The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona hotel’s impeccable style and quality reside comfortably alongside the cultural fusion of old and new Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalan region. 

The MO is also blessed by contributions from two exceptionally talented Spanish women benefiting from an ideal situation in the city's fashionable heart. 

Outstanding Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola has created the MO’s stunning interior. Above all, this is by the Michelin-starred culinary perfection of famed Catalan chef Carme Ruscalleda. 

Location

The MO stands in a prime position on the Passeig de Gracia, a magnificent avenue in the Quadrat d’Or, once the center of Barcelona’s bourgeoisie. Today, this is part of the Eixample district, alive with top restaurants and buzzing with voguish clubs. 

The Passeig is also popular with high-end shoppers selecting from every top fashion house outlet on the boulevard. Besides, visitors can admire the modernist architecture of Antoni Gaudi, Domenech I Montaner, and Puig I Cadafalch. 

More examples of the modernism movement are found here, too, in ornate buildings. These are with every kind of material like stained-glass, woods, and wrought-iron. 

Style and Service

The MO in Barcelona has the same high standards as other hotels in this global group of luxury accommodations. Besides, the first-class service can be expected from reception, concierge, housekeeping, dining, and spa staff. 

Guests are greeted warmly at the superb entrance, which leads into the space and light of Urquiola’s décor. Moreover, beautiful ceiling and floor designs, hand-picked furniture, and gorgeous fabrics from the finest Italian and international companies are evident throughout the public areas and guestrooms. 

The Rooms and Suites

This 120-bed hotel has been renovated from an older bank building and is not over large. The rooms are on the smaller side for a 5-star hotel, but this is more than compensated for by the sublime décor. floor to ceiling windows and comfort details.

An oriental theme employs lacquered effects, wall screens, mats, light wooden floors, and glass with glass-effect mosaics in the luxurious bathrooms. The colors are also subtle with a lot of cream, beige, and white with accent yellow and blue here and there. 

Rooms are Deluxe Garden, Deluxe Boulevard with wonderful views and a Corian bathroom in all-white, and the spacious Mandarin.

Special Suites

These suites are small but spacious and elegant, featuring dining areas, terraces or wide balconies, Passeig de Gracia, or Mimosa Garden views. Moreover, the features include a circular bath and shower in the Mandarin Junior. A spa bathroom in the Deluxe and a powder-room and work area in the Premier are also there.

Terrace, Family, and Grand suites add more rooms, space, and in-room extras with striking décor, great views, and balcony dining areas. All bathrooms are lavish, and butler service is standard. 

The Penthouse covers the top level of the hotel. It has two covered terraces giving great city views, plush seating, and outdoor dining opportunities.

Fine Dining

This Mandarin Oriental hotel features several fine restaurants, including the jewel of the double-Michelin-starred Moments. Moreover, all these showcase the culinary art of Carme Ruscalleda. 

Managed by son Raul, the sophisticated and sleek graphite, beige and white décor of this restaurant serves up Ruscalleda’s gastronomic masterpieces of reinvented Catalan cuisine. 

A rosy-gold ceiling motif brings a warm pattern down onto the dining room. This is where the signature tasting menu of this multi-awarded female chef is renowned.

All-Day Dining

Restaurant Blanc. This lovely white and sky-blue eatery expresses the style desired by chef Ruscalleda for her light, fresh menus here. 

The dishes reflect regional style and culture with a modern accent on healthy living and respect for the environment using local and seasonal produce. 

Moreover, farm-fresh dairy produce, artisan bread/croissants, jams, locally cured meats, and organic fruits and vegetables are all part of Blanc menus.

Asian, Lebanese, and seafood specialties are other options. Teas with patisserie are also sunder the lacy white metal framework of the huge skylight. Also, Sunday brunch is a trendy event here.

Drinks

The Banker’s Bar, revamped from the old bank building, is a more sultry place to experience hotel cocktails. Also, champagnes accompanied by tasty snacks are here. 

The Banker’s Vodka Martini is a popular choice, and drinks are taken outside, weather permitting.

Roof and Garden

TheMimosa Garden. This delightful spot is a perfumed hideaway from the busy life of the Quadrat d’Or and Eixample district. A summertime space among mimosas and lavender bushes where drinks and Ruscalleda tapas are.

Mimosa is an ideal quiet place for business meetings or romantic meals. Besides, the garden holds private events and catering. In contrast, Terrat roof bar and restaurant is an impressive place with panoramic views and a rooftop pool. Besides, there is a thrilling Peruvian menu created by globally acclaimed chef Gaston Acurio. Drinks, cocktails, and meals are at lunchtime and sunset.

Spa and Fitness

Long spa opening hours and 24-hour fitness center availability allow guests to immerse themselves in award-winning holistic wellness programs and sybaritic beauty therapies. This oriental-themed serene spa boasts several treatment rooms. Also, there are separate programs and changing areas for men and women, steam rooms, a lap pool, and a restful area. 

Face and body treatments employ traditional techniques with new technologies using the finest products. Besides, gym facilities are equally up-to-date and well-equipped and staffed.

Children and Pets

As a family-friendly hotel, children will find welcoming gifts in rooms. They will also enjoy a play space at the Blanc restaurant with games, toys, and movies.

Family suites and children’s menus are available. Cots are also available. By arrangement with the hotel, well-behaved pets are allowed and pampered here.

Takeaway

As you can see, Barcelona is a proud and vibrant city with much to attract visitors. The wondrous unfinished Gaudi basilica, known as La Sagrada Familia, is a pivotal point that draws admirers worldwide. 

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is within reach of the hotel. This is the Casa Mila building, another of Gaudi's masterpieces. 

Barcelona is at the heart of Catalan art and culture and is alive with fashionable places and exciting nightlife. The Mandarin Oriental is a central luxurious hotel from which to enjoy all that Barcelona has to offer.