Majestic Hotel & Spa

The grande dame hotel of Barcelona, located on the Passeig de Gracia, might be 100 years old, but feels fresh, glamorous and chicly appointed.

• The rooftop pool and terrace with fantastic city views
• Central location ideal for exploring Eixample's historic architecture, upscale shopping and fine dining
• The magnificent Royal Penthouse Suite, the largest suite in Barcelona with 360-degree views of the city

For travelers seeking a classic yet stylish Spanish look and feel, the beautifully renovated Majestic Hotel is the best hotel option on the Passeig de Gràcia. Just down the street from the Mandarin Oriental, the family owned and operated 271-room Majestic offers a variety of suites – even some grand residences, for those staying longer – that offer a more traditional look, with extraordinary and romantic Gracia views.

The best rooms at the Majestic are the 30 Junior Suites, which are large enough to fit a family (there is a pull-out sofa bed) but in the lounge that closes off via a sliding door. While all the modern amenities – flatscreen televisions, expansive marble bathrooms, free wifi, Nespresso machines – are included, the antique desks and chairs and textured wallpaper impart a classical look that fits with the building’s century-old elegance. The marble bathrooms are stocked with custom toiletries, Atelier cologne and the turn-down amenity is a tiny vial of different scents for guests to try. Heavy, beige curtains are drawn at night to allow jet-lagged guests some respite from early-morning sunshine. Room categories are differentiated by views; the rooms looking out on Passeig de Gràcia with French doors that open to a balustrade are well worth the extra charge. The Royal Penthouse, the largest in the city, features three bedrooms, copious space for entertaining (including terraces) and a maxibar, a mini-bar that takes up an entire walk-in closet.

In contrast to the traditional look in the rooms, the upstairs pool and café deck feels young and hip. With views towards the sea and sunbeds for lounging, it’s a wonderful place for lunch afternoon lazing and a pre-dinner cocktail. And although the pool isn’t large, it’s perfect for a quick dip after sightseeing and essential to families traveling with jet-lagged kids. Other amenities include a fitness center and spa, as well as a business center. The grand El Bar Del Majestic draws an impressive looking crowd and delicious small plates and full meals.

Couples, families or business travelers who prefer traditional décor but want a more central location than that of the Hotel Arts.