48 Hours at the Hotel Arts Barcelona

After a 15 minute ride from the airport of Barcelona, we finally drove inside the driveway of the famous Arts Hotel Barcelona. Being informed that this high end property is part of the Ritz Carlton Chain, the welcome was more than warm. Sara was the first smile we experienced at the Arts, she immediately transferred us to the main Lobby on the First floor, where we had been allocated to the PR Manager Melanie. She was the one which accompanied us to the Level 33 - the Club Level.

Upon arriving with the elevators, the whole team of the Lounge greeted us by last name and welcomed us with a glass of Laurent Perrier. After doing some paperwork we have been given a short introduction to the city with a map and Laura gave us some tipps and recommendations about what to do in Barcelona. 

Harry showed us the way to our spacious, yet breath-taking room with views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea (the Med as they used to call it at the Arts). Our vast Club Room was furnished in a very light, elegant style and had two very heavenly queen beds. Due to the situation on the corner, the whole room was filled with sunlight and offered spectacular views from nearly everywhere. 

The amazing bathroom is wonderfully designed and very spacious as well. The separated power-shower and the deep bath tub were a big plus, as the luxurious Asprey toiletries and the many guest products (like wood comb and cool toothbrush). There were plenty of towels (nearly three bath towels per person) and toiletries and the housekeeping did a great job when preparing the room. On the arrival day, they forgot to do the turn-down service. 

As the real highlight of the stay, the Ritz Carlton Club Lounge was really breath-taking and we can highly recommend to upgrade yourself to this luxurious level of finest service. Every staff member did give his utmost and went beyond the expected - we were flashed by the warm welcome and how friendly they treated us. After the first day we felt like old friends. There were five different kinds of meals at the Club Lounge: Continental Breakfast, Light Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Evening Hors d'oeuvres as well as Late nights snacks. 

Another advantage of The Club Lounge was the complimentary open-bar which included alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as whiskey, spirits, vodka, gin, lemonades as well as San Pellegrino and Evian waters. This was highly appreciated by us as we never needed any money for such extras in the city. In fact we would definitely say this is worth the high price tag for a Club Room. 

Unfortunately we haven't been at the wonderful Spa on the 43 Floor, but next time we will definitely go there as well. Due to the fact that it snowed in Central Europe and we were so glad to finally see some sun, we weren't shocked of the warm temperatures of Barcelona. So we went to the outdoor pool and finally jumped into the heated jacuzzi next to the pool, under the palms.

So we found ourselves under the palms in mid february with lots of sun in a heated jacuzzi, while it snowed in tons in Germany and Austria. What an amazing feeling. This and also the service is why we love the Arts and definitely will return soon in order to also test the pool and stay at one of their vast and breath-taking apartments ;-)!

We have been invited by the Hotel Arts Barcelona, a Ritz-Carlton managed property. Our review expresses our own opinion and has not been influenced.

My Trip to Paris - Part 3

After leaving the Fouquet's Barierre we had the pleasure to check in at a very special hotel, the Le Meurice on Rue Rivoli in front of the Tuileries Gardens.

Due to the ongoing renovations at the three Top Hotels in Paris (Ritz, Plaza Athenee and the Crillon), the Le Meurice is the first address to stay in the 1iere arrondisement of Paris! 

From the moment we arrived to our departure we were treated Iike Kings and Queens. The interior is completely how you are treated - like a real French Palace, with lots of attention to the details and modern touches, designed by Philippe Starck. 

Before you enter your room you have to walk through the elegant and good smelling hallways, which reminded me of those in the Titanic movie. Our Junior Suite was very spacious with an open living- and bedroom, as well as an oversized bathroom. I really appreciated the small Penhaligon's toiletries, the vast rain shower and the separate and deep bath tub. The doors in the shower and toilet did not fully close which occurred a small flooding next to the shower. Furthermore there were only two large towels. When we tried to turn on the light at 2 am, we had to look for the master buttom at the entrance to turn on the light again as the light switch beside the bed did not work. 

We would have enjoyed free wifi access, which is actually 24€ for 24 hours. We did not use it, as we could live without internet for a night! If you would stay there for a week or a few days, even wi-fi can get more expensive than a night at other Paris hotels.

Let's continue with the breakfast! Yes, in fact it is names as "Paris best breakfast", also because it's served in the award-winning and 99th Best Restaurant of the World (according to San Pellegrino 50 Best Restaurants Worldwide) - Alain Ducasse at Le Meurice! 
With a proud price of 58,00€/per person it is very expensive - even for Paris standards, and to be honest we did miss some things, like fresh strawberries, ham and cheese plate, salmon, a choice of sweets (cakes, pastries, etc.), as well as a glass of champagne or any other sparkling wine. All in all the service was excellent, the atmosphere upscale and the idea of an a la carte service takes away all stress in the early hours.

The concierge was very helpful and kind concerning all our requests before and during our stay. So did the reception staff and we would like to thank Tatiana for the welcoming tour to our room!0

I would like to thank the Le Meurice for the generous invitation to stay at this glamorous Parisian Hotel.

Click here to view more information about this hotel!