[HOTEL REVIEW] Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona

The 98-room Mandarin Oriental is one of the most luxurious hotels in Barcelona, and certainly has one of the most recognizable hotel brand names in the city. It has a great location on Passeig de Gracia, and offers all the high-end amenities one would expect from the chain, including a rooftop dipping pool, a beautiful spa, and numerous restaurants (one has a Michelin star). All-white rooms are sleek, and some have balconies, but layouts can be a bit awkward. While the service is excellent, some guests complain about street noise and there is a pesky fee for Wi-Fi.

Pros

• Excellent central location on Passeig de Gracia
• Spacious, all-white rooms decorated by a local Spanish designer
• All rooms have big flat-screen TVs and stocked minibars
• Some rooms have terraces or balconies with city views
• Serene rooftop dipping pool with lounge chairs
• Beautiful spa with lap pool and 8 treatment rooms
• Michelin-rated restaurant serving Catalan cuisine
• Modern fitness center

Cons

• Some complaints of street noise
• Fee for Wi-Fi