Sep 30, 2018, 9:23 am
Le Meridien Barcelona, Spain [Master Thread]
Apr 27, 2019, 9:27 pm
#436
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 1,782
It looks like this property is holding back on SNA upgrades, they only showed ability to upgrade to prestige suite and jnr suite at time of booking a few weeks ago.
these rooms are now all sold out yet they have three to four other suite types available to purchase but without the ability to upgrade to using an SNA.
this sucks!
these rooms are now all sold out yet they have three to four other suite types available to purchase but without the ability to upgrade to using an SNA.
this sucks!
Apr 28, 2019, 3:33 am
#437
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,510
It looks like this property is holding back on SNA upgrades, they only showed ability to upgrade to prestige suite and jnr suite at time of booking a few weeks ago.
these rooms are now all sold out yet they have three to four other suite types available to purchase but without the ability to upgrade to using an SNA.
this sucks!
these rooms are now all sold out yet they have three to four other suite types available to purchase but without the ability to upgrade to using an SNA.
this sucks!
Apr 28, 2019, 7:16 am
#438
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: San Diego Area
Programs: UA Gold MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott Plat LT, HH Gold, IHG Plat, WoH Discvst, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,834
Had a 6-night award stay starting Apr 9th. Based on ms. jmd001's TE status, the two of us were upgraded (without an SNA and without asking) to a "family suite" on the 6th floor with a great view of La Rambla. We were very pleased with the room. Appears "subject to availability" very much worked in our favor on this stay.
==================================
In addition to reporting on our upgrade experience, I have to elaborate on some of the highlights of our overall stay at the hotel ... and first Barcelona visit:
-- Every staff member we encountered was extremely helpful and personable, both prior to arrival and at the hotel.
-- On our night of arrival, we were too tired to go out. Just had drinks and a pizza in the hotel bar, using the certs given at check-in for a free glass of Cava each. The pizza was excellent.
-- One concierge made a dinner reservation for us at one of his favorite places (Bar Muy Buenas), and then personally walked us to the location (~5 minutes). Two of his other recommendations (Bar Lobo and Gats; both just meters from the hotel's front door) were so good that we went back to each a second time. The sangria at Gats was the best we can ever remember having. (Their "secret" recipe included SKYY vodka!) A bit of a walk to get there, but Cańete was his best recommendation (reservations are a must, unless you arrive before about 6 or 7 PM).
-- The hotel's breakfast buffet definitely had enough to please anyone, from ms jmd001 (a non-eater of mammal meat) to the carnivore me.
-- Again based on status, we were invited to a complementary paella cooking demonstration at the hotel. Later in the day, the staff delivered to our room an ~11" paella pan and an oven mitt, as a thank you for attending.
-- Prior to arrival one of their "experience specialists" contacted us. Based on our desire to visit Montserrat, she recommended the "Castle Experience". The guide for our 16-person group was Alex, one of the best guides and tours we have taken on any continent, any time.
-- Thanks again to itsaboutthejourney for noting the Carrefour market around the corner. We made good use of it.
Overall, one of the best and most memorable hotel stays we have ever had. Hard to think of a better location.
Negatives? Almost too few to mention, but...
-- No ice machines for guests.
(Which was the case at all 3 Iberian hotels where we stayed on this trip). However, upon request, ice was promptly delivered to our room at all 3.)
-- Mediocre to poor lighting ...particularly for ms. jmd001 putting on her makeup in the bathroom.
==================================
In addition to reporting on our upgrade experience, I have to elaborate on some of the highlights of our overall stay at the hotel ... and first Barcelona visit:
-- Every staff member we encountered was extremely helpful and personable, both prior to arrival and at the hotel.
-- On our night of arrival, we were too tired to go out. Just had drinks and a pizza in the hotel bar, using the certs given at check-in for a free glass of Cava each. The pizza was excellent.
-- One concierge made a dinner reservation for us at one of his favorite places (Bar Muy Buenas), and then personally walked us to the location (~5 minutes). Two of his other recommendations (Bar Lobo and Gats; both just meters from the hotel's front door) were so good that we went back to each a second time. The sangria at Gats was the best we can ever remember having. (Their "secret" recipe included SKYY vodka!) A bit of a walk to get there, but Cańete was his best recommendation (reservations are a must, unless you arrive before about 6 or 7 PM).
-- The hotel's breakfast buffet definitely had enough to please anyone, from ms jmd001 (a non-eater of mammal meat) to the carnivore me.
