Saturday, December 24, 2011

Hotel Report Barcelona

In June we renewed our impressions of this exciting port city in Spain. Checked out four of our preferred properties, two of which are quite new to this city's central area. The Mandarin Oriental on the main artery of Passeig de Gracia is an exercise on 21st century modernism. Soaring spaces, mostly white and minimal. A unique terraced garden in the rear has all sorts of privates nooks among lime colored plantings, with wicker seating arrangements, ivory umbrellas, but alas no pool.Great location, MO service and all you might want in a well designed room.

The El Palace is the former Ritz (not the Ritz Carlton Arts) and has been redone top to bottom in a very opulent manner. Spectacular decor, quite staid in feeling, particularly the formal restaurant. But a back garden and more casual green house restaurant gives one an option. definitely grand but intimate.
For those who prefer to save some Euros but want a good location, comfortable rooms and a friendly and very accommodating staff, the Claris on Pau Claris is a good choice. Eclectic in decor (modern to ancient Egyptian) with a rooftop pool, and walking distance to Passeig de Gracia and Sagrada Familia, we found our clients to be well satisfied at a rate of under E200 including a sumptuous buffet breakfast.
Sheelagh and Maruta strolling the Passeig de Gracia




  Rooftop pool at the Claris. 
The central atrium of the Claris Hotel . An Egyptian museum is on the premises.



Rear garden at the Mandarin Oriental

Casual dining at the El Palace. 







Down the street is the Majestic, a long time player with traditional interior but a jumping scene at the rooftop pool bar. I have had mixed reviews on staff here, but that aside worth consideration for location and a grand feeling.
The amazing unfinished edifice of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia

The Ancient City of Petra

The Ancient City of Petra
Just like the Indiana Jones movie! Hidden from civilization for thousands of years, it is a wonderful sight!