Barcelona & Mallorca for summer family trip
Dec 17, 2023, 3:27 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 79
Barcelona & Mallorca for summer family trip
Considering a trip to Barcelona and Mallorca this summer. Didn't find any recent posts covering either location. Will be traveling with our 2 year old son.
What's the best for Barcelona? I know the market isn't great for hotels and MO perhaps is one of the better options but the suites are quite pricey thus want to see what else is out there. Looking to find a property that can handle babysitting arrangements, etc. and has a good location.
For Mallorca leaning towards Belmond - La Residencia, however wondering if anyone has stayed recently. Any stays at the Virgin property Son Bunyola? Any others to look into?
What's the best for Barcelona? I know the market isn't great for hotels and MO perhaps is one of the better options but the suites are quite pricey thus want to see what else is out there. Looking to find a property that can handle babysitting arrangements, etc. and has a good location.
For Mallorca leaning towards Belmond - La Residencia, however wondering if anyone has stayed recently. Any stays at the Virgin property Son Bunyola? Any others to look into?
Dec 17, 2023, 11:56 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2015
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Posts: 5,538
I’ve spent a lot of time in the last few years bouncing between London and Spain (principally the Balearics, Madrid and Barcelona).
MO is the best in Barcelona, no doubt, but it’s a pretty mediocre MO / Barcelona is a terrible market for luxury hotels, so if the premium over other hotels is large (which it often is) I’d be tempted to skip it. The EDITION is probably the next best hotel in Barcelona and I also like Serras.
If you plan to stay in Palma on Mallorca, both Sant Francesc Hotel Singular and Can Bordoy are excellent.
The one thing I can’t cover is the child-friendliness of the above, but suspect La Residencia will be a lot better than my Palma suggestions above with children.
MO is the best in Barcelona, no doubt, but it’s a pretty mediocre MO / Barcelona is a terrible market for luxury hotels, so if the premium over other hotels is large (which it often is) I’d be tempted to skip it. The EDITION is probably the next best hotel in Barcelona and I also like Serras.
If you plan to stay in Palma on Mallorca, both Sant Francesc Hotel Singular and Can Bordoy are excellent.
The one thing I can’t cover is the child-friendliness of the above, but suspect La Residencia will be a lot better than my Palma suggestions above with children.
Dec 18, 2023, 1:05 am
#4
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When I stayed at La Residecia some children were there. I would also consider St. Regis, they have a huge area for children.
Dec 18, 2023, 1:19 am
#6
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I know, I wrote about it
Nevertheless the best kids-facilities I know on the island. Not the biggest fan of La Residencia and if the city-hotels are a great option with kids is another question.
My recommendation would be Cap Rocat - Adults only
Nevertheless the best kids-facilities I know on the island. Not the biggest fan of La Residencia and if the city-hotels are a great option with kids is another question.My recommendation would be Cap Rocat - Adults only
Dec 18, 2023, 8:21 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 79
Any watchouts with La Residencia based on your stay? Hard to get excited about the St. Regis but I guess when traveling with a kid priorities change. Will look into it.
Will look into the other suggestions in Barcelona as well.
Will look into the other suggestions in Barcelona as well.
Dec 18, 2023, 11:57 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Valencia, Paris
Programs: FB Gold, IB Plus Plata
Posts: 170
MO is the best in Barcelona, no doubt, but it’s a pretty mediocre MO / Barcelona is a terrible market for luxury hotels, so if the premium over other hotels is large (which it often is) I’d be tempted to skip it. The EDITION is probably the next best hotel in Barcelona and I also like Serras.
Dec 19, 2023, 1:51 am
#9
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I understand that you're not impressed with the St. Regis. I'm not a huge fan either. But what is true is that the facilities are good. There is a separate pool for children and a beautiful playground next to it.
If it helps here some reports from me:
La Residencia 2016
Mardavall 2016
Mardavall 2020
The 2020 is the whole Trip-Report, Mardavall beginning with post 11.
Dec 19, 2023, 2:11 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Valencia, Paris
Programs: FB Gold, IB Plus Plata
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Also, Four Seasons Formentor in Mallorca is supposed to opened in June (the owners did a press release in October). The works have progressed a lot and they are already starting some room interior tests. But of course it may be delayed and no idea when FS will start selling it.
Dec 19, 2023, 9:27 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,624
Also, Four Seasons Formentor in Mallorca is supposed to opened in June (the owners did a press release in October). The works have progressed a lot and they are already starting some room interior tests. But of course it may be delayed and no idea when FS will start selling it.
Dec 20, 2023, 1:31 am
#12
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Valencia, Paris
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Dec 21, 2023, 1:27 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 79
Dec 23, 2023, 6:00 am
#14
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I'm really looking forward to the opening of the Four Seasons and will definitely be trying it out. But, when considering the hotel, you have to consider its location. As far as beach holidays are concerned, you will probably have a good time there (good hotel beaches are an absolute rarity on Mallorca). Those looking for peace and quiet will also most likely be satisfied. However, if you want to explore the island, the location is not particularly favourable, it's quite a long drive to most places.