THE ARTS HOTEL, BARCELONA
The Arts Hotel is a Ritz Carlton property directly on the Mediterranean that stands like a monument to modern luxury. High tech and chic, this hotel is stunning in a multitude of ways. Uniformed, professional courtesy and meticulous attention to detail reside in every square foot of this marble and glass masterpiece. The men and women working there all look like Vogue ads or GQ models but act like true professionals. The service, amenities, attitude and property are all truly first class with no exceptions.
The high-rise suites (we were on the 28th floor) are phenomenal, extra huge and very pricey with sweeping views of the city and the sea. A large living room, two TV’s, dressing room, two separate bathrooms, a wide hallway leading to a massive corner view bedroom, a full bar and more high tech buttons than anyone requires. From the marble and polished granite master bathroom (you could park a car in this one with plenty of space to spare) to the mood lighting and push button electronic curtains and drapes that covered the massive floor to ceiling windows, these suites and this hotel will definitely please. I was informed by pool attendant and the bellman that several film stars request this suite as well.
We decided to enjoy a little pool side time and then the beach before a late afternoon nap and ultimately, dinner. The pool here is five star....THE ARTS HOTEL, BARCELONA
The Arts Hotel is a Ritz Carlton property directly on the Mediterranean that stands like a monument to modern luxury. High tech and chic, this hotel is stunning in a multitude of ways. Uniformed, professional courtesy and meticulous attention to detail reside in every square foot of this marble and glass masterpiece. The men and women working there all look like Vogue ads or GQ models but act like true professionals. The service, amenities, attitude and property are all truly first class with no exceptions.
The high-rise suites (we were on the 28th floor) are phenomenal, extra huge and very pricey with sweeping views of the city and the sea. A large living room, two TV’s, dressing room, two separate bathrooms, a wide hallway leading to a massive corner view bedroom, a full bar and more high tech buttons than anyone requires. From the marble and polished granite master bathroom (you could park a car in this one with plenty of space to spare) to the mood lighting and push button electronic curtains and drapes that covered the massive floor to ceiling windows, these suites and this hotel will definitely please. I was informed by pool attendant and the bellman that several film stars request this suite as well.
We decided to enjoy a little pool side time and then the beach before a late afternoon nap and ultimately, dinner. The pool here is five star. Attendants escort guests to their choice of designer lounge seating and welcome you with several lush towels, designer umbrellas and bottles of water. On the beach however, don’t be surprised to see several topless bathers. With the horrible value of the dollar in Europe, cash goes quickly here also. Two cocktails at pool side amounted to a U.S. conversion of $56.00. It’s all relative when one considers that a suite at the Arts Hotel runs $1000 a night, plus, plus.
Later that evening, while enjoying a state of the art shower system than can best be described as a private cocoon of marble with multiple and powerful water jets, (LBJ would have loved it) we were getting prepared for our evening on the town before the cruise the following day.
We had reservations for a late dinner that night as we enjoyed the glittering lights of Barcelona from 28 floors beneath us. While getting ready, the extensive surround stereo sound system (even in the bathroom) lulled us with Andre Bocelli from CD’s provided ensuite. The concierge desk rang politely to tell us that our driver was downstairs and ready when we were. There were frequently so many black and midnight blue Mercedes S-Class sedans with suited drivers waiting outside this hotel that you’d think it was a diplomatic location. Admittedly, being driven around Barcelona in this manner is a great convenience and goes hand in hand with the culture of this hotel.
After a 20 minute ride past the Ramblas into the buzz, sights and nightlife of downtown Barcelona, we arrived at a well established and popular restaurant called Botafumiero. A busy, elegant, old world seafood paradise. Reservations a must. Passing wall photos of famous former diners including politicians and actors, we were greeted warmly and escorted to our table.
I had noticed that among the photos were Bill Clinton, Robert De Niro, Cuba Gooding and even King Juan Carlos and Queen Sophia posing with the owner. Apparently the Spanish royal family keeps a place in Barcelona and eat at Botafumiero. In a word, excellent. Had a wonderful shellfish broth, a great Cabernet and the Mediterranean sea bass. Slightly brisk but professional service with truly fabulous food. Highly recommended. Later we were driven around the sights and ended our evening at the large and busy casino next door to the hotel.
The following morning we indulged in a memorably delicious breakfast amidst the gentle sea breeze surrounded by lush floral gardens and delightful service at the garden terrace of the hotel. This is one of many beautiful locations to eat at this hotel. In a matter of a few hour it was time to embark the Oceania Insignia for our Med voyage. Checkout was seamless and with our car and driver at the ready, we were off to the pier terminal for our Mediterranean cruise. The Arts is a stellar hotel with stellar service.More
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