[TRIP REPORT]

Background This was a two night trip to Barcelona thanks to a generous offer from Marriot and American Express that I took in October 2020 and completely forgot to write up about. One night at the Hotel Arts Barcelona Ritz Carlton and the following night at the W Barcelona [Trip Report for that hotel here]. I booked both separately through a Virtuoso agent which came with its suitable perks, and I’m Marriott Gold through my Amex too.


Checkin. The front door staff were over cautious about letting two young guys in tshirt and jeans into the hotel at 8pm at night. Asking on two occasions if we did have a reservation, and if it was at this hotel. He escorted us up to reception and only after verifying that we had a reservation with the front desk, took us over to the reception. Checkin was great. Having booked a “ Deluxe, Guest room, 1 King, City view”, we were upgraded to a “Suite, 1 King, Bathrooms: 1.5”. I was also informed of my $100 room credit which was converted to €80. The hotel was very quiet, I believe she said a 20% full.

Room

Having received an email a week before confirming my reservation and asking if I wished to reserve a table for dinner or breakfast, I was asked if there was anything else I wanted. I requested two beers in the minibar fridge and was delighted to see they were there, along with a personalised note.

(Side note, as a same-sex couple, I notice many times at different hotels, the front desk staff ask “and would you prefer a king or twin” as if that decision hasn’t already been made (the personal note is in on the desk and beers in the fridge) I suppose it is a gentle way to ensure business partners aren’t in an awkward situation, but I do wonder what happens if I said a twin and how they would move everything over without it coming across unorganised.)

Room was great, with a large living area, large bathroom, and corner bedroom. Down a weirdly long corridor was a separate bathroom. Great views of the Sagrada de Familia in the distance and the W Barcelona to the left.

Dining

With covid and no options outside the hotel, we went to the only restaurant open on a Tuesday night- P41 Bar & Coctelarium . I had a burger which was great but not as described. No brioche bun (a random seeded bun) and the home cut chips were not home cut, but Covid, still tasty.

The biggest disappointed was the P41 cocktail bar. I had high hopes, but I think on the night we attended the person was maybe not as up to scratch with cocktails. As well as drinks, he was serving the tables food, clearing etc. (again, Covid). My request for a Mai Tai was met with enthusiasm, a quick check on a phone and something that didn’t really reassemble a Mai Tai. The barman came over to a double check to make sure I was enjoying it and there was not “too much grenadine”, hmm. He did hand crush the ice which I thought was nice. My partner enjoyed an on-menu signature cocktail, and it did taste great.

Breakfast was in LOKAL restaurant and was included with my room. It was an “assisted buffet” at (point and it will be plated by staff behind the counter) along with a small hot item menu where we could an option which was prepared back of house and brought over. I’m not sure how many I was allowed to order, but just went for one. Lovely breakfast but not sure I could justify the price of it if I was paying out of pocket.

Location and Facilities

As noted before, the biggest flaw with the Hotel Arts Barcelona Ritz Carlton is it’s location. I did not really mind as I’ve been to Barcelona several times but it is a taxi or good walk to places that first time visitors might want to see.

There was nobody at the pool and the water felt pretty cold in the mid-october mid-morning sun. I enjoyed the outdoor hottub which suited better. I did not check out the gym or spa.

Checkout. Friendly and swift with what seemed a genuine interest in feedback. We left around 12pm to walk over to the W Barcelona for my second night in the city.