Hotel El Palace
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"Rooftop stole euros"
The hotel has a cool, vibrant atmosphere. We didn’t stay overnight but booked a table on the rooftop. The staff were friendly, the vibe was great, and the food was average—but the experience was enjoyable overall. However, a word of caution: do not pay with cash. We paid in euros and left a tip, only to be told by the waitress as we were leaving that we were $20 short—even though the tip covered more than that. It felt like tourists were taken advantage of. Despite this, I would still return, but I strongly advise using a card to avoid any issues.
"Our Spain Ohana"
El Palace is our Spanish home. The staff are everything we could wish for—professional, personable, and incredibly responsive to every need. The concierge service is exceptional, though in truth the same can be said for the entire team. The rooftop restaurant overlooking Sagrada Familia is an incredible spot to enjoy wonderful food, rivaled only by the grandeur of the historic Hall, a beautiful reminder of the hotel’s Ritz-era elegance. I honestly cannot imagine better accommodations or more attentive staff anywhere in the world. Aloha from your Hawaii Ohana!
"Good Menu and Service but Without Palace Hotel Details"
Our reservation was for afternoon tea, and I had visited three days earlier to select the perfect table, as I planned to propose with an engagement ring during the snack. I had requested Table 35, but when we arrived on August 2, another table had been set up instead—the request had clearly not been noted. Thankfully, the staff moved us to the table I wanted, as it was empty, but such an oversight feels inexcusable for a hotel of El Palace’s caliber. On the positive side, the attention from staff and the menu itself were both excellent.
"Think twice"
The hotel staff were nice and attentive, but the property itself fell short of expectations. The TVs and phones did not work properly, and despite several attempts by maintenance, the TV remained unusable. The beds and pillows were uncomfortable and not what I would expect from a five-star property. The breakfast buffet was average, and overall the hotel clearly needs investment to reach true five-star standards. I would not return.
"Grand dame"
Built in 1919 and formerly the Ritz, this hotel exudes old-world European charm, though its age shows in parts of the interior. The ornate lobby features a small check-in desk, setting the tone for a grand, historic stay. Our first-floor suite lacked a view and showed some wear and tear. The TV was small, and the hybrid traditional/modern key system was cumbersome, though the suite offered two separate rooms for the toilet and shower, which was convenient. Breakfast, served in a greenhouse-style setting, was pleasant, and the rooftop garden for lunch and drinks was a lovely addition. The tiny gym was sufficient for light use. Service throughout the hotel was good, and the location is excellent—within walking distance of many UNESCO sites, Plaza Catalunya, and Passeig de Gràcia. I stayed here for business, and while the hotel has historic charm, for personal travel it may not be my top choice.
"A perfect hotel but point totally inacceptable"
The rooftop at this hotel is truly incredible, and the property itself is excellent. The rooms are very nice, and the rooftop staff are attentive and friendly, creating a great experience. However, a strong warning: do not pay with cash. I was very disappointed when, after giving money to the waiter, he returned with a confusing mix of coins and bills. To avoid issues, always pay by card. If you follow this advice, I would definitely recommend this hotel.
"Very nice place"
Whenever I spend a few days in Barcelona, I always visit this hotel for tea and a delicious pastry. The service is consistently impeccable, and the familiar staff create a natural bond with loyal visitors. I would avoid the tea-time set menu, as it is bland and ordinary; instead, opt for individual pastries, particularly the chocolate cake, which is exceptional. The hotel itself is charming, slightly old-fashioned, yet spacious—the only one in Barcelona that truly retains the “Ritz spirit.” However, as I was leaving, I noticed a young recruit standing at the entrance with his hands in his jacket pockets, staring rather intently at a passerby. It struck me as a poor representation of the hotel, highlighting the challenges of management in ensuring staff properly reflect the luxury and elegance of the property.
"Food with friends"
The rooftop restaurant offered a delightful selection of Swiss dishes, including fondue, tartiflette, and cold cuts. The staff were friendly, though service was somewhat slow. The food quality was acceptable, but the prices felt a bit high considering the dishes offered. The highlight of the experience is the incredible views of Barcelona from the rooftop, making it a memorable spot to enjoy a meal.
"Once bitten."
Our stay at this hotel was disappointing overall. The pillows were uncomfortable, and our first room was cold with a wet carpet, forcing us to change rooms. Bar staff on the rooftop largely ignored us, and towels were not provided daily. We requested ice, which took four hours to arrive. Turn-down service was excellent on the first night but minimal for the rest of our stay. Used glasses were not replaced without asking, and when a party was held one night, we were refused entry to the rooftop—a main reason we had booked this hotel. While there were some positive touches, such as initial turn-down service, the combination of poor service, lack of attention to basic needs, and restricted access to key amenities made the stay unsatisfactory.
"Just Step in- you’ve found a winner"
The minute you enter Hotel El Palace in Barcelona, you know you’ve made the right choice. The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming, making you feel truly at home in a palace. The lobby is exquisite, and the rooms are equally elegant and comfortable. The location is superb, with so many attractions within walking distance. A must-visit hotel for anyone seeking a luxurious stay in Barcelona!
"Ritz charm, aristocratic calm"
This hotel is a perfect snapshot of royal English style, reflecting the Ritz heritage and the regal charm of the 18th and 19th centuries. While the uniformed waiters and charming menus show its tradition, the hotel does feel somewhat tired in places. Personally, I found this adds to its charm—after all, when at the Ritz, one expects an old-world experience. I recommend this hotel to anyone seeking classic, old-school glamour. If you’re looking for a modern, “rockstar” vibe, this may not be the right choice.
"Overvalued, in need of basic repair"
I recently stayed at Hotel El Palace with high expectations, given its reputation and premium pricing, but my experience fell well below the standard expected from a luxury hotel. The check-in process was frustrating—I was left waiting on the terrace for over an hour without assistance and had to resolve the situation myself. One of the two guest elevators was out of order, yet no signage was provided, causing unnecessary confusion. The room had several maintenance issues. The bathroom tap was defective, spraying water unless turned to a trickle, and the room lighting couldn’t be fully turned off, requiring me to unplug lamps manually. Turn-down service was also not provided on the last evening, which was an unexpected oversight. For a hotel of this caliber, these shortcomings were disappointing and made the stay feel overvalued. I hope the management addresses these concerns to ensure future guests receive the high level of hospitality Hotel El Palace promises.
Hotel El Palace
A grand hotel offering classic luxury, a spa, and fine dining options.
Address
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668, L'Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Website
https://www.hotelpalacebarcelona.com/
Email
[email protected]
Telephone
+34935101130