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In the heart of Barcelona, Spain, the historic Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona features a prime location for travelers right on Paseo de Gracia — and what a way to experience this Spanish city! Luxury, history, and an ambiance that only a historic hotel can offer. Read on for why this was my family’s perfect 24-hour escape last summer.
Aerial night view of hotel & surrounding city. Courtesy of Majestic Hotel & Spa, Barcelona, Spain
In June of last year, my daughter, granddaughter, and I set off for an epic three-generation vacation celebrating my granddaughter’s high school graduation. Our first stop was Athens, Greece, followed by a 7-day Mediterranean cruise, ending our adventure in Barcelona. Instead of rushing to catch a flight out the same day, we opted to wind down for 24 hours in Barcelona, and the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona offered that as well as an opportunity to explore the city.
Arrival at Majestic Hotel & Spa in Barcelona, Spain
After carting our luggage through the port terminal, we exited into the bustle of Barcelona and were quickly ushered to a taxi line. Within 10minutes, we were en route to the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona, Spain. We docked early Saturday morning, and even with weekend traffic, we arrived at our hotel in under 30 minutes. This luxurious five-star hotel (which is also dog-friendly) is located on the iconic Passeig de Gràcia, within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, including the Casa Batlló, Casa Milà, and La Sagrada Família.
And it was a beauty — historic, classic, and timeless., the perfect luxurious escape in Barcelona.
Our taxi parked across the street from the entrance, and two elegantly dressed doormen immediately walked across to assist us with our luggage. (NOTE: For those with vehicles, the hotel offers parking and staff to park your car.)
The elegant exterior facade reminded us of Greek architecture, tall columns, marble inlays, and intricate designs (likely since we had recently visited Athens). I read that the hotel’s Neo-classical facade is a rarity in Barcelona, which more often displays modernist and neo-Gothic architecture. The hotel stands grandly on the corner of Passeig de Gracia and Valencia, a coveted address in Barcelona, steps away from Gaudi’s most prominent masterpieces.
The Majestic Hotel & Spa boasts a prime location in the Passeig de Gracia neighborhood. Photo: Diana Rowe
Upon entering the front lobby, we were greeted with more elegance, marble floors, and (thankfully) a cool reprieve from the summer heat.
The front desk is expansive and located to the right of the entrance with casual seating options scattered throughout the lobby area. With our early arrival before noon, we weren’t surprised that our room wasn’t ready, but the front desk quickly checked my family in.
We wanted to explore the city, but not risk taking our passports. The staff set us up with a complimentary deposit box to place our passports and other personal items, as well as storing our bags. Upon taking down my phone number, the staff said they’d call as soon as our room was ready.
Read More: Spanish Hotel Reviews
The elegant lobby of the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. Photo: Diana Rowe
History of the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona
Dating back to 1918, the hotel’s history includes continued ownership by the Soldevila-Casals family. Throughout their ownership, the family members are constants in the city as patrons of the arts and collectors. Upon exploring the hotel, we witness their passion reflected in the many pieces of art displayed in the public areas and the rooms. This passion for the arts earned the hotel the nickname: “Hotel of the Arts.”
As mentioned above, the hotel’s elegant architecture and lavishly appointed interiors also display the family’s attention to detail. My daughter, granddaughter, and I were awed by the elegance of the hotel, especially as this was the first historic hotel that either my daughter or granddaughter had visited. The hotel masterfully blends historic charm with modern amenities, offering a truly unique experience.
Since its opening, the hotel hosted many famous guests, including Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, and Salvador Dalí. The hotel’s elegant architecture and opulent interiors reflect its rich heritage.
And then we were off to explore Barcelona — but not before strolling through the main floor of the hotel.
Prime location to explore Barcelona!
One of the primary reasons we chose the Majestic Hotel is its walkable location to explore Barcelona. We only had 24 hours, and we preferred exploring by foot. The Majestic couldn’t have been more well-located. We were within 10 minutes of the well-known Gaudi masterpiece Casa Batllo (minutes from the hotel), La Pedrera, and Sagrada Familia temple. High-end boutiques were also within walking distance including Chanel, Bvlgari, and Gucci, within 10-minute walking distance.
Another 20-minute walk and we explored the sights (and smells!) of the Mercat de la Bouqueria, Barcelona’s oldest market.
Accommodations at the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona
Within two hours, we received the call that our room was ready and returned to the hotel and returned to the welcoming air-conditioning.
After its 2013 renovation, the hotel now offers 270 rooms (down from 307). The accommodations are divided into four categories, differentiated by their location and views, but all are uniquely furnished, spacious, and well-appointed.
Upon our return to the hotel, we were quickly escorted to our Junior suite with a city view, featuring a separate bedroom and lounge area with a sofa bed. The Junior Suites are decorated in an elegant contemporary style, and equipped with two different sleeping areas, separating the bedroom area from the living or working area. All suites have a desk, a sofa bed, and a bathroom with a white marble bathtub. The bonus was the balcony with panoramic views of the city!
The suite also featured a large walk-in closet and bathroom, with a separate toilet area. This was much appreciated especially after the tight space in our shared cruise cabin.
Complimentary Wifi and high-end bathroom amenities are also included.
The three of us were very comfortable in the room, with plenty of space to spread out.
Even as a college-aged student, my granddaughter carried aa stuffed animal shed bought on the cruise. The bell staff noticed and after unloading our luggage, he returned with a Majestic Hotel teddy bear for her. Such a thoughtful gesture!
The elegant & historic Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. Photo collage: Diana Rowe
Amenities at the Majestic Hotel & Spa
After unpacking, we changed into our swimsuits and headed to the small and crowded rooftop swimming pool. The dining area under the roof was quite busy. Despite the heat, a few empty seats remained, After grabbing towels, we managed to find a small table near the pool.
The service was very slow, due to a busy mid-afternoon lunch, but we finally received our drink order after 20 minutes of wait time. The pool is small, but we did take a quick dip.
The hotel offers a full-service spa and fitness center as well, although we didn’t check either out due to limited time.
Dining at the Majestic Hotel & Spa
Plenty of excellent dining options are available on-site at the Majestic.
Restaurant SOLC’s menu features Catalonian cuisine utilizing local produce. We were seated in the atrium and our server was amazing with perfect recommendations and attentive.
SOLC Restaurant at Majestic Hotel & Spa features Catalonian cuisine. Photo: Diana Rowe
The rooftop pool serves sandwiches and small bites.
On the morning of our departure, we did indulge in their buffet brunch served 7:00-11:00 am daily. Our choices were numerous: juices, coffee, tea, bread, eggs, meats, desserts, and guests may also order a la carte from a menu.
Another dining option is the El Bar del Majestic, a relaxed space just off the lobby to enjoy dining, but also classic cocktails and an impressive wine list.
For a luxurious and elegant hotel in a prime location in Barcelona, the Majestic Hotel & Spa is a great choice. However, be prepared to pay a premium for the experience. You can visit Booking.com to see if you can get a better rate.
Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary hotel room and dining in exchange for a review; opinions expressed are my own.
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