Award: Best for palatial style
El Palace in Barcelona stands as a symbol of opulence since its inception in 1919 as the Ritz hotel. Located on a prominent avenue, it has welcomed numerous luminaries, including Salvador Dalí and Ronnie Wood, who have suites named in their honor. Other notable guests like Pablo Picasso and Frank Sinatra have also graced its halls, making it a venue steeped in artistic and cultural history.
After a significant revival in 2005, El Palace has shed any antiquated notions of luxury. It offers 114 rooms—including 24 junior suites, six superior suites, and five deluxe suites—each featuring high ceilings and elegant marble bathrooms. For those seeking true indulgence, the six Art Suites, favored by Salvador Dalí, feature grand fireplaces, expansive walk-in closets, and intricately designed Roman-style mosaic tubs.
The dining experience at El Palace is noteworthy, highlighted by the exquisite Amar restaurant. Guests can enjoy meals on a spacious rooftop terrace that boasts stunning views alongside a pool and garden. The award-winning Mayan spa offers treatments enhanced by volcanic stones and medicinal herbs, providing a sanctuary for relaxation. For a unique perspective of the city, the hotel offers a luxury speedboat, allowing guests to take in the Barcelona skyline from the sea, whether on a day trip or during a sunset cruise with fine cava.
Best amenity: Rafa Zafra, known for his tenure at the celebrated El Bulli, oversees the hotel’s Amar restaurant. Guests can experience an incredible seafood menu set in an elegantly designed midnight-blue dining area.
Can’t-miss experience: The Bluesman Cocktail Bar, located in the basement and named after Ronnie Wood, envelops visitors in a rich atmosphere marked by red velvet, leather furnishings, and vintage chandeliers. Here, guests can enjoy premium cocktails, music, or venture into an adjacent cigar cellar.
From $490
