Hotel El Palace Barcelona

The reception staff and concierge team were exceptional, we stayed on our honeymoon and were truly spoiled. The location and facilities were very good, just a shame the Bluesman Bar was closed during our stay - but it just means we will have to return.

The only down side was some of the staff at the rooftop bar, I was ignored for a few minutes when I arrived even with about 4 or 5 staff members in the area who could see me, I felt like I wasn't welcome as they were serving other guests (it wasn't busy so they weren't rushed) once finally seated I waited for about 10 minutes to order and they never arrived so I left. It was a shame because we had enjoyed a drink here the night before and were well looked after. We stayed as a treat for our honeymoon and aren't used to 5 star service, maybe the staff didn't think we should be there - that's how it felt.

Every thing

Nothing

Clearly, we chose the hotel for the location (proximity to all key places to see), but its quality did surpass our expectations (during our 5 nights stay) as follows: - staff behaved impeccably and anticipated any needs we had before we were able to articulate them (from the second we arrived to the minute we left); - the large room had nice balcony and a bathroom/walking wardrobe organised in a most comfortable format, and most importantly it was spotless at all times; - the room had a large and most comfortable bed with beautiful linen, bath robes (we bought one actually) and towels; - our dry cleaning (laundry) was done within day; - the gym room is small but well appointed and very clean at all times; - we did not have time for the spa on this trip as we took advantage of the glorious weather (it looked immaculate as we made our way to the gym), but as we intend to return to this hotel we will definitely take the opportunity to use it; - the restaurants and the bar serve very nice food and the ambiance is most pleasant; - the room is appointed with interfaces so that laptops/phones/watches can be charged for any country/system (we did bring our own but next time we can travel lighter); - the hotel is located almost at the point where the old city and the "enhancement/extension" of the new city meet (a few blocks into the extension actually), but physically located in comfortable walking distance from all that attractions.

We sincerely enjoyed every single aspect of our experience at the hotel (we did not try the spa yet). We have stayed at a few 5 star hotels in both European and USA capitals (Fairmont, Four Seasons, Adlon Kempiski, Eden Dorchester, Grand hotels, Rocco Forte hotel Amigo, Bellagio, etc. and we definitely believe El Palace Barcelona is right there among the best hotels we stayed at.

The hotel was immaculate. Every space, including the rooms, was very clean. The staff could not have been more welcoming and helpful. We booked two rooms and were able to have them adjoining one another. This worked well for our family. The rooftop bar was very pleasant and had delicious food and drinks. The rooftop pool was a very welcome addition on the hot summer days. When in Barcelona, we will stay at this hotel again.

It is difficult to put into words just how excellent this hotel is. This is a fully featured five star hotel in the middle of Barcelona with all the modern conveniences, that perfectly captures the atmosphere and style of a high luxury 1920s hotel. Every detail of the finishes and the service is executed faithfully and superbly. The concierges attend to all requests. The detail goes so far that they even use actual keys (complete with the tassles!) which the concierge will mind for you as you trip around Barcelona. This hotel is stunning. The signature restaurant is excellent, as is the breakfast room and the rooftop bar. The very characterful room was generous in size and appointments. Stunning bathroom and extremely comfortable bed. Staying here was like a journey to heyday of the 1920s, but with all modern comforts. I have no hesitation to put this hotel with our very favourite stays alongside The Ashby Hotel in Taormina and the Villa Igiea Rocco Forte in Palermo. The location is superb central and minutes walk to the key sights and destinations.

There was nothing we wanted for. It was perfect.

Everything specifically is very convenient for families and Muslims. The staff is amazing starting from the management to the lovely staff. Rooms are castle rooms.

Nothing

I have stayed in many hotels around North America and Europe and this is one of the all-around best hotels I have stayed in. Location - it’s excellent. We didn’t rent a car and we were able to walk to the beach (1.5 km) and many great restaurants and bars to count along with most of the attractions that the city has to offer. Hotel - beautiful. With an amazing grand hall, cool rooftop restaurant and pool and an impressively retro nightclub we were very happy to spend time in the hotel even when not in our room. Room - lovely place to be. We had a lower class room and I can’t imagine you would need anything else. Generously sized with an excellent mattress, large bathroom and one of the best showers I have ever been in, powerful but relaxing. Very quiet, I slept well all 7 nights of my stay. Service/Staff - amazing and friendly. I was a bit worried about not speaking Catalan or Spanish. Everyone from the front desk to concierge team to the restaurant staff are all very accustomed to interacting with English speakers and accepting my very remedial attempts at Catalan with a smile. Concierge Team - we worked with three different members and they were all super gracious and helpful. We booked a “hop on, hop off” bus tour, visit to La Sagrada Familia and a tour of Camp Nou were the FC Barcelona football team plays. The staff made this all super easy for us making sure we understood everything we would need to know to make the visits go smoothly. Food - we had three meals - a snack in the nightclub, dinner in the grand hall and room service. All were good but the dinner in the grand hall was one of the best meals I have had. This is saying a lot as we had 10+ meals during our stay in Barcelona and 8 of them were excellent. It felt like it would be hard to get a bad meal in this city! Barcelona - it was my first visit to Spain and I fell in love with this city. It’s clean, friendly, sunny and accommodates English speakers very well.

The shower leaked onto the floor even when closed. Not a big deal but we felt bad leaving the housekeeping staff with a bunch of soaked towels every day.

A fantastic place overall. Good value for money, considering what you get. I was lucky to receive a free upgrade at check-in, for which I was very grateful. Rooms are generally outstanding. Main hall and breakfast areas are a good experience.

The one reason I am refraining from attributing a higher overall score, is the room service meal that I had on my first night. I was served a cold / pre-prepared Carbonara, covered in pure egg yolk (when the sauce is typically a little more complex than that - not sure if they were going for some deconstructed approach). Quite a misfire, considering the otherwise very high standard of the hotel.

friendly staff and good location

I wish the roof top bar could open every day.

The room was beautiful, spacious and luxurious. Despite being on a very busy street it was extremely quiet. The staff were exceptionally courteous and helpful, and made our stay very comfortable, with helpful information about the area. Hotel is a few steps away from a fantastic steak restaurant where we are twice. Had a wonderful couple of meals at the hotel too. Breakfast had huge selection and very high quality, the staff were discreetly attentive and anticipated our every need. The ambience and decor were very grand in a decadent 1920s style. The attention to detail with everything was exquisite, it A totally unforgettable experience and will definitely hope to return in the future!

Very very minor things - power sockets not very easy to get to, and could have done with a full-length or dressing mirror in the bedroom as well as the bathroom as my partner and I were both wanting to get ready at the same time!