based on the Catalan cuisine and Spanish history

            Price: Rooms start at $381 – $2,832+ per night

            Contact: Paseo de Gràcia, 68, 08007 Barcelona