With nearly 100 years of history behind its doors and a peak location at the top of the tree-lined Passeig de Gràcia, it’s easy to see why those Barcelona-bound seek refuge at The Majestic Hotel & Spa. We’re just back from the Catalan capital and a jaunt at this Barcelona landmark, which has seen the likes of Picasso, Hemingway and Joan Miró grace its halls. With a host of fresh menus and experiences, and an upcoming centennial anniversary, there’s plenty of new additions to check out at the Majestic.
The hotel clocks up an impressive 271 rooms across nine floors, all with stunning city views, of course. During our stay, we were housed in the 484-square-foot Junior Suite Passeig de Gracia, perfect for couples or those traveling with children. The suite encompasses a private living area with plenty of room for playtime, a comfy sofa bed and two petite balconies overlooking the city’s picturesque architecture. All the property’s expansive bathrooms are complete with his-and-her sinks, rain showers, and Parisian Atelier Cologne toiletries, as well as fluffy robes to wrap up in after a post-siesta soak.
VIP guests looking for the top digs should take their stay to the ninth floor, home to the property’s five penthouses, as well as the former living quarters of the Soldevila Casals family, the hotel’s owners. Guests can expect rooms with 1,000 square feet of space, butler service and private airport transfers. Make sure to enjoy the complimentary champagne and delish hors d’oeuvres, all from your private panoramic sundeck.
Those in need of an even larger suite — the largest suite in Barcelona, to be exact — should check out the Majestic Royal Penthouse, the star of the hotel. This accommodation of nearly 5,000 square feet was one of the key results of Majestic’s 2013 restoration. The huge space can be adapted to include up to three bedrooms, each with its own private living quarters and en-suite. We loved the spacious lounge, decorated with oriental motifs and oak floors, the work of Mallorcan designer Antonio Obrador. With seating for up to 14 guests, this space is perfect for a cocktail get-together. Don’t forget to request a stock-up of the room’s maxi-bar with a custom-tailored selection of gourmet goodies. Top Extra: Look out for the room’s Bar à Parfum, a leather-cased ‘bar’ of five Atelier fragrances, including a mini takeaway kit. Later, head outdoors onto, not one, but, two terraces and take in some of Barcelona’s (mostly) year-round sunshine. We recommend an evening Jacuzzi dip, with first-class views of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia.
El Bar del Majestic serves as a meeting point.
Good to know: Majestic is one of Spain’s first hotels to offer adapted rooms for guests with severe disabilities. Notable features include overhead bed lifts, adapted bathing areas and remote control doors and windows.
Note: Luxury travel advisors sending their top clients should contact general manager Pascal Billard (pbillard@hotelmajestic.es).
Craving a bite to eat? Don’t be overwhelmed by the hotel’s five eateries, both onsite and offsite. The Michelin-starred chef, Nandu Jubany, acts as the hotel’s gastronomic advisor, incorporating local Catalan produce into international dishes. Don’t overlook El Bar del Majestic, a cozy corner in the hotel, perfect for people-watching after a day in the city. Don’t leave without trying Nandu’s speciality tapas, our standout dish during the stay. This Instagram-worthy platter is piled high with parmesan “Oreos,” mini-vegetable tartare with beet bread, and foie gras mi-cuit with caramelized almonds. The more fashion forward will enjoy the hotel’s Majestic Champagne Fashion tea. Combining sweet treats, savory bites and champagne (naturally) with a high-fashion twist, guests can choose from five different eclairs inspired by designer collections, including Jimmy Choo and Salvatore Ferragamo.
Top Tip: Weekend visitors should treat themselves to Nandu’s Sunday brunch. This feast for the eyes and belly has a weekly rotating menu, including Eggs Benedict and scallop risotto, all alongside an open champagne Moët and gin and tonic bar. Our highlight is the show-cooking station,where guests can watch chefs whip up some specialty dishes such as spicy ceviche and fresh sushi. Looking to continue the party? Evening sees brunch moving to the rooftop, with the Majestic After Brunch (think DJs and digestif cocktails, perfect to wash down your meal).
Not only host to the After Brunch, the rooftop La Dolce Vitae, our favorite spot, is the perfect poolside hangout on a hot day. Imagine cityscape views all from the comfort of your sun lounger, cava in hand, of course. The warm summer nights brought with them the start of the hotel’s Friday night Majestic Sunset Sessions, with International DJs gracing the decks. Tip: Check it out until the end of September.
The rooftop La Dolce Vitae is a poolside hangout.
Have a guest with some VIP requests? The Majestic’s concierge have seen it all, be it sourcing saffron from Iran or organizing a private dinner or tour of the Sagrada Familia with one of the church’s architects. To cater to these exclusive whims, the hotel has launched a new service, a menu of customizable Barcelona “experiences.” Take your pick: From driving a 500 horsepower vehicle around a professional race track, getting a behind-the-scene look at some of Barcelona’s famous chocolate kitchens, or, one for the wine aficionados (and our favorite), a private Med sailing trip and wine lesson.
For queries and special requests, reach out to Fernando Castillo (fcastillo@hotelmajestic.es), the hotel concierge.
Indulgence is key at the Majestic’s Spa. The space is tucked away on the building’s top floor and is fitted with spa booths, make-up stations and a hot and cold hydrotherapy zone. Complete a relaxing day at the beach with a Lomi Lomi Ritual, a combo of Hawaiian custom and Mediterranean massage. Noteworthy is the Kobido facial treatment, a 75-minute anti-aging facial massage done with the 2,000-year-old Kobido technique.
Little ladies don’t have to feel left out as the spa offers “Princess Moment” — a specialty treatment fruity manicure served up with a chocolate milkshake.
Top Tip: For guests needing the ultimate wake up call, we recommend the Majestic Beauty Yoga Sessions, an early morning yoga workout on the rooftop. Get a tan in with your workout, then finish up with a detox juice and a cooling dip in the pool.
Contact spa@hotelmajestic.es to set up any spa requests.
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