El Palace was once the emblematic Ritz Hotel in Barcelona. As of today you can admire the details from tycoon Cesar Ritz in 1919. The location is superb, the size of rooms are big and comfortable in comparison with European standards, and all the people working there were always trying to be helpful. Outstanding service and attitude from Alexis at the front desk, always willing to assist with anything. We really felt like being at home.

Well kept 100 years old hotel, located on the Grand Via and 10 mins walk to Paseig de Gracia. Superb room with fireplace and modern batrhroom. High standard in room amenities. The television in the room is cleverly placed behind a huge mirror hung on the wall and the minibar is hidden behind a painting. The decor in the room and within the hotel depicts of palaces in Europe. Breakfast was good with good spread. Service here was also impacable. There is a rooftop restaurant nicely set up and you should try it out when you are there. If you plan to shop in Barcelona, this hotel would be a great choice.

In France, where I work in a luxury hotel, the category “Palace” is given to those hotels that are really unique, either for their history or for their service or for their architecture. Moreover they have to embody a specific art of hospitality. El Palace was given this name only some years ago, and was formerly the Hotel Ritz Barcelona. Like the other three hotels Ritz in Europe (Madrid, London, Paris) it was built to offer nothing than the best. 100 years later, The hotel is still a concentrate of luxury, elegance and old world class: a true “Palace”. Once you arrive, the doormen and the bellboys are waiting for you (and they are always there) with their beautiful uniforms. The concierges are impeccable with their liveries but they are also very friendly. Same for all the staff. Our room was very spacious and elegantly appointed. It had a large walk-in closet and a huge bathroom equipped with a double shower and a separate jacuzzi. Chopard toiletries on top! Everywhere in the room elegant touches, like the beautiful Mondariz water bottles. Housekeeping levels were top notch. Breakfast was superb and again very classy. The manager girl very nice and kind as well as her team. In the evening, the Bluesman bar located in the basement offers nice entertainment with live music. We had a lot of fun and everyone was dancing. we got the impression of being in one of those secret clubs in the 20s reserved only to the happy few! We wanted to try the restaurant L’Eclair and their funny Chalet on the roof but did not have time. Same for the spa. Last but not least, El Palace offers affordable rates for what you get. In Paris the same style of hotel would cost four times the price. Since I am a passionate of hotels, we had a tour of all the luxury properties in Barcelona (which offer all similar rates to El Palace). To be honest, we did not find anything as nice or luxurious. This is a unique and special place. If you like these Grande Dames properties, you will feel like royalty!