The Majestic Hotel & Spa Reigns Supreme

Elegance meets history at this emblematic luxury hotel in the heart of Barcelona

The spacious Majestic Royal Penthouse boasts two terraces
Photo: Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

There’s something timeless about stepping into the lobby bar of the Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona. It’s easy to imagine hearing the whispers of past guests echoing amid the classic white pillars, mahogany leather chairs and gleaming marble floors.

Opened in 1918, the Majestic is a place of legends. While its long list of illustrious guests includes modern-day luminaries such as Robert de Niro, Bob Dylan and the Dalai Lama, it’s the intellectuals, writers and artists from around the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) period who have left their stamp on this hotel’s identity.

If only the walls could talk. You might hear poet Antonio Machado, who fled to the Majestic due to his liberal political beliefs. Or perhaps Ernest Hemingway whose war experiences provided material for his classic For Whom the Bell Tolls. Or possibly poet Federico Garcia Lorca who celebrated literary successes with friends here prior to his assassination by Nationalist forces in Granada.

Whether dining on elevated Catalan cuisine or sipping champagne under starry skies on La Dolce Vitae rooftop terrace, visitors can connect with the essence of Barcelona at this landmark hotel shaped by important political, cultural and historic events.

An Emblem of the City

The Majestic is steps away from architectural landmarks of the Eixample district such as Gaudi’s Casa Batló.
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

A member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, the Majestic Hotel’s location reigns supreme. Centrally located in Eixample district, an elegant neighbourhood known for its posh boutiques, upscale restaurants and remarkable architecture, it’s situated on a prime stretch of Passeig de Gràcia (Paseo de Gràcia).

Stretching north of the Plaça Catalunya, the celebrated avenue features designer shops such as Chanel, Prada and Jimmy Choo tucked between buildings designed by Barcelona’s most acclaimed architects.

Take a short stroll from Hotel Majestic and you’ll find Gaudi’s Casa Mila (La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló as well as other magnificent examples of Modernist, Eclectic and Baroque architecture.

An Artful Interior

Famous writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Federico Garcia Lorca have frequented the timeless El Bar Del Majestic
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

The interior of the storied hotel is notable in its own right and has been spectacularly restored. The elegant interior design is the work of leading Spanish architect Antonio Obrador.

It’s a refined medley of muted earth tones, cosmopolitan design and contemporary lines complemented by the Majestic’s collection of more than 1,000 pieces of art. Notable works include those by Miró, Gerardo Rueda and Chillida as well as contemporary artists.

While all of the deeply comfortable 271 rooms are unique, discerning guests should splurge for one of the five penthouses on the 9th floor in what was originally the owners’ private living quarters.

Each of these spacious penthouse suites features a private terrace with views over Passeig de Gracia or the Sagrada Familia. The sprawling Majestic Royal Penthouse (467 m2) is the largest suite in Barcelona and is decked out with two terraces, two double bedrooms, a dining room and capacity for seating up to 14 people.

Owned by the Soldevila-Casals family (as part of the Catalan Majestic Hotel Group), the hotel features three gastronomic experiences, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and spa, meeting facilities and a business center.

An Urban Oasis of Wellness

The Royal Penthouse at the Majestic is
Barcelona’s largest suite
Photo: Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

Beyond the photogenic setting and interior, another high point for luxury travellers is the Majestic’s indulgent spa.

Located on the top floor of the hotel, this soothing oasis features a hydrotherapy circuit, four treatment rooms as well as an extensive menu of wellness and therapeutic spa treatments.

The hydrotherapy centre features a large jacuzzi, dry sauna, steam bath and sensation shower, with hot and cold water. It’s a totally private and exclusive sanctuary with appointments booked in advance.

For the ultimate in relaxation after a day of sightseeing, combine the hydrotherapy circuit with a relaxing spa ritual such as a Lomi-Lomi massage or anti-aging Kobido facial. Specialized skincare treatments feature Natura Bissé, the award-winning Catalan luxury beauty brand with a high-wattage fan base that includes celebrities such as Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Also appealing are in-room amenities such as plush bathrobes and slippers, high thread count linens, coffee makers and blissful marble baths with rain shower heads.

Epicurian Appeal

Sample locally-sourced cuisine at Restaurant SOLC
Photo: Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

One of the most memorable aspects of Majestic Hotel & Spa is the range of its gastronomic experiences. The hotel’s main dining venue, Restaurant SOLC, is influenced by Michelin-star chef Nandu Jubany and under the inspired creative direction of Executive Chef David Romero.

Enjoy breakfast specialties such as Catalan Cocotte egg
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

In a unique collaboration between farmers and chefs, the menu features ultra-seasonal fresh produce sourced from the hotel’s own garden on the Mediterranean’s Costa del Maresme.

Dining is a gastronomic journey through Catalonian cuisine, ingredients and techniques. Expect to see bomba rice from the Ebro Delta, buñuelos of salted cod with thyme-scented honey foam and tartare of heirloom Lleida steer on daily and tasting menus.

The wine lists and suggested pairings have been created by the talented Head Sommelier Pablo Fernández Rodriguez.

Each of the Majestic’s five penthouse suites provide guests with private terraces.
Photo: Francisco Sanchez

More creative market fresh choices await at the breakfast brunch buffet, widely considered to be one of the best breakfasts in Barcelona. You can browse food stations showcasing the Mediterranean diet with briny olives, charcuterie, assorted breads and pastries, fresh fruit and more as well as made-to-order specialties such as savoury Catalan Cocotte Egg (poached egg bathed in a savoury ratatouille) and eggs benedict with river trout from the Pyrenees.

The sunny rooftop terrace La Dolce Vitae is a jewel among the Majestic’s dining venues. Tables are set around a pretty rooftop swimming pool and enjoy spectacular 360 degree views of the Barcelona skyline including landmarks such as Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and 38-floor Torre Glòries. Below is the famous broad avenue.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a return visitor to Barcelona, you’re sure to be inspired by the Majestic Hotel & Spa’s memorable mix of history, style and attentive service. Its unique personality is itself an expression of Catalan culture.

Travel Planner
Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona: 68-70 Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona https://majestichotelgroup.com/en/barcelona/hotel-majestic
Official Barcelona Tourism: Turisme de Barcelona

Michele Peterson is an award-winning travel writer who specializes in food, drink and sun destinations. Her work has appeared in major magazines, guidebooks and travel anthologies. Get global recipes and travel tips on her A Taste for Travel blog or contact her via Twitter/Instagram @atastefortravel.