Best Marriot/Ritz in France/Spain
#16
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 really like the AC Santo Mauro Hotel in Madrid, and find it to be a unique property. It's much smaller than the Hotel Arts, more of a boutique, so may not have as broad of services, but I really enjoyed my stay there. I've heard great things about the Cotton House, but haven't stayed there.
I think there are a lot of great day trip options from both Barcelona and Madrid.
From Madrid - Toledo is a 30-minute train ride and a must-see. Segovia, Salamanca, El Escorial, Avila are all within 2 hours from Madrid.
From Barcelona - Girona is 45 minutes by train, the Dali Museum in Figueres is about 1 1/2 hours, the Costa Brava has tons of beautiful beaches, Sitges and Tarragona are both within an hour or so to the south.
I think there are a lot of great day trip options from both Barcelona and Madrid.
From Madrid - Toledo is a 30-minute train ride and a must-see. Segovia, Salamanca, El Escorial, Avila are all within 2 hours from Madrid.
From Barcelona - Girona is 45 minutes by train, the Dali Museum in Figueres is about 1 1/2 hours, the Costa Brava has tons of beautiful beaches, Sitges and Tarragona are both within an hour or so to the south.
#17
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Central New Jersey
Programs: UA-Platimum 2 MM, HH-Gold, MR-Lifetime Gold, Hyatt-Discoverist
Posts: 6,237
I've booked a trip to Nice, France for next year and was looking at the Marriott properties both Boscolo Exedra Nice and AC Hotel Nice. I'm only Gold (so not looking for a great upgrade, but would appreciate the free breakfast!). Any thoughts on which would be better ? I was going to use Nice as a base and do short train trips to nearby towns. I'll be there in Feb, so beach not really a must have.
#18
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: NYC
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 119
I've booked a trip to Nice, France for next year and was looking at the Marriott properties both Boscolo Exedra Nice and AC Hotel Nice. I'm only Gold (so not looking for a great upgrade, but would appreciate the free breakfast!). Any thoughts on which would be better ? I was going to use Nice as a base and do short train trips to nearby towns. I'll be there in Feb, so beach not really a must have.
We are looking at the same properties (although for a summer trip) so are interested in which property you select!
#19
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Central New Jersey
Programs: UA-Platimum 2 MM, HH-Gold, MR-Lifetime Gold, Hyatt-Discoverist
Posts: 6,237
#20
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 120
For 7 days in one location, I would choose Paris by far. 4 days in the city and Versailles, Normandy, Loire valley or givenchy day trips based on your interests.
I prefer the renaissance hotels in Paris, the Marriott has an A+ location but The renaissance hotels feel more local.
London has a number of great hotels (JW, Park Lane, Edition - no lounge though) and Rome (Exedra or grand flora) are other decent options. 7 days in once city in Spain is a lot, Spain is better as a multi-city run.
I prefer the renaissance hotels in Paris, the Marriott has an A+ location but The renaissance hotels feel more local.
London has a number of great hotels (JW, Park Lane, Edition - no lounge though) and Rome (Exedra or grand flora) are other decent options. 7 days in once city in Spain is a lot, Spain is better as a multi-city run.
#21
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: PBI
Programs: DL Plat, B6 Mosaic
Posts: 427
If that's not an option, I recommend the Cotton House in Barcelona, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. It seems to be on everyone's 'newest and hottest' hotel list and having stayed for two nights this past December, I absolutely understand why. Highly recommend you give it a try.
#22
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,007
1. Are these certificates applicable to Starwood properties?
2. If that's not an option, I recommend the Cotton House in Barcelona, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. It seems to be on everyone's 'newest and hottest' hotel list and having stayed for two nights this past December, I absolutely understand why. Highly recommend you give it a try.
2. We're getting a lot more reports recommending the Cotton House.
Cheers.
#23
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: AA LT Plt, , UAL Silver, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 42
I agree with the recomendations for the Cotton House and the JW in Cannes - both great properties and both easy areas to enjoy for seven days. If you choose to go to Paris, I'd pick the Ren Vendome over the C-E property in a second, having stayed at both many times, my choice being based upon service levels as well as location. The Bourgtheroulde property is amazing, having been a castle for most of its life, and the staff there work extra hard to provide great service. But you'd have to decide if you want to spend 7 days in Normandy/eastern Brittany/Rouen, which may be a stretch.
If it were my decision, I'd be at the Ren Vendome and soak up their great service, then book a few day trips - the TGV will get you to Strasbourg, Lyon or the Loire in 2 hours or less, and there's always Versailles, Chartres, Rouen, Caen, Reims - all easy daytrips if you are looking for more than Paris.
Good luck with your decision - always a fun one!
If it were my decision, I'd be at the Ren Vendome and soak up their great service, then book a few day trips - the TGV will get you to Strasbourg, Lyon or the Loire in 2 hours or less, and there's always Versailles, Chartres, Rouen, Caen, Reims - all easy daytrips if you are looking for more than Paris.
Good luck with your decision - always a fun one!