Hotel Review: Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Originally appeared in The City Magazine
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
A jewel in the crown of the Passeig de Gràcia
Passeig de Gràcia is Barcelona’s most luxury-laden boulevard. Brioni sits near Swarovski; Chanel vies for your attention with next-door Dior; the street, less than a mile long, is bookended by Emporio Armani and Ermenegildo Zegna. It also boasts some of the city’s most architecturally important buildings by, among others, Barcelona’s favourite son, Antoni Gaudí. As one of the most exclusive streets in Barcelona – and Spain in general – it’s no surprise that the Mandarin Oriental sits at its centre.
The MO Barcelona faces Casa Batlló, one Gaudí’s most revered buildings, and is itself an architectural beauty. On walking up the expansive, floating ramp to reception, however, the design changes. It becomes a more modern, brighter hotel, with walls reaching up to a glass ceiling seven floors above.
You’re provided with a concierge, whose personal mission is to make your stay as comfortable and easy as possible, and is available at any time for any whim. The rooms reflect the contemporary image of the rest of the hotel, with free-standing baths, monsoon showers, and minimalist, comfortable balconies overlooking a discreet courtyard. The courtyard is actually comprised of the back of a number of buildings, and the calm of a sleepy Barcelona adds a surprising degree of normality and quiet to one of the city’s busiest areas.
The roof terrace offers an almost unrivalled view of the Eixample district and beyond, with vantage shots of many major Modernista (Catalan modernist) constructions, including Casa Milà, Casa Amatller, and the aforementioned Casa Batlló. A look to the left shows the Gothic Quarter, and further on to sea, while turning round shows you Sagrada Família.
Taking the lift all the way down to the base of the hotel lands you in the spa. As is expected, the complex is a sea of calm, with eight treatment rooms including two couples’ suites, a 12-metre
lap pool, oriental steam room and a Pedi:Mani:Cure studio by podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez.
Both restaurants in the hotel are headed up by superstar chef Carme Ruscalleda, who comes with seven Michelin stars to her name. The food on offer at Moments and Blanc reflects Catalonia’s food history, and the staff continue the hotel’s approach of calm and care, with thoughtful suggestions and unobtrusive service. Head to the Banker’s Bar for a good time after dinner, the bar hinting to the building’s former use as a bank. Opt for the Banker’s Martini while looking at a ceiling fashioned from original security boxes for a good end to the night – or, if embracing the Spanish way of life, the start.
