An early morning arrival at Barcelona airport after a long set of flights left me a bit hazy, but my driver contained enough enthusiasm for both of us.
“You will love it here,” he exclaimed while passing my bags to the bellman at the elegant Mandarin Oriental Barcelona. He was right.
As a long-time fan of Mandarin Oriental hotels, choosing where to stay in Barcelona was easy. I knew I’d feel most comfortable—especially traveling solo—amid the brand’s familiar details and understated luxury common to all rooms and suites.
Recovering from jet lag in a Mandarin Oriental spa is never a hardship. What I didn’t realize until checking in was that everything I wanted to see and do during my visit was just steps from the hotel.
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona Reservations with FAN Club Benefits
Through me, you have access to Mandarin Oriental FAN Club VIP benefits that include:
Pg. de Gràcia, 38-40, L’Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
What I love
Good to Know
Luxurious Rooms, Suites, and Penthouses
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Barcelona offers a range of luxurious accommodations designed to suit every traveler’s needs. Here are the highlights:
- High ceilings and oak wood floors.
- Plush terry bathrobes and goose-down bedding.
- HD TVs and sleek Corian bathrooms with walk-in showers.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms flood interiors with natural light.
- A welcoming and luxurious ambiance throughout.
Here’s a quick run-down of room size and suites so that you can get a feel of the size and offerings. Note that king rooms and suites can accommodate two adults, but some can accommodate one child as well. We can help you figure it out.
Rooms
- Deluxe Garden Room (32 SQM / 348 SQF): Stylish rooms with garden views, light wood floors, French rugs, and Corian bathrooms. Some include freestanding baths.
- Deluxe Boulevard Room (34 SQM / 367 SQF): Overlooking Passeig de Gràcia with light-filled interiors and some balconies offering Gaudí’s Casa Batlló views. This is the two-bed room configuration.
- Mandarin Room (36 SQM / 392 SQF): Spacious rooms featuring bespoke rugs, wood floors, and a glass-encased bathroom with a large walk-in shower.
Suites
All suites enjoy personalized guest experience service (or what’s known as butler service).
- Mandarin Junior Suite (53 SQM / 566 SQF): Includes a seating area, garden or city views, and a rainforest shower in the glass-enclosed bathroom.
- Boulevard Suite (56 SQM / 602 SQF): Features balconies or terraces overlooking Passeig de Gràcia, a spacious living area, and dining options for four.
- Deluxe Suite (78 SQM / 839 SQF): Includes terraces or balconies, a spa-inspired bathroom, and a separate living room with dining space. I stayed in this suite.
- Premier Suite (123 SQM / 1,290 SQF): Features long terraces or balconies, a dining room for six, and luxurious Oriental-inspired decor.
- Terrace Suite (80 SQM / 860 SQF): Offers a large terrace for al fresco dining, spacious interiors, and a circular bath with a separate shower.
- Family Suite (124 SQM / 1,331 SQF): Perfect for families with two bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms, and multiple balconies.
- Grand Suite (182 SQM / 1,959 SQF): Includes three bedrooms, two living/dining areas, with stunning Passeig de Gràcia views.
- Premier Terrace Suite (112 SQM / 1,205 SQF): A top-floor location with a private study, outdoor terrace, and glass-walled bathrooms.
- Barcelona Suite (83 SQM / 893 SQF): A serene suite featuring a terrace jacuzzi and spacious interiors blending local charm and luxury.
Penthouse
- Penthouse Suite (236 SQM / 2,542 SQF): Occupies the entire top floor with multiple terraces, a private kitchen, and accommodation for up to eight diners.
My Deluxe Suite
My room was upgraded to a phenomenal Deluxe Suite that included terraces overlooking Passeig de Gracia, a separate master bathroom and bedroom, a powder room, Acqua Di Parma bath amenities, and butler service, to name just a few of the many luxuries.
If you think that butler service is frivolous, rest assured that they can greatly enhance a stay. A team of butlers are on hand at Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, throughout the day and night.
I needed a document printed, scanned, and emailed quickly, a task my butler could facilitate within minutes, exactly per my request. Butlers unpack disheveled suitcases and re-pack them to perfection.
And, as butlers get to know you, they can thoughtfully customize your stay, from delivering perfect coffee in the morning to making sure your fruit bowl is stocked exactly to your preference.
They become your go-to. And, here it is customary for them to treat you to a welcome drink in the bar.
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona’s Excellent Location
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona rests on the famous Passeig de Gracia, a street in the Eixample neighborhood lined with Gaudi architecture, fantastic restaurants, and shopping. It is considered the most expensive street in the city—perhaps all of Spain.
Many of Barcelona’s best attractions are within walking distance, including Casa Batllà, La Rambla (I’m not a fan, but it’s close), La Boqueria, La Pedrera, the Gothic Quarter, the beach, and even la Sagrada Família.
The drive from the airport to Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona took me an easy 30 minutes during off-peak time. I hired a driver through Blacklane who met me after baggage claim and drove me in a lovely Mercedes to the hotel.
The bottom line is that Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, is extremely centrally located for those craving convenience.
Chic Decor Throughout
I wasn’t too tired to notice the stark whites, vibrant patterns, and fabulous art scattered throughout the lobby and common areas. Nor did I miss the Manolo Blahnik boutique steps to the left of the front desk. Yes, it’s inside the hotel!
