Mar 5, 2018, 7:39 pm
Last edit by: hhoope01
This thread refers to the various Marriott brands within a specific geographic area. Marriott Bonvoy hotels in XX usually have posts asking which property is better, etc. Trip reports are usually better suited in the property specific threads.
Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Barcelona, Spain
Aug 6, 2021, 4:50 pm
#196
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 1,770
I agree. I think people get turned off by the lack of free breakfast etc but the EDITION hotels in London and Barcelona are some of the best I’ve stayed at under the Bonvoy umbrella (and in general). Customer service and hard product are always the standout areas. Plus cool bars and perfect locations.
Aug 6, 2021, 5:51 pm
#197
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
I stayed at the Barcelona EDITION for four nights last month and it was superb. The breakfast (included in STARS rate) was some of the best I have ever had at a hotel. Service is very good. Location is excellent for visiting the main tourist sites. Hard product is spot on. My only minor criticisms are that the sound proofing between rooms isn’t faultless and we did have brief debate about my guaranteed late checkout (they mistakenly thought it was subject to availability but then looked it up and graciously apologised and acknowledged the error). Overall, I think it’s one of the best Bonvoy hotels I’ve been to, and I tend to frequent the higher end.
By the way, I also had a lovely stay at the W for four nights after that. Having heard some previously negative experiences, I was very pleasantly surprised. The breakfast is very good and the room (studio suite on SNAs) was big, comfortable and tranquil. Gym and spa also pleasant and well equipped (steam room is so steamy and hot, it’s almost overwhelming). Customer service were very responsive, especially via the app.
By the way, I went for a long walk SNR passed by the Arts - the location is terrible unless you want to go clubbing, IMO. W location is actually better - far less industrial and closer to the beach. IMO, EDITION and Cotton House have the best locations for most people visiting Barcelona.
I am thinking of doing another four nights in Barcelona this month and may try the Cotton House for the first time, although a return to the EDITION is very tempting too.
By the way, I also had a lovely stay at the W for four nights after that. Having heard some previously negative experiences, I was very pleasantly surprised. The breakfast is very good and the room (studio suite on SNAs) was big, comfortable and tranquil. Gym and spa also pleasant and well equipped (steam room is so steamy and hot, it’s almost overwhelming). Customer service were very responsive, especially via the app.
By the way, I went for a long walk SNR passed by the Arts - the location is terrible unless you want to go clubbing, IMO. W location is actually better - far less industrial and closer to the beach. IMO, EDITION and Cotton House have the best locations for most people visiting Barcelona.
I am thinking of doing another four nights in Barcelona this month and may try the Cotton House for the first time, although a return to the EDITION is very tempting too.
I agree. I think people get turned off by the lack of free breakfast etc but the EDITION hotels in London and Barcelona are some of the best I’ve stayed at under the Bonvoy umbrella (and in general). Customer service and hard product are always the standout areas. Plus cool bars and perfect locations.
Aug 7, 2021, 1:43 am
#198
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,250
I would agree, EDITION is my favourite Marriott group brand (although I have a soft spot for a lot of Luxury Collection properties too, but it’s hardly a brand at all). I think the main reasons it doesn’t get more love are that i) elite benefits are pretty limited and that’s a large part of what this forum is about and ii) rooms are fairly small on average, certainly below the size expectations of a lot of American posters here. However, the quality of every EDITION outside of the US is incredibly high and if you are a millennial in their target market that would rather have a beautifully designed hotel in a central location with high quality finish, F&B and service rather than a large but probably drab room, they are great.
Aug 7, 2021, 2:52 am
#199
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 1,770
If you have access to a luxury travel advisor and are staying a few nights, there’s a STARS and Save offer on intermittently at the moment. It gets you 20% off the rack rate plus 50 euros credit a night; with all the STARS benefits on top, including free breakfast for two (this costs 60-70 euros + a day, based on the bills we signed). You can’t get this rate booking through the Marriott app - you can only get 20% off and the 50 euros of credit a day. This is what we used during our stay and I’ve made a provisional booking for this month with the rate too. PM if you need an adviser. This is an honest tip; I don’t receive any commission lol.
Aug 7, 2021, 2:55 am
#200
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 1,770
I would agree, EDITION is my favourite Marriott group brand (although I have a soft spot for a lot of Luxury Collection properties too, but it’s hardly a brand at all). I think the main reasons it doesn’t get more love are that i) elite benefits are pretty limited and that’s a large part of what this forum is about and ii) rooms are fairly small on average, certainly below the size expectations of a lot of American posters here. However, the quality of every EDITION outside of the US is incredibly high and if you are a millennial in their target market that would rather have a beautifully designed hotel in a central location with high quality finish, F&B and service rather than a large but probably drab room, they are great.