-- Again based on status, we were invited to a complementary paella cooking demonstration at the hotel. Later in the day, the staff delivered to our room an ~11" paella pan and an oven mitt, as a thank you for attending.
-- Prior to arrival one of their "experience specialists" contacted us. Based on our desire to visit Montserrat, she recommended the "Castle Experience". The guide for our 16-person group was Alex, one of the best guides and tours we have taken on any continent, any time.
-- Thanks again to itsaboutthejourney for noting the Carrefour market around the corner. We made good use of it.
Overall, one of the best and most memorable hotel stays we have ever had. Hard to think of a better location.
Negatives? Almost too few to mention, but...
-- No ice machines for guests.
(Which was the case at all 3 Iberian hotels where we stayed on this trip). However, upon request, ice was promptly delivered to our room at all 3.)-- Mediocre to poor lighting ...particularly for ms. jmd001 putting on her makeup in the bathroom.
Last edited by jmd001; Apr 28, 2019 at 10:31 am Reason: Clarified upgrade
Apr 28, 2019, 7:45 am
#439
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: DL DM; Marriott Ambasador Elite
Posts: 626
Had a 6-night award stay starting Apr 9th. Based on ms. jmd001's TE status, the two of us were upgraded (without asking) to a "family suite" on the 6th floor with a great view of La Rambla. We were very pleased with the room. Appears "subject to availability" very much worked in our favor on this stay.
==================================
In addition to reporting on our upgrade experience, I have to elaborate on some of the highlights of our overall stay at the hotel ... and first Barcelona visit:
-- Every staff member we encountered was extremely helpful and personable, both prior to arrival and at the hotel.
-- On our night of arrival, we were too tired to go out. Just had drinks and a pizza in the hotel bar, using the certs given at check-in for a free glass of Cava each. The pizza was excellent.
-- One concierge made a dinner reservation for us at one of his favorite places (Bar Muy Buenas), and then personally walked us to the location (~5 minutes). Two of his other recommendations (Bar Lobo and Gats; both just meters from the hotel's front door) were so good that we went back to each a second time. The sangria at Gats was the best we can ever remember having. (Their "secret" recipe included SKYY vodka!) A bit of a walk to get there, but Cańete was his best recommendation (reservations are a must, unless you arrive before about 6 or 7 PM).
-- The hotel's breakfast buffet definitely had enough to please anyone, from ms jmd001 (a non-eater of mammal meat) to the carnivore me.
-- Again based on status, we were invited to a complementary paella cooking demonstration at the hotel. Later in the day, the staff delivered to our room an ~11" paella pan and an oven mitt, as a thank you for attending.
-- Prior to arrival one of their "experience specialists" contacted us. Based on our desire to visit Montserrat, she recommended the "Castle Experience". The guide for our 16-person group was Alex, one of the best guides and tours we have taken on any continent, any time.
-- Thanks again to itsaboutthejourney for noting the Carrefour market around the corner. We made good use of it.
Overall, one of the best and most memorable hotel stays we have ever had. Hard to think of a better location.
Negatives? Almost too few to mention, but...
-- No ice machines for guests. (Which was the case at all 3 Iberian hotels where we stayed on this trip). However, upon request, ice was promptly delivered to our room at all 3.)
-- Mediocre to poor lighting ...particularly for ms. jmd001 putting on her makeup in the bathroom.
==================================
In addition to reporting on our upgrade experience, I have to elaborate on some of the highlights of our overall stay at the hotel ... and first Barcelona visit:
-- Every staff member we encountered was extremely helpful and personable, both prior to arrival and at the hotel.
-- On our night of arrival, we were too tired to go out. Just had drinks and a pizza in the hotel bar, using the certs given at check-in for a free glass of Cava each. The pizza was excellent.
-- One concierge made a dinner reservation for us at one of his favorite places (Bar Muy Buenas), and then personally walked us to the location (~5 minutes). Two of his other recommendations (Bar Lobo and Gats; both just meters from the hotel's front door) were so good that we went back to each a second time. The sangria at Gats was the best we can ever remember having. (Their "secret" recipe included SKYY vodka!) A bit of a walk to get there, but Cańete was his best recommendation (reservations are a must, unless you arrive before about 6 or 7 PM).
-- The hotel's breakfast buffet definitely had enough to please anyone, from ms jmd001 (a non-eater of mammal meat) to the carnivore me.
-- Again based on status, we were invited to a complementary paella cooking demonstration at the hotel. Later in the day, the staff delivered to our room an ~11" paella pan and an oven mitt, as a thank you for attending.
