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Reality Check ➔ HOTEL HOTEL ARTS, BARCELONA


THE HOTEL: The hotel soars into the sky at 44 floors, overlooking the marina and out to sea, and is just 100 metres from the beach. Managed by Ritz-Carlton, the hotel is a 30-minute taxi ride in from the airport. The 483 bedrooms are split into just 16 rooms per floor so there are no endless corridors. THE CHECK-IN: Entry is on the ground floor with reception one floor up, in a cavernous, open-plan space ablaze with colour- coordinated flowers and oozing luxury. I arrived in the evening and all was quiet and calm. A glass of ice cold water appeared at my side from nowhere and I was escorted to the 33rd floor to the Club lounge for check-in. Formalities were dealt with effortlessly, then I was shown to my room two floors down, connected by a spiral staircase. THE ROOM: Another cavernous and elegant space with a vast bed and all mod cons. Wifi is charged for (free in the Club Lounge), and there was a desk (but with a seat of woefully inadequate height), two telephone lines and voicemail, luxurious bathroom, high-end Acqua di Parma toiletries, and separate hydro- shower cubicle. At night, the flatscreen TV and Bang & Olufsen AV systems light up like an aircraft panel. This was one of the 32 Club rooms which grant access to the wonderful


Club Lounge, legendary at Ritz-Carlton hotels. There's no need to dine elsewhere – the food and beverage offerings are so generous. It also includes a meeting room for up to six people and is offered free of charge. THE BUSINESS: Some 20 meeting rooms, of which six are on the 41st floor offering fabulous views. On the Lower Ground floor is the ballroom with a capacity of up to 1,000, and a Junior Ballroom for 250. THE RESTAURANT: If you can get away from the lure of the Club Lounge goodies, then


➔ HOTEL RADISSON BLU, EDINBURGH


THE HOTEL: Brilliantly positioned on the Royal Mile, this is a purpose-built hotel (25 years old) that's been designed to fit into its historic surroundings, with arched ceilings and feature windows. Room sizes are good and the interior design is contemporary and modern, yet you feel like you're in a classic hotel of some heritage. THE CHECK-IN: First impressions are of a classic Edinburgh stone building but the mood inside is modern and the reception is bright and airy. The welcome was warm and the check-in process was informative and handled quickly and efficiently. THE ROOM: My Business Room had double- aspect views over the roof tops of Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat. Facilities included a seating area and desk, free wifi access, TV, small fridge, kettle and a Nespresso coffee machine. The bathroom was on the small side, but featured a combined shower and bath and a good range of amenities. THE BUSINESS: There is free wifi access throughout the property and this encourages business meetings in the lounge areas for residents and non-residents alike. The property is at the heart of a historic city but its conference and meeting rooms are designed for the purpose and all have


natural light and air-conditioning. There is a ballroom with capacity for 240 people theatre-style, a Great Scots Hall for Scottish- themed events, and seven smaller meeting rooms suitable for groups of 15-plus. Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the financial district and the Scottish Parliament are all close by. THE FACILITIES: Beyond the regular business facilities there is a small swimming pool, basic gym and three treatment rooms, plus the Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen which offers a selection of tapas dishes. The hotel has its own car park which is a big city centre asset. THE RESTAURANT: Good sized and with natural light, The Restaurant is famed for its 'Super Breakfasts', buffet-style or full Scottish, but it is not open for dinner – there's the Itchycoo Bar & Kitchen for that. THE VERDICT: This is the only hotel in Edinburgh with the prestigious Royal Mile address. The location is great, two minutes from the station, and facilities are spot on. THE DETAILS: 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH. Tel: 0131 557 9797; www.radissonblu.co.uk. Rates start from £120 mid-week, room only. JULIE BAXTER


there's amazing tapas inside the Arola restaurant with a terrace, herb garden and a great view of the Frank Gehry fish-shaped sculpture; a Champagne bar offering 40 different versions of the bubbly stuff; the Enoteca fine dining restaurant with one Michelin star and a Mediterranean fish and seafood menu and 300 wines in its cellar; and finally Bites near the hotel reception, which serves all-day casual dining options such as pasta and Club sandwiches. THE FACILITIES: Among other services available are a business centre, apartments with butler and unpacking service, use of a Mini Cooper, a fantastic Six Senses spa and fitness centre on the 41st floor, and generally lots of outdoor space including gardens to soak up the Mediterranean climate. There is also parking and various shops selling gifts, clothing and edible delights. THE VERDICT: A great understated property, with stunning views and impeccable service and amenities synonymous with Ritz-Carlton. THE DETAILS: Marina 19-21, Barcelona 08005. Tel: 0034 9322 11000. Standard rooms (called Deluxe) are 300 euros; Club rooms are 450 euros, and apartments are 1,300 – all rates are exclusive of tax. www.hotelartsbarcelona.com. GILLIAN UPTON


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