Since the wealthy Catalan bourgeoisie of the 19th century chose Passeig de Gràcia as their place of residence, elegance and sophistication have been the hallmark of this boulevard. The buildings that once housed these families are part of the history of the promenade and an important heritage for the city. Renovated and rehabilitated to preserve their architectural value, some, as could not be otherwise, house excellent hotel establishments, true architectural gems where staying is a luxury.
Waking up in the great showcase of history, exclusive shops, world heritage buildings and haute cuisine is priceless. And although they are all incredible, they never stop innovating to offer more and better experiences, and not only for their guests, but also for locals and visitors.
This five-star hotel is located in the former headquarters of the Banco Hispano-Americano, designed in 1955 by architect Manuel Ignacio Galíndez. An austere construction on the outside but with a beautiful interior. The hotel houses on its ground floor a 1,000-square-meter spa dedicated to well-being with eight large cabins for exclusive treatments that expert therapists design according to the preferences of each client, a 12-meter indoor pool, a steam room and effect showers. rain, as well as a gym, hairdresser and beauty salon. The star treatment is called Oriental Essence, an anti-stress body massage that combines movements inspired by oriental therapies using a special mixture of essential oils, working on the back, neck and shoulders, areas sensitive to accumulating tension.
What it smells like: the Mandarin Oriental spa uses personalized essential oils with high therapeutic benefits, but this is not only what you can perceive, it also has a special aroma based on lemon and mandarin, notes of lavender and geranium, and in the background sandalwood and dry woods to decorate your rooms. And that citrus smell is transferred to Miriam Quevedo's amenities, which have a floral and fresh perfume.
A neo-Gothic palace built in 1895 to be the residence of the industrialist Enric Batlló, it is now the most gastronomic hotel in the city, a member of Preferred Hotels
What it smells like: the hotel has its own very special fragrance that is vaporized in the common areas, whose heart or main note is white lily and tuberose with notes of muguet and sandalwood. It can also be found in scented candles and indoor fragrances.
Lluís Domènech i Montaner built this building in 1908 for the Mallorcan businessman Mariano Fuster. The façade of the house was the first made with white marble which, together with the red stone columns, the floral ornamentation on the capitals inspired by nature and the trefoil windows, made it the most expensive in the city, and which They provide, today, a high architectural value as an example of Catalan modernism. In the 1940s, the room where the Fuster family events were held became the Café Vienés, a meeting place for artists and intellectuals of the time. It is a space with large windows, golden domes supported by impressive marble columns that have been preserved so that anyone can enjoy its interior. There is piano music every day, but Thursdays are reserved for jazz lovers who want to hear local and international artists live.
What it smells like: A woody perfume with spicy touches is the perfect complement for a hotel like Casa Fuster. With a base of oak wood with subtleties of lavender and gurjum resin, but with a fresh exit with cardamom, nutmeg and the citrus detail of bergamot, with its base notes of patchouli, tobacco, sandalwood and musk that give it a spicy touch and make it differential and unique.
On April 26, 1918, the Majestic Hotel England was inaugurated, an imposing building in French neoclassical style with the most modern technological advances of the time that immediately captured the attention of the wealthy Catalan families. From that moment on, it became one of the city's landmarks where everyone wanted to go. In its 105 years of history, countless stories have been lived, both within its walls and outside. And among its rooms, the Royal Penthouse stands out, the largest in the city with 467 square meters and with panoramic views of Passeig de Gràcia and the Sagrada Familia. Located on the ninth floor of the hotel, the Penthouse designed by Antonio Obrador, includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, as well as an indoor and outdoor dining room, catering kitchen, living room, other rooms, bar and spectacular terraces with jacuzzi. In addition, it has exclusive butler service and a high-end car with a driver ready 24 hours a day.
What it smells like: Majestic's current perfume is called Musc Imperial with a base of bergamot, sage and blackcurrant and notes of lavender, fig, leather, cedar and musk ambrette. An aroma that is distributed invisibly throughout the reception, bar and all floors
A delicate building from 1905, located in the Salvador Espriu gardens, appears as one of the best hidden secrets of the walk. This modernist palace designed by the architect Pere Falqués i Urpí, the same one who designed the streetlights on Passeig de Gràcia, was commissioned by Josep Matheu Mercader as a gift for his beloved wife, Mrs. Bonaventura Ferrer. It is a small work of architectural art with only six suites with a spectacular interior that preserves fantastic original modernist elements, such as the delicate work, the ornate carved wood decoration, the beautiful stained glass windows of the vault of the Great Hall with floral and plant motifs, and a magnificent oak staircase that connects the ground floor with the first floor, which are a visual marvel. This is a perfect place to travel back in time.
What it smells like: In its six rooms, Scapa Home's amenities provide a pleasant atmosphere that is inspired by nature, with a delicious mint aroma with woody and musky basic notes.