-- Prior to arrival one of their "experience specialists" contacted us. Based on our desire to visit Montserrat, she recommended the "Castle Experience". The guide for our 16-person group was Alex, one of the best guides and tours we have taken on any continent, any time.
-- Thanks again to itsaboutthejourney for noting the Carrefour market around the corner. We made good use of it.
Overall, one of the best and most memorable hotel stays we have ever had. Hard to think of a better location.
Negatives? Almost too few to mention, but...
-- No ice machines for guests.
(Which was the case at all 3 Iberian hotels where we stayed on this trip). However, upon request, ice was promptly delivered to our room at all 3.)-- Mediocre to poor lighting ...particularly for ms. jmd001 putting on her makeup in the bathroom.
Apr 28, 2019, 2:39 pm
#441
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: San Diego Area
Programs: UA Gold MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott Plat LT, HH Gold, IHG Plat, WoH Discvst, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,834
In any case, here is a picture of what all the rest of the outlets (all 220v) looked like
Pretty much all the devices I carry with me the days (e.g., iPhone) have "power bricks" that are dual voltage (i.e., 110 and 220). So, all I need is an adapter (as opposed to a transformer).
Just to be clear: In my terminology, an adapter just adapts one plug type to another; it does NOT transform the voltage from the wall.
Here is contact info for the person who sent me the picture:
Pietro Tripodo, Service Desk Agent
T +34 933 186 200 M +34 608 195 737 F +34 933 017 776
[email protected]
Apr 28, 2019, 10:02 pm
#442
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
Just stayed again at this hotel for a 1-Night stay. I have lifetime Bonvoy Titanium status, and have stayed at this hotel a number of times in the past ~12 years as SPG Platinum (or Gold), but I booked the stay using Chase Rewards Points, which I knew often means your status is not recognized.
However, I emailed an experience specialist at the hotel whose contact info I had from a stay last year to request an early checkin if possible (my flight was arriving very early).
My room wasn’t ready when I arrived, not surprisingly, as it was 7:20am on a Saturday and the hotel had been fully booked the night before. I went for a walk and got some breakfast and then came back and relaxed/read in the lobby. At one point, I walked up to check when my room would be available, and the man told me I had a suite assigned to me (not what I paid for), which wasn’t yet available, but if I wanted the first available room, I could get in then. He said that if he was me, though, he would wait.
So I did, getting into my room a bit after 10am (still quite early!) and I had a fantastic upgrade to a full 2-room suite, recently renovated. It was a stunning room, and well above what I would expect on upgrades, let alone when I didn’t book via the Marriott site.
Staff attention was excellent.
I was given a 4pm late checkout the next day.
Still one of my favorite hotels!
However, I emailed an experience specialist at the hotel whose contact info I had from a stay last year to request an early checkin if possible (my flight was arriving very early).
My room wasn’t ready when I arrived, not surprisingly, as it was 7:20am on a Saturday and the hotel had been fully booked the night before. I went for a walk and got some breakfast and then came back and relaxed/read in the lobby. At one point, I walked up to check when my room would be available, and the man told me I had a suite assigned to me (not what I paid for), which wasn’t yet available, but if I wanted the first available room, I could get in then. He said that if he was me, though, he would wait.
So I did, getting into my room a bit after 10am (still quite early!) and I had a fantastic upgrade to a full 2-room suite, recently renovated. It was a stunning room, and well above what I would expect on upgrades, let alone when I didn’t book via the Marriott site.
Staff attention was excellent.
I was given a 4pm late checkout the next day.
Still one of my favorite hotels!
Apr 29, 2019, 3:49 am
#443
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: West Chester, OH
Programs: Delta SM, Hilton Honors Diamond, Marriott Silver
Posts: 254
In the bathroom, our suite had one US-style 110-volt outlet "two-bladed" receptacle). I think there was also a 110 outlet above desk in the "living room", but can't remember for sure. No clue about non-suite rooms.
In any case, here is a picture of what all the rest of the outlets (all 220v) looked like
Pretty much all the devices I carry with me the days (e.g., iPhone) have "power bricks" that are dual voltage (i.e., 110 and 220). So, all I need is an adapter (as opposed to a transformer).
Just to be clear: In my terminology, an adapter just adapts one plug type to another; it does NOT transform the voltage from the wall.