Aug 7, 2021, 4:38 am
#201
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
If you have access to a luxury travel advisor and are staying a few nights, there’s a STARS and Save offer on intermittently at the moment. It gets you 20% off the rack rate plus 50 euros credit a night; with all the STARS benefits on top, including free breakfast for two (this costs 60-70 euros + a day, based on the bills we signed). You can’t get this rate booking through the Marriott app - you can only get 20% off and the 50 euros of credit a day. This is what we used during our stay and I’ve made a provisional booking for this month with the rate too. PM if you need an adviser. This is an honest tip; I don’t receive any commission lol.
Aug 7, 2021, 5:37 am
#202
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: Some
Posts: 5,250
I think there is a minimum three night stay for the stay and save rate at most hotels by the way (although I think when I looked, Cotton House had loaded it incorrectly and was letting you use it for a one night stay). I have used it at both hotels, Hotel Arts increased the discount from 20% to 25% for a four night stay if I remember correctly, but that doesn’t apply everywhere.
Aug 7, 2021, 7:26 pm
#203
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Platinum Pro (LT Gold), Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium, National Exec,Hyatt,Melia, BA Exec, Iberia+
Posts: 527
I stayed at the Cotton House for a month in June-July, having locked in a long stay rate back when few tourists were allowed in. Because of the incredibly cheap rate (€1300 for the month for a room with balcony, including continental breakfast and weekly laundry not including dry cleaning), it didn’t include full service cleaning daily as with a normal stay. I was beyond lucky to get that rate.
The location is just perfect in my mind, as someone who has spent a lot of time in Barcelona over the years. Incredibly centric yet slightly off the busiest tourist paths. Easy to walk/bike to the beach (~30-40 minute walk), a couple minutes walk from Urquinaona Metro stop, just a few minutes from the Aerobús to the airport.
I love the arquitectural/interior design style of the hotel, and as I was working remotely, it was great to work from the library a couple hours a day. The rooftop pool has superb views of Sagrada Familia.
I stayed two additional nights in Barcelona at the Le Meridien, using free night certificates. The Le Meridien is a long-time favorite of mine. I find staff to be excellent and as Lifetime Titanium (previously lifetime Platinum SPG), I almost always get upgrades. This was no exception - I was given a 2-room suite on a high floor and also a welcome bottle of wine.
The location is just perfect in my mind, as someone who has spent a lot of time in Barcelona over the years. Incredibly centric yet slightly off the busiest tourist paths. Easy to walk/bike to the beach (~30-40 minute walk), a couple minutes walk from Urquinaona Metro stop, just a few minutes from the Aerobús to the airport.
I love the arquitectural/interior design style of the hotel, and as I was working remotely, it was great to work from the library a couple hours a day. The rooftop pool has superb views of Sagrada Familia.
I stayed two additional nights in Barcelona at the Le Meridien, using free night certificates. The Le Meridien is a long-time favorite of mine. I find staff to be excellent and as Lifetime Titanium (previously lifetime Platinum SPG), I almost always get upgrades. This was no exception - I was given a 2-room suite on a high floor and also a welcome bottle of wine.
Aug 19, 2021, 12:33 pm
#204
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 701
Barcelona - Le Meridien, Cotton House, or Renaissance?
We will be 3 days in Barcelona next June. I am trying to decide between Le Meridien, Cotton House, or the Renaissance (not the R. Fira - that seems too far away). I am Marriott Platinum but none of them seem to have lounges.
Thoughts/experiences for each of these hotels? We are looking for a location in the middle of shopping, sights, and restaurants/bars.
Thoughts/experiences for each of these hotels? We are looking for a location in the middle of shopping, sights, and restaurants/bars.
Aug 19, 2021, 1:58 pm
#205
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Platinum Pro (LT Gold), Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium, National Exec,Hyatt,Melia, BA Exec, Iberia+
Posts: 527
I would go for the Le Meridien or the Cotton House. Would only do Renaissance if much less expensive. Le Meridien and Cotton House are two of my favorite properties.
LM has been a favorite for a dozen-plus years. Have stayed there many times with very good upgrade success - initially as SPG Platinum, now as Lifetime Titanium. It’s very centric if wanting to be in a touristy area, right on Las Ramblas and a 10-minute walk from the start of Passeig de Gracia or El Born neighborhood. They have a jacuzzi and sun beds on a high floor with fantastic views of Barcelona.
I have only stayed at Cotton House once, but it was for a month this year on a long stay rate available due to Covid. I absolutely love the architecture and interior design of the hotel. I slightly prefer this location as it’s a bit off the most touristy spots. Still very close but I just like not being on Las Ramblas. It’s right between Passeig de Gracia and Arc de Triomf, and a 30-minute walk to the beach (LM is about same distance to the beach, although I suggest going to Bogatell or Mar Bella beaches rather than La Barceloneta if looking for a beach in the city). There’s a terrific large outdoor terrace on which breakfast is served as well as other meals and cocktails (you can eat inside too, I just don’t know why you would unless weather was bad!)
LM has been a favorite for a dozen-plus years. Have stayed there many times with very good upgrade success - initially as SPG Platinum, now as Lifetime Titanium. It’s very centric if wanting to be in a touristy area, right on Las Ramblas and a 10-minute walk from the start of Passeig de Gracia or El Born neighborhood. They have a jacuzzi and sun beds on a high floor with fantastic views of Barcelona.
