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Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, Spain's number one luxury hotel - now open

Review 20 December 2009

MO Barcelona

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Luxury has finally arrived in Barcelona. The brand new Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is not only a luxury statement in one of Europe's most beautiful cities but also a reference for a new, higher standard of luxury services. In an established tourism market such as Spain one could hardly have anticipated a new hotel opening to have such an impact on the standards of five star hotels. Mandarin Oriental brings its best to Barcelona: flawless customer service, extreme comfort, top restaurant by five star Michelin chef and a stunning SPA. Located in the heart of Barcelona's downtown on Paseig de Gracia, the hotel is housed in a historical building. The hotel perfectly blends contemporary design with Asian influences, making no compromises on comfort. Large feather beds with Frette linens, bathrooms with rain shower and tub designed like mini SPA's, state of the art technology with Bang & Olufsen flat tv's, soundproof double glazed windows are among the features of the Mandarin. The SPA of the new Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is a sanctuary of relaxation and well-being, with treatments which include local flavors, traditions and ingredients. The hotel also has a dedicated SPA shop, with products made especially for Mandarin Oriental by Aromatherapy Associates, which also provide all amenities throughout the hotel. Upon my arrival on a very cold mid December evening, I was met with the Mandarin Oriental warm and friendly welcome and as soon as I entered I felt the Mandarin Oriental smell I thought ''Fells so good to be home''. I was kindly offered an upgrade to a Boulevard room, yet later discovered the larger and very well lit Terrace room. The first day, I didn't left the hotel until the evening. Breakfast was a feast, with a large selection of exotic fresh fruits (some organic) and a selection of foods which included famous local delicacies. During my visit at the SPA, I had a signature hot stones massage which was heavenly, invigorating and relaxing at the same time. Do not leave the SPA without a visit to the Mandarin Oriental SPA shop! Having stayed at many of the worldwide locations of Mandarin Oriental, I can definitely say the Mandarin Barcelona is the best in Europe and the Americas, second only to some Asian properties such as The Landmark in Hong Kong and the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. Oliver Petcu