Hotel Review: Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

When it comes to location, few properties in Catalonia’s capital city can compete with Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. The grand dame of historic hotels in the area, the 105-year-old Majestic occupies a prime location on Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona’s most fashionable avenue. It’s also steps away from the creme de la creme of designer boutiques: Chanel is located next door, with Dior, Bulgari, Gucci and Louis Vuitton on the same block.

Founded in 1918, and still owned by the original founding Soldevila-Casals family, the Majestic is the flagship property of Majestic Hotel Group, a collection of luxury properties throughout the Spanish region. A Forbes Travel Guide-recommended property and a member of Leading Hotels of the World, the Majestic embodies classic, old-world European five-star luxury.

Its neoclassical balconied facade is a sight to behold both day and night, while the hallmarks of European luxury — a uniformed doorman, immaculate marble lobby and tasteful antique furnishings, not to mention, the 1,000-piece art collection on display throughout the property — cement the first impression.

The Rooms

Interior designer Antonio Obrador imbued each of the hotel’s 271 rooms with a sense of timelessness and understated elegance; neutral tones such as cream, beige, taupe and brown inspire peace and tranquility, while furnishings are a tasteful mix of antique and contemporary pieces. 

I had the pleasure of staying in one of a handful of Majestic suites (there are 41 suites total at the property) — so named because they feature three spaces: a living area, a bedroom and a separate office. Suffused with natural light, the living area opened up to a spacious balcony overlooking Paseo de Gracia and Casa Batllo, a building designed by iconic architect Antoni Gaudi that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throwing open the balcony doors, breathing in the fresh air and watching passersby below, I could easily imagine I was living in Barcelona. I delighted in every moment spent in that room.

In the bedroom, a plush, king-size poster bed made for a great night’s sleep. A tufted chaise lounge was positioned off to the side — a perfect spot from which to lounge while working on my laptop. Daily turn-down service came with chocolates, a note with the next day’s weather forecast, dimmed lights and my slippers set out.

The all-marble bathroom was an absolute joy, equipped with his and hers sinks, a large hydro-massage tub, and a glass-enclosed shower with fantastic water pressure. I loved that it had a bidet, towel warmers and full-size toiletries in the hotel’s custom scent from famed Atelier Cologne.

The Majestic Suite also had a walk-in closet, minibar and Nespresso machine. It was clear how much care is put into making sure that every amenity guests could need or want is at their fingertips — there was even a shoe horn, a European travel adapter and an umbrella.

The suite also featured a separate guest bathroom, but its best feature by far was the beautiful office nook next to the bedroom. Furnished with an antique desk and enclosed within a series of glass-paneled windows that opened onto Paseo de Gracia, the sunlight-filled room was so lovely that I woke up early each day just so I could use it.

If clients need even more grandeur, suggest the 5,000-square-foot Majestic Royal Penthouse. The largest suite of record in Barcelona, the penthouse boasts an expansive private terrace with a Jacuzzi, sun beds and spectacular views of Barcelona that include Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia. In addition to configurable rooms, the space features a bar and is inclusive of butler service and a luxury vehicle with chauffeur.

Dining, Spa and Rooftop Bar

The first floor of the Majestic houses the hotel’s award-winning daily buffet breakfast, and it is a can’t-miss. In addition to the self-serve areas — which feature an expansive variety of hot plate items, Catalonian cold cuts, breads, fruits, pastries, fresh juices and more — clients can also order from a menu of a la carte items such as huevos estrellados (potatoes topped with ham and eggs) and eggs Benedict.

A new solarium area built adjacent to the main dining room is a lovely spot to have breakfast. By night, it transforms into an intimate dining room for Restaurant Solc, an excellent option for those who want to sample local Catalonian cuisine.

During check-in, the bellman had made a point of mentioning the rooftop eatery, so I popped upstairs one afternoon to take in the view from La Dolce Vitae. In addition to spectacular unobstructed city vistas, the rooftop restaurant and bar offers a range of creative tapas and light bites from consulting chef Nandu Jubany, as well as a signature cocktails menu and an extensive selection of spirits.

Downstairs lobby bar El Bar del Majestic was always busy, too, though I didn’t have time to have drinks there. A peek at the menu showcased a focus on classic cocktails such as negronis and martinis. There’s also live piano music several days each week.

One other spot I didn't have time for during my stay: Majestic Spa. Located on the hotel’s top floor, the on-site spa utilizes Natura Bisse products for its facials and body treatments, and it offers a full hydrotherapy circuit, with a Jacuzzi, dry sauna, steam bath and sensations shower.

I suppose it's just one more reason to return to this majestic Barcelona property.