The luxury hotel’s 120 rooms, suites, and most common areas feature spectacular interiors by famed Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola. The decor is simply breathtaking.
I’ve heard multiple people declare this property one of their favorites in the group. The interior design, while lacking much of the Asian flourish other MO hotels have, no doubt has a lot to do with this praise.
A Zen Spa
There is absolutely no better cure for jet lag than a good steam and a full-body spa treatment. Period. Guests of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, who arrive at the hotel early or have late departures can store belongings in the changing room lockers and fully use the wellness facilities.
After a cup of coffee and a quick catch-up on email, I arrived at the spa well over an hour in advance to freshen up and sit in the Oriental steam room, where I transformed from completely exhausted with a slight headache to a surprising state of energy (no joke).
After flipping through a magazine next to the two-lane pool, I gladly took my first post-airplane shower and chilled out in the dimly-lit, sleek relaxation room with cool flavored water and snacks where my therapist collected me for a nearly 2-hour signature treatment.
As a fan of signature hotel treatments, I selected this one because it is a block of time that is filled based on a conversation between guests and therapists.
Because of the current state of my skin and the fact that I was hours off a long-haul flight, I decided that my equilibrium would best be restored by a salt scrub, massage, and mini facial using products that emphasize hydration.
I feared missing bliss by falling asleep, but I I managed to enjoy every minute. I felt so rejuvenated afterward that I didn’t feel the urge to nap that day (and I don’t sleep well on planes), managed to go shopping, enjoyed mid-afternoon tapas nearby, and even had a late dinner in the hotel. I never bounce back from long-haul flights like this.
(See also: Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s Imperial Jade Ritual – another favorite jet lag spa treatment)
Delicious Dining: Some With Views of Gaudi
Though my stay was short, I managed to experience the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona restaurants. Dining is very much part of a guest’s experience, so it is worth going into detail about the glorious food.
Blanc
Situated at the heart of the hotel, Blanc offers all-day dining focused on local cuisine with natural ingredients. The stunning white decor complements its diverse menu. Don’t miss the Sunday brunch.
- Contact: +34 93 151 87 83 | Email: mobcn-blanc@mohg.com
Moments
A Michelin-starred restaurant managed by Chef Carme Ruscalleda and her son Raül Balam, Moments is celebrated for its creative Catalan cuisine. The dining room, designed by Patricia Urquiola, features golden and amber hues and a window into the kitchen for a view of the culinary artistry.
- Serves: Lunch and Dinner
- Seasonal Closure: January 11 – February 3
- Contact: +34 93 151 87 81 | Email: mobcn-moments@mohg.com
Terrat
Reserved exclusively for hotel guests before 7 p.m., the view from rooftop Terrat (also pictured in the top photo) is extraordinary and no doubt one of the best in Barcelona.
Laptop in hand, I ventured up here to get some work done with a glass of good Spanish wine (regrettably, I don’t remember the name).
This intimate space is truly special and surprisingly quiet, though the city buzzes below. It wasn’t busy, so the bartender let me taste several wines before choosing one—touches like this reaffirm why I’m a fan of the brand.
Guests can also take a dip in the pool. I imagine that during peak times in warm weather—it had just rained earlier in the day of my visit—that Terrat is the place to be.
Reservations are exclusively available for dinner. This venue is perfect for enjoying sunsets and the city skyline.
- Contact: +34 93 151 88 88 | Email: mobcn-terrat@mohg.com
- Seasonal Closure: December – March
Banker’s Bar
Not too hungry, but knowing I should eat, I noshed on amazing “Arturo Sà¡nchez” Reserva (cured Iberian ham) and pane con tomate—my favorite order in Barcelona.
You can have these at Banker’s Bar, where I imagine the city’s movers and shakers enjoy many after-work drinks. If you find yourself here, order this dish!
Guests can also enjoy wines, champagnes, and mocktails.
- Contact: +34 93 151 87 82 | Email: mobcn-bankers@mohg.com
Mimosa Garden
Mimosa Garden makes up for Barcelona’s lack of green space. It’s hard to believe this lush al fresco garden is on a hotel terrace because it transports you almost into another world. After check-out, I snuck up here again for some quiet computer time paired with wine and an octopus salad tapa.
Wine Dinner Series
You can also enjoy exclusive wine-paired dinners featuring celebrated wineries from Spain, France, and Portugal. These intimate dinners are held in Blanc or Moments restaurants.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned, this Mandarin Oriental features less—but certainly not zero—Asian influence than other properties in the group.
This hotel is for discerning travelers and those who crave privacy because every space has an exclusive feel. That being said, I saw a handful of kids, but not a lot.
There isn’t a business center, but the concierge desk or butlers can assist with printing and other office needs. WiFi is complimentary.
Service here in the restaurants, at the front desk, and at the spa, as well as everywhere else I journeyed throughout the hotel, was impeccable.
I don’t have any complaints and highly recommend this luxury hotel. It’s truly special.
Make a Mandarin Oriental Barcelona VIP Reservation
Through me, you have access to Mandarin Oriental FAN Club VIP benefits that include:
**Lobby, Deluxe Suite Bedroom, Spa and Mimosa Garden photos are courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Katie Dillon
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