Hotel review: Hotel Arts Barcelona, a knock-out Ritz-Carlton
Posted on 14 November 2011 with no comments from readers
You would hardly guess that the eurozone is in crisis from a stay at the knock-out Hotel Arts in Barcelona. This 483-room skyscraper on the beachfront was completely full with a medical conference until the weekend and hardly empty even then despite being out-of-season.
Barcelona was a good choice for an Eid break with the weather mercifully kind and sunny. There is no direct Emirates flight from Dubai but Qatar Airways serves the city and the Lufthansa/Swiss/Spanair alliance. Do stay in this amazing Ritz-Carlton hotel if you can find a room.
Fine dining
On the lower floors are the fine dining restaurants. Try the two Michelin starred chef Sergi Arola’s epynominous restaurant for fish and local produce with an excellent terrace overlooking the Mediterranean, open throughout the day, although not on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Spanish timing can annoy some guests. ‘What are we supposed to do until eight o’clock’, commented one American lady on booking her dinner. That is actually quite early for Spain where lunch at 2pm and dinner past 9.30pm is common.
Still chef Paco Perez earned his three Michelin stars for fine dining and is well worth the wait at Enoteca where a multi-course tasting menu is de rigeur. Again fish from the Mediterranean and the best local farm products are yours to command.
Rooms in this Ritz-Carlton are pretty high-tech with a bank of controls for the different lighting options and night blinds. There is also a designer TV and entertainment centre from Bang & Olufsen. The interiors are an extremely comfortable version of modern minimalism and the views are to die for.
A collection of modern Spanish art works are to be found all over this hotel and the largest is a huge fish-like sculpture in copper wallowing on the terrace next to the swimming pool.
Superb club
On the 33rd floor is the Club Lounge, a great option for its all day snacking presentations, including breakfast and non-stop champagne. Guests here have their own check-in and concierge under the able management of Madhubi Wilmotte who seldom seems to sleep.
As you would expect the hotel boasts a large sundeck as well as a comprehensive gym. The sublime roof-top spa is on the 43rd floor. It’s all about location, height and architecture. You’re right on the beachfront overlooking the Med, next to a massive yachting marina in the tallest building in the city.
Add the normal outstanding personal service of the Ritz-Carlton and you do have an unbeatable combination.
