Majestic Hotel Barcelona, a true luxury institution of Barcelona and beyond (REVIEW)

Privately owned by the Soldevilla-Casals family, Majestic Hotel Barcelona has been a luxury institution since it opened in 1918, a landmark of the city with an unrivalled location on the prestigious Passeig de Gracia, home to the stores of all major international luxury brands. Actually, Chanel, has been a tenant of the hotel for many years, operating the largest and most prominent store in Spain. León Felipe, Federico García Lorca, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Charles Trenet and Ernest Hemingway – some for several months.

In 2013, under the guidance of luxury hospitality veteran and visionary Pascal Billard, previously at Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris and with an enviable international career at executive levels in luxury hospitality – Majestic Hotel Barcelona regained its splendour, having undergone a meticulous renovation, which included the enlargement of the lobby which is truly majestic in every sense, similar to the grand-dame luxury hotels of the world. As much as it is open and glass through, the grand entrance instils a unique air of prestige.

Billiard focused very much of fine tuning every single detail related to ultimate comfort, functionality and luxurious feel. Luxury at Majestic Hotel Barcelona is effortless, with subtle cues that lie in the quality of materials and finishes but also details such as lighting and a sophisticated colour scheme. The abundant lime stone and marble throughout the entire ground floor which also comprises the Bar of the hotel is truly impressive – sleek, elegant and making one feel as being in one of the finest luxury hotels of Paris or London. But his biggest achievement is creating a service culture of the hotel, which has become an integral part of its DNA.

The long term vision of the owners is not only reflected in the impeccable upkeep and maintenance of the hotel, the brand new luxurious state-of-the-art roof-top Spa, the exquisite Solc Restaurant (the gourmet dining of venue of the hotel) but most importantly, in the uninterrupted investment in talent and human resources. Throughout the years, Majestic Hotel Barcelona has built a reputation as an exceptional luxury hospitality institution which has ensured the loyalty of generations, some of the hotel staff remaining with the hotel even during and after the pandemic

The careful recruitment of talent but also the creation of a well bonded motivated team, has shaped the soul of the hotel, with locals and travellers alike becoming regulars at the property. It is through discreet service and the ultimate personalisation of service, that the Majestic has firmly established and maintained its positioning as one of the finest in Barcelona. With the impressive demand post pandemic, I was impressed how the property has been handling the major influx of the most demanding and discerning travellers from all over the globe.

Restaurant SOLC, the new gastronomic venue of the hotel sources its raw ingredients from its own garden in Maresme and its meat and fish from local producers. The restaurant was conceived as an homage to the products that the surrounding natural environment has provided towards Catalan cuisine since ancient times, based on recipes that respect and pay tribute to tradition. Immediacy, freshness, origin, and respect are the concepts linked to the hotel’s new culinary initiative. Maresme is a few kilometres from the restaurant and just a few meters from the Sea.

Breakfast is by far the best in Barcelona, among all luxury hotels in Barcelona. Despite days with higher occupancy, the food offering and variety is truly impressive and so is the quality and presentation. Service feels as ”being in good hands”. The Saturday brunch of the hotel ranks as the most sought after in Barcelona, predominantly by locals. It is this unique mix of guests, both locals and foreign travellers which is another major advantage of the hotel. Foreigners may feel as being a top luxury property in major capital city but there is also an authentic flair which runs through product and service.

Over the years, especially during the pre-pandemic turbulent context but also the entire pandemic, Majestic Hotel Barcelona has proven, as it has over time and again, its reliability – which is critical for such a prestigious luxury establishment but also for generating and maintaining a high level of desirability which is the (invisible) essence of luxury – it is that undefined through which is based on a memorable moment which creates a series of encounters. It is through these ”encounters” that ultimate loyalty is achieved.

Post pandemic, the hotel has discreetly opened a superb spa on the roof-top of the hotel – a true sanctuary of serenity and wellness which will surely be a major hit with both locals and foreign travellers. The choice of Natura Bisse, yet another local family owned luxury beauty brand could not be any more sensible. Already an established international beauty brand present at many luxury Spas around the world, will surely offer second-to-none experiences at Majestic Hotel Barcelona. A water experience area complements no less than four treatment rooms including one dedicated to couples.

With other luxury hotels in Barcelona opening larger and larger roof-tops, with instagrammable pools, La Dolce Vitae, the rooftop of the Majestic is yet again a very unqique hot spot of the hotel, with uninterrupted 360 degree views of the city and a very special vibe, given by the crowds and the team who extend an impeccable service standard. This unique space, having been recently renovated, has become one of the most exclusive and recognized meeting and entertainment spots in the center of Barcelona. The plunge pool is just the ideal complement to sunbathing or a casual but exquisite lunch.

Rooms and suites boast a contemporary interior design with a sophisticated mixed of beige and brown, with many wooden accents. Most accommodations feature all-marble bathrooms with separate walk-in glass enclosed showers (perfect water pressure) and separate bathtubs. Bedding has been given constant attention to achieve the ultimate sleep experience – you will love the mattresses and the high-thread linen – the Atelier Cologne amenities are truly exquisite. Housekeeping service is just simply flawless – no need to demand turn-down – it is done meticulously, on a daily basis. You will find your rooms crisp and welcoming whenever you return from your outings.

The flexibility of the hotel will also impress you, attracting both business and leisure travellers, providing the ideal offering for both guest targets – you will encounter guests on a more casual mood but also more formal. The hotel is quite selective when it comes to any groups or larger gatherings so that they do not interfere or disturb other guests. Last, but not least, do approach the highly experienced and trained Concierges team who will be on hand to assist you with the most diverse city tips whether it is sightseeing or unique activities. The Concierges have prepared a selection of the finest Barcelona has on store for you.

Majestic Hotel Barcelona is a member of The Leading Hotels of The World

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