I have only stayed at Cotton House once, but it was for a month this year on a long stay rate available due to Covid. I absolutely love the architecture and interior design of the hotel. I slightly prefer this location as it’s a bit off the most touristy spots. Still very close but I just like not being on Las Ramblas. It’s right between Passeig de Gracia and Arc de Triomf, and a 30-minute walk to the beach (LM is about same distance to the beach, although I suggest going to Bogatell or Mar Bella beaches rather than La Barceloneta if looking for a beach in the city). There’s a terrific large outdoor terrace on which breakfast is served as well as other meals and cocktails (you can eat inside too, I just don’t know why you would unless weather was bad!)
Aug 19, 2021, 2:55 pm
#206
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 1,770
We will be 3 days in Barcelona next June. I am trying to decide between Le Meridien, Cotton House, or the Renaissance (not the R. Fira - that seems too far away). I am Marriott Platinum but none of them seem to have lounges.
Thoughts/experiences for each of these hotels? We are looking for a location in the middle of shopping, sights, and restaurants/bars.
Thoughts/experiences for each of these hotels? We are looking for a location in the middle of shopping, sights, and restaurants/bars.
Aug 21, 2021, 9:00 am
#207
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 701
I would go for the Le Meridien or the Cotton House. Would only do Renaissance if much less expensive. Le Meridien and Cotton House are two of my favorite properties.
LM has been a favorite for a dozen-plus years. Have stayed there many times with very good upgrade success - initially as SPG Platinum, now as Lifetime Titanium. It’s very centric if wanting to be in a touristy area, right on Las Ramblas and a 10-minute walk from the start of Passeig de Gracia or El Born neighborhood. They have a jacuzzi and sun beds on a high floor with fantastic views of Barcelona.
I have only stayed at Cotton House once, but it was for a month this year on a long stay rate available due to Covid. I absolutely love the architecture and interior design of the hotel. I slightly prefer this location as it’s a bit off the most touristy spots. Still very close but I just like not being on Las Ramblas. It’s right between Passeig de Gracia and Arc de Triomf, and a 30-minute walk to the beach (LM is about same distance to the beach, although I suggest going to Bogatell or Mar Bella beaches rather than La Barceloneta if looking for a beach in the city). There’s a terrific large outdoor terrace on which breakfast is served as well as other meals and cocktails (you can eat inside too, I just don’t know why you would unless weather was bad!)
LM has been a favorite for a dozen-plus years. Have stayed there many times with very good upgrade success - initially as SPG Platinum, now as Lifetime Titanium. It’s very centric if wanting to be in a touristy area, right on Las Ramblas and a 10-minute walk from the start of Passeig de Gracia or El Born neighborhood. They have a jacuzzi and sun beds on a high floor with fantastic views of Barcelona.
I have only stayed at Cotton House once, but it was for a month this year on a long stay rate available due to Covid. I absolutely love the architecture and interior design of the hotel. I slightly prefer this location as it’s a bit off the most touristy spots. Still very close but I just like not being on Las Ramblas. It’s right between Passeig de Gracia and Arc de Triomf, and a 30-minute walk to the beach (LM is about same distance to the beach, although I suggest going to Bogatell or Mar Bella beaches rather than La Barceloneta if looking for a beach in the city). There’s a terrific large outdoor terrace on which breakfast is served as well as other meals and cocktails (you can eat inside too, I just don’t know why you would unless weather was bad!)
Unfortunately the EDITION is 300K points so at an extra 100K, that's out of my league. It does look awesome though!
Aug 21, 2021, 9:21 am
#208
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 1,770
The Renaissance is 180K points, Le Meridien is 200K points, and the Cotton House is 210K points. So they're all in the same point range. The photos of Le Meridien make it look like a business hotel - there doesn't seem to be any "charm" - would you agree with that? Is the Cotton House worth 30K more points?
Unfortunately the EDITION is 300K points so at an extra 100K, that's out of my league. It does look awesome though!
Unfortunately the EDITION is 300K points so at an extra 100K, that's out of my league. It does look awesome though!
Aug 21, 2021, 9:31 am
#209
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 701
No worries, sounds sensible to choose another option if staying on points. I’ve been staying on STARS rates due to the generally low prices and a good offer with extra goodies. I would probably pick Cotton House out of the rest of the options, based on its location, appearance/apparent ambience, and reputation. I haven’t stayed at any of the options you are considering though, I’m afraid. LM is literally on La Rambla - walked past it earlier - so I don’t fancy that location personally due to the general kerfuffle and noise around that area.
Aug 21, 2021, 9:33 am
#210
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: British Airways Executive Club Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 1,770
It is a good location for accessing all the usual central tourist sites. I think Cotton House location also looks just as good, but maybe less noise directly outside your door/window! CH isn’t far from EDITION and we had no issues getting around in foot to all the central hotspots, if that helps?