Here is contact info for the person who sent me the picture:
Pietro Tripodo, Service Desk Agent
T +34 933 186 200 M +34 608 195 737 F +34 933 017 776
[email protected]
In any case, here is a picture of what all the rest of the outlets (all 220v) looked like
Pretty much all the devices I carry with me the days (e.g., iPhone) have "power bricks" that are dual voltage (i.e., 110 and 220). So, all I need is an adapter (as opposed to a transformer).
Just to be clear: In my terminology, an adapter just adapts one plug type to another; it does NOT transform the voltage from the wall.
Here is contact info for the person who sent me the picture:
Pietro Tripodo, Service Desk Agent
T +34 933 186 200 M +34 608 195 737 F +34 933 017 776
[email protected]
Apr 29, 2019, 7:44 am
#444
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 1,782
Just stayed again at this hotel for a 1-Night stay. I have lifetime Bonvoy Titanium status, and have stayed at this hotel a number of times in the past ~12 years as SPG Platinum (or Gold), but I booked the stay using Chase Rewards Points, which I knew often means your status is not recognized.
However, I emailed an experience specialist at the hotel whose contact info I had from a stay last year to request an early checkin if possible (my flight was arriving very early).
My room wasn’t ready when I arrived, not surprisingly, as it was 7:20am on a Saturday and the hotel had been fully booked the night before. I went for a walk and got some breakfast and then came back and relaxed/read in the lobby. At one point, I walked up to check when my room would be available, and the man told me I had a suite assigned to me (not what I paid for), which wasn’t yet available, but if I wanted the first available room, I could get in then. He said that if he was me, though, he would wait.
So I did, getting into my room a bit after 10am (still quite early!) and I had a fantastic upgrade to a full 2-room suite, recently renovated. It was a stunning room, and well above what I would expect on upgrades, let alone when I didn’t book via the Marriott site.
Staff attention was excellent.
I was given a 4pm late checkout the next day.
Still one of my favorite hotels!
However, I emailed an experience specialist at the hotel whose contact info I had from a stay last year to request an early checkin if possible (my flight was arriving very early).
My room wasn’t ready when I arrived, not surprisingly, as it was 7:20am on a Saturday and the hotel had been fully booked the night before. I went for a walk and got some breakfast and then came back and relaxed/read in the lobby. At one point, I walked up to check when my room would be available, and the man told me I had a suite assigned to me (not what I paid for), which wasn’t yet available, but if I wanted the first available room, I could get in then. He said that if he was me, though, he would wait.
So I did, getting into my room a bit after 10am (still quite early!) and I had a fantastic upgrade to a full 2-room suite, recently renovated. It was a stunning room, and well above what I would expect on upgrades, let alone when I didn’t book via the Marriott site.
Staff attention was excellent.
I was given a 4pm late checkout the next day.
Still one of my favorite hotels!
That sounds encouraging, I have a one night stay this week for a big soccer game, hotel is filling up fast!
Apr 30, 2019, 2:11 am
#445
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
Hope you have a wonderful stay! If the hotel is full, upgrades will depend on what's available of course. But I've always gotten great treatment as Platinum (now Titanium), including often either an invite to a special event like a paella cooking class, a bottle of wine or a Le Labo candle.
May 1, 2019, 3:41 pm
#447
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Plat, UA Silver, Delta Silver
Posts: 453
Currently staying here now and was excited by what I had read on this thread but a bit disappointed by the property.
Booked two rooms cash (no upgrades but understandable if hotel is full).
Titanium member but didn’t get any special treatment. I was told at check-in that comp breakfast would be for one room only and they could “discount” breakfast for the other room. No invites to any special events or anything like mentioned earlier in the thread. No welcome drinks that someone else mentioned either.
The rooms have a sliding glass bathroom door that doesn’t quite close all the way. It’s a bit awkward when hanging out in either room and hearing all the noises that come from the bathroom when someone is using it. The sheer curtains are too sheer and don’t offer any privacy from the building across the way. You can see the other people and they can see you. The heavy curtains block out too much light. The fridge is also a minibar stocked mostly full so if you move stuff around in there it triggers all the sensors that will auto charge your room.
The only thing offered by the experience specialist prior to arrival was a 10% spa discount.
The complimentary museum pass was for the guell palace. I’m sure others had great stays but nothing would really draw me back here. The staff for the most part were friendly.
Booked two rooms cash (no upgrades but understandable if hotel is full).
Titanium member but didn’t get any special treatment. I was told at check-in that comp breakfast would be for one room only and they could “discount” breakfast for the other room. No invites to any special events or anything like mentioned earlier in the thread. No welcome drinks that someone else mentioned either.
