Fodor's Expert Review Majestic Hotel & Spa

A staple for the literati and glitterati since the hotel opened in 1918, Majestic Hotel & Spa is a landmark property along Passeig de Gràcia that embodies the highest end of Barcelona hospitality. From the moment you’re met on the street by men in top hats and tails until you’re ushered to your lux accommodations inside, you’ll be treated like royalty – which isn’t surprising when you consider the clientele that has passed through these walls. Everyone from Queen Victoria Eugenie and Pablo Picasso to Ernest Hemingway and Joan Miró have graced the hotel with their presence. Prepare to be pampered at this five-star gem, because that’s what they do best.

Ask the hotel about their scooters that come with iPads featuring specialized routes around the city.

room

The elegance of the hotel continues into the rooms where much of the property's more than 1,000 pieces of art are on display. Most are lathered in lush carpet while penthouse suites feature hardwood floors. All rooms have complimentary Nespresso machines and many come with balcony views.

If you book one of the higher-end rooms, you’ll often find a welcome amenity including a bottle of cava and cured meats. Also, if you happen to be in the penthouse suites, you’ll have access to exclusive butler service.

bathroom

White marble is on full display in the bathrooms here and if you’re in higher category accommodations, you’ll discover Jacuzzi tubs to go along with your rain shower. Products are by Atelier Cologne (you might want to get a little handsy with these) and you’ll notice the hotel’s signature scent through the hallways and in the soaps.

lobby

Polished floors welcome guests as they arrive and are led to lush leather couches and a lobby lounge and bar featuring its own menu of food and drinks and live piano music during winter months.

The hotel offers a number of great experiences for guests like a Lamborghini driving course, art and culture tours of the city, or a sailing excursion.

pool

The rooftop pool is open year-round, but it’s during the summer where things truly get cooking. Around 8 pm every night, there’s a DJ spinning chill tunes while sunset sippers and late day loungers spread out on the comfy chairs and solar-powered day-beds (yes, you can charge your phones from the day-beds). On Sundays, the hotel hosts a Majestic Brunch with more music and lots of boozy drinks and bites.

spa

One of the best spas in the city, Majestic Spa is open every day and features rooms for massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and even makeup. There’s an additional private area that’s complimentary for all guests with a steam, sauna, ice fountain, and showers – but you need to reserve it in advance.

gym

Open 24/7, the hotel’s fitness area has a bevy of high-end cardio machines, free weights, and more. Apples and water are available at all times and guests can request a personal trainer or participate in yoga classes for an extra fee.

dining

The hotel’s main restaurant SOLC is a gastronomic delight with a unique and hearty course of Mediterranean delicacies. You can also order bar bites at the roof and at the lobby lounge downstairs. The breakfast buffet is also splurge-worthy with loads of options like smoked salmon, freshly cooked eggs, baked breads, and more.

drinking

Dubbed La Dolce Vitae (the sweet life), the rooftop bar is the perfect sunset spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks with friends. During DJ sessions in the summer, the bar is a local hotspot, so reserve your place ahead of time.