Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

Hotel review

As you’d expect from the Mandarin Oriental name, this place is all about east meets west style and design, done in a sleek luxury manner. The building was originally a bank HQ on Barcelona’s top shopping street, the Passeig de Gracia, and as befits a building of such importance, the sleek marble exterior opens on to a dramatic interior catwalk/ramp, which in turn leads up to a super stylish lobby area. The décor is all muted hues with a cool, almost Scandi vibe to some of the furnishings, yet not forgetting its oriental roots; everything feels very zen here! There are 120 rooms and suites either overlooking the city or for those after something a little quieter, the hidden interior garden (the Mimosa Garden is a lush green space, perfect for a summer cocktail or bite to eat, or even a yoga session!). The rooms continue the design feel, with a muted palettes of black, blue and gold, plus stunning Chinese screen walls, textures of leather, velvet and silk and beautiful light wooden floors. The bathrooms have been carefully considered too, with marble sinks, bespoke mosaic tiling, lacquer boxes containing everything you might have forgotten from hairbrushes to shoe buffers, and the largest rain showers I have seen in a long time! Very spoiling indeed. But the loveliness doesn’t stop there. You must enjoy the drinking and dining too. The Bankers Bar harks back to the building’s previous life so walls and ceiling are lined with original strong boxes; it’s dark and moody and perfect for either pre- or post-dinner cocktails. Foodies will be spoilt for choice too. Not only does the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona boast a 2 michelin starred restaurant from renowned chef Carme Ruscalleda, but she also oversees the offerings in the other restaurant Blanc. We recommend one dinner in each! The spoiling continues in the spa where there are eight treatment rooms (including two for couples), 12m indoor lap pool, hammam and experience showers. It also plays host to the world’s first Miriam Quevedo HairSpa. Last but not least on the list of fabulous amenities is the stunning roof terrace with plunge pool. Not only do you get extraordinary city views, but you can cool off in the pool and enjoy drinks and delicious Peruvian dishes too. Finally it’s definitely worth pointing out that the staff here are excellent; smiley and helpful to a fault from the door staff to the General Manager. It’s true that the Mandarin may not be the cheapest property in town, but as they say you get what you pay for. And that’s certainly true here!

Sarah Empson Review published: 12/03/2024