New York, New York – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
Inspired by the artistry of Spain’s cities — Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga – architects have created several distinctive four and five-star properties under internationally-known banners: the Mandarin Oriental-Barcelona, W Barcelona and the Hotel Porta Fira; the Eurostar Gran Madrid Towers and the Hotel Vincci Posada del Patio in Málaga. All extraordinary properties, where Miró meets the Mediterranean, amid medieval quarters, ancient excavations showcased beneath a glass floor and Gaudí-esque exuberance caters to the needs for efficiency from international business travelers to family-friendly environments accommodating a wide variety of in-the-know travelers.
Antoni Gaudí introduced the world to creative modernism, an architectural movement that knew no boundaries beyond his imagination and Barcelona is filled with testimonies to his genius. Near the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona are the Gaudí Houses, Casa Batlló with its fabulous façade and La Pedrera, not far from his grand opus, the Sagrada Familia church, an astonishing unfinished work of art that is in constant development.
The Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona’s superb address on the Passeig de Gràcia, is situated in an elegant mid-20th century former bank building, recreated with a highly-stylized interior by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola that reflects the Mandarin’s Oriental heritage with a level of luxury synonymous with this brand. Many of the 98 guest rooms have enviable views either over Passeig de Gràcia or the garden; some guestooms have balconies from which to admire the surrounding modernist façades. Guestrooms are outfitted with fiber optic technology, laptops and printers on request. The intimate 34-seat restaurant Moments is under the direction of chef Carme Ruscalleda, one of the few women to be honored with a total of five Michelin stars for her restaurants in Sant Pol, Catalonia (three stars) and Tokyo (two stars). Meeting spaces, with the latest in presentation facilities, accommodate up to 40 guests. Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona’s world-class spa has eight treatment rooms while the rooftop plunge pool and the landscaped garden provide sanctuaries of relaxation.
Set in one of Barcelona’s business district near the Museu Nacional d’Arte de Catalunya; and not far from the Placa d’Espanya, the 320-room Hotel Porta Fira’s curvilinear red, organic tower is placed inside a translucent prism. Designed by award-winning Toyo Ito, who is also responsible for another Barcelona property, The Suites Avenue, an Epoque Hotel in the Passeig de Gracia neighborhood, in front of Gaudí’s La Pedrera. Described as a family-friendly property with a health club the Hotel Porta Fira’s other very notable assets include a 24-hour business center, meeting space, a garden, and laundry facilities, a convenience for families. Among a cluster of “green” properties that feature energy-saving devices, a water recovery system and solar energy with building symbolizing organic shapes recalling natural elements – rivers, clouds, natural light.
Chic and enormously stylish Barcelona sets a dramatic stage for the renowned Barcelona-born architect Ricardo Bofill’s leading-edge design for the W Barcelona, an icon of stunning architecture that rises high above the Mediterranean in what might well be the most dynamic corner of the city at Nova Bocana where the Barceloneta beach boardwalk begins. The hotel features 473 guest rooms, including 67 suites, two WOW suites and one Extreme WOW suite. and Spain’s first Bliss Spa.
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W Barcelona boasts a signature restaurant by famed Michelin-Star rated and acclaimed Catalan Chef, Carles Abellan, featuring unparalleled views of the Barcelona shoreline; Eclipse, a glamorous rooftop bar with stunning vistas over the Mediterranean, the signature W lounge features the W BAR for cocktails and WAVE Restaurant; WET, a glamorous infinity-edged pool.
Those attracted to a sleek and exclusive urban experience in Madrid might consider the Eurostars Madrid Tower Hotel, a five-star, 474-room hotel including 25 Junior and Executive Suites (with Jacuzzis and saunas), takes up the first 31st floors of the impressive SyV Torre building that forms part of the new commercial center known as the Cuatro Torres Business Area, which will be completed with the opening of the International Conventions Centre of the City of Madrid (CICCM).
Natural lighting affords every bedroom a panoramic view of this spectacular city. Along with LDC panoramic screen TVs, the latest phone technology and complementary Wi-Fi connections en-suite, light dimmers are operated by an intuitive system from the bed headboard. Latest-generation technology, soundproofing with privileged vistas characterize the 22 modular meeting rooms that can accommodate 1,300. Dine on the 30th floor of the Hotel where Jennifer Cole, an American Chef, recognized as the best female chef in Madrid, presides over the black and white restaurant; unwind on the 29th floor at the Well-Health Club equipped with a Vitality Pool, Turkish baths, a spectacular sauna with a view; the fitness center boasts state-of-the-art cardio equipment.
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History distinguishes the Hotel Vincci Posada del Patio in Málaga as it is literally built upon archeological discoveries – including well-preserved remains of the Malága Arab Wall, vestiges of the former River Gate, an old tannery and several objects displayed throughout the hotel. The hotel is built on a site corresponding to two former buildings — one of the last old inns that existed in Málaga and, an early 19th century building with its facade intact. Guests enjoy a breathtaking view of the ancient wall while sipping from a select menu of coffees, teas through “The Wall” café’s glass floor, or find solitude in the hotel library room.
Nestled in the romantic region of Andalusia, the 103-room Hotel Vincci Posada del Patio includes 11 Junior Suites and six full Suites as well as four meeting rooms, is set in Málaga, a 2,700-year old city that is a throbbing cultural center enjoying its own renaissance ever since the Picasso Museum debuted in 2003 near Picasso’s family home. From Málaga, visit other nearby gems such as Seville, Córdoba, Granada and Jaén.
Visit www.mandarinoriental.com
Visit www.hotelbarcelonaportafira.com
Visit www.whotels.com
Visit www.eurostarsgranmadrid.com
Visit www.vinccihoteles.com
