Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Exemplifying the top-notch luxury and comfort one expects from the Mandarin chain, the 120-room Mandarin Oriental Barcelona mixes Catalan-chic with subtle Asian accents to create a fashionable Zen atmosphere right off the Passeig de Gràcia.

• The hydromassage bathtub for two in the Penthouse Suite with a stunning view of Barcelona’s skyline
• The rooftop dipping pool is the perfect spot to cool your feet (or let the kids splash around) while taking in the stunning views of the city
• The cozy Banker’s Bar—a seductive alternative to the bright, airy public spaces in the hotel—features a wall made out of metal safety deposit boxes (a nod to the building’s original incarnation as a bank)
• The hotel’s central location on Passeig de Gracia, surrounded by luxury boutiques

The ethereal catwalk ramp that connects the glamorous Passeig de Gràcia to the Mandarin Oriental creates a heavenly ascent into the hotel’s sun-lit lofted lobby and reception.

All of the 120 guest rooms and suites were designed by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola and are characterized by clean lines, sophisticated materials (white leather, woven wool rugs, light wood floors, silk screens, blown glass), and pale tones. The neutral palette of whites, creams and greys feels modern and edgy thanks to sumptuous materials (Asian silks, hand-woven wool carpets, Bassano ceramics) and unexpected shapes—like the spectacular lattices hanging above the Blanc restaurant, which look like enormous white paper cuttings. The recently renovated rooms are sleek and offer a dark palate, with pops of color and a refreshed look.

Beautifully crafted and functional furnishings include the surprisingly spacious closets that are designed to look like Chinese lacquer boxes. The dark-wood shelves and various-sized storage containers inside make it easy to unpack and organize travel items. Rainforest showers and large tubs (in certain rooms) make the bathrooms feel like sleek mini-spas.

A number of the standard rooms have a balcony or terrace, and the Barcelona suite has a large private terrace with a jacuzzi.The Penthouse Suite takes over the entire eighth floor of the hotel (over 2,500 square feet) and includes two bedrooms, a living room, two outdoor terraces and a spacious dining room. The hotel has several wonderful options from which to enjoy the spectacular city views and Mediterranean climate. In the Mimosa Garden—a lush landscaped oasis in the center of the hotel—fruit juices, teas, and cocktails are served all day. The rooftop terrace’s dipping pool and lounge area are set against a dramatic panoramic view of the city. In addition, the hotel has an impressive indoor pool and fitness area.

Twenty-four-hour "guest experience service" is available to guests staying in any of the suites. In addition to setting up in-room breakfasts and cocktails, the butlers can arrange for private in-room shopping from the city’s many other upscale boutiques. The service is uniformly excellent.

The hotel offers two dining options. Moments, the signature restaurant, is under the direction of Carme Ruscalleda (holder of an impressive seven Michelin stars) and serves refined neo-Catalan cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner, there is also the possibility of reserving the private chef’s table for ten people. Blanc, located in the heart of the hotel and where breakfast is served, is the Mandarin’s all-day dining option and is an atmospheric restaurant that focuses on local cuisine based on natural ingredients. With its soaring sky-lit ceiling, comfortable couches, and hanging plant décor, this is a perfect place to relax with a light snack, coffee, or for lunch or dinner.

The hotel’s prime location on the Passeig de Gràcia (the Champs-Elysée of Barcelona) offers easy access to upscale shopping, dining and major tourist attractions such as Gaudí’s Casa Battló and Casa Milà.

Spa lovers and exercise junkies will appreciate the subterranean-level facilities, which include a heated pool. For those who want easy access to great shopping, dining and tourist attractions, the location can’t be beat.