The rooms have a sliding glass bathroom door that doesn’t quite close all the way. It’s a bit awkward when hanging out in either room and hearing all the noises that come from the bathroom when someone is using it. The sheer curtains are too sheer and don’t offer any privacy from the building across the way. You can see the other people and they can see you. The heavy curtains block out too much light. The fridge is also a minibar stocked mostly full so if you move stuff around in there it triggers all the sensors that will auto charge your room.
The only thing offered by the experience specialist prior to arrival was a 10% spa discount.
The complimentary museum pass was for the guell palace. I’m sure others had great stays but nothing would really draw me back here. The staff for the most part were friendly.
Last edited by BudgetJetsetter; May 1, 2019 at 3:48 pm
May 1, 2019, 8:28 pm
#448
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,714
All Barcelona hotels seem to cater to people into exhibitionism and body noises. From the W to the Le Méridien or even the Mandarin Oriental, you’re invited to get to know your fellow hotel guests in ways you never dreamt possible.
May 2, 2019, 3:18 am
#449
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Bangkok
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanium, BAEC Silver, TK Miles & Smiles Elite
Posts: 2,205
Currently staying here now and was excited by what I had read on this thread but a bit disappointed by the property.
Booked two rooms cash (no upgrades but understandable if hotel is full).
Titanium member but didn’t get any special treatment. I was told at check-in that comp breakfast would be for one room only and they could “discount” breakfast for the other room. No invites to any special events or anything like mentioned earlier in the thread. No welcome drinks that someone else mentioned either.
SNIP
Booked two rooms cash (no upgrades but understandable if hotel is full).
Titanium member but didn’t get any special treatment. I was told at check-in that comp breakfast would be for one room only and they could “discount” breakfast for the other room. No invites to any special events or anything like mentioned earlier in the thread. No welcome drinks that someone else mentioned either.
SNIP
May 3, 2019, 1:49 pm
#450
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, AA Plat, UA Silver, Delta Silver
Posts: 453
A manager reached out to me about some of my concerns after I had rated them on the lower side on Google.
He was apologetic that I was disappointed and did not feel valued as a Titanium guest. He also conveyed that there are many other Titanium guests staying at the property and that they are adhering to brand standards when it comes to benefits like breakfast for the member room only and in rare cases make exceptions for additional comped breakfast when children are staying with the guest.
He said that they would take care of the minibar charges that erroneous posted from my father's room (he was unaware all the items had sensors including the ones on the shelf and picked up many items to look at them). I don't think I conveyed well enough that it's tacky they have this system to being with and when staying at an upscale property I would rather not question my father on what items he did and didn't use. If I wasn't aware of the situation I probably would've paid the the minibar bill as I'm sure many others do.
They would also be doing a room key audit because I mentioned instances of staff members trying to enter the room without knocking or ringing the doorbell. I would have the door chain on, hear the door open and close, then nothing as to why that person wanted to enter the room. A paranoid enough person might be even be afraid that it wasn't a hotel employee that tried to enter.
There was a time when I stayed at SPG properties, didn't get upgrades but the staff always managed to make me feel valued one way or another. I don't know if the narrative of Starriott properties going downhill is truly happening for me or I'm just looking for signs because of all the negative publicity in the past year.
He was apologetic that I was disappointed and did not feel valued as a Titanium guest. He also conveyed that there are many other Titanium guests staying at the property and that they are adhering to brand standards when it comes to benefits like breakfast for the member room only and in rare cases make exceptions for additional comped breakfast when children are staying with the guest.
He said that they would take care of the minibar charges that erroneous posted from my father's room (he was unaware all the items had sensors including the ones on the shelf and picked up many items to look at them). I don't think I conveyed well enough that it's tacky they have this system to being with and when staying at an upscale property I would rather not question my father on what items he did and didn't use. If I wasn't aware of the situation I probably would've paid the the minibar bill as I'm sure many others do.
They would also be doing a room key audit because I mentioned instances of staff members trying to enter the room without knocking or ringing the doorbell. I would have the door chain on, hear the door open and close, then nothing as to why that person wanted to enter the room. A paranoid enough person might be even be afraid that it wasn't a hotel employee that tried to enter.
There was a time when I stayed at SPG properties, didn't get upgrades but the staff always managed to make me feel valued one way or another. I don't know if the narrative of Starriott properties going downhill is truly happening for me or I'm just looking for signs because of all the negative publicity in the past year.
Last edited by BudgetJetsetter; May 3, 2019 at 3:34 pm