THE FIRST NEW INTERCONTINENTAL in London for more than 35 years, the 256-guestroom Westminster property opened at the end of last year, following a £150 million development project which transformed former government building Queen Anne’s Chamber. The hotel aims to attract the movers and shakers from the nearby Houses of Parliament: spectacular artworks have an irreverent political theme and include caricatures of politicians and signed cartoons by satirist Gerald Scarfe, while the clubby bar and restaurant is designed to be a sumptuous (non-taxpayer funded) second home for politicos wanting R&R or tête-à-têtes with lobbyists and journos.
THE ROOM: My Superior room was compact but beautifully appointed. The large bathroom had a separate rain-shower, bathrobes and San Francisco brand Agraria amenities. The smartly-styled, neutral- toned bedroom featured a large flatscreen TV, a media hub with USB and US, UK and EU mains sockets, a Nespresso machine and a complimentary minibar with soft drinks and beer. The hotel offers free wifi throughout. RESTAURANTS & BARS: The Blue Boar Smokehouse is a highlight: signature dishes include spare ribs, rare-breed pulled pork and longhorn steaks, and pastrami-spiced oysters. It’s also where the à la carte breakfasts are served. The dark wood-panelled bar’s ambiance lies somewhere between a gent’s club and a city pub, with a reservable cosy private room for those off-the-record briefings. Emmeline’s (named after
Pankhurst) is an elegant, floral- themed salon for champagne and cocktails. BUSINESS FACILITIES: The lower ground floor is home to the hotel’s eight meeting spaces, including the Whitehall suite, which is divisible by four, or as a single space can hold 300 people for a reception. There’s also a well-equipped business centre on this floor. LEISURE FACILITIES: The 24- hour gym has cardio-vascular equipment and free weights. The executive lounge is open to Executive Club tier guests and offers free breakfast, drinks and snacks throughout the day, evening cocktails and canapés, and use of a meeting room. VERDICT: With the excellent restaurant and bar already creating a buzz, and nice touches such as free wifi, Intercontinental looks set to achieve its aim of establishing a desirable hotspot in the Westminster Village.
68 Passeig de Gracia, 08007, Barcelona / Tel: +34 934 881 717 www.hotelmajestic.es
THE MAJESTIC IS SHINING like a new pin, having recently undergone a multi-million euro makeover, and pale marble gleams everywhere. It sits on Barcelona’s grand boulevard Passeig de Gracia, in close proximity to Gaudi landmarks and designer boutiques. The 275-room hotel opened in 1918 and its opulent grandeur caused quite a stir. However, relative newcomers including the Arts, W and Mandarin Oriental means it cannot rest on its laurels.
THE ROOM: The standard rooms are small for a five-star property, but well-appointed with marble bathrooms, Bulgari amenities and thick bathrobes. The Brit’s eternal cry of “what, no kettle?” will be heard here – the rooms do have Krups Nespresso machines, but when you check out you realise you are charged for these at €1 a cup. Likewise, wifi comes at a cost – €15 per 24 hours. Many rooms have views across the Passeig de Gracia towards Gaudi’s Casa Batllo. RESTAURANTS & BARS: Al fresco cocktails on the tenth floor are a highlight: the rooftop pool terrace and bar has splendid views across the city. The hotel’s main bar is on the ground floor – its warm red fabrics and polished wooden décor give it a cosy atmosphere. I tried the buffet breakfast in Restaurant Condal, which was an excellent spread, and included manned cooking stations for eggs. BUSINESS FACILITIES: The basement floor has 645sq m of flexible meeting space,
which can be used as one hall for up to 500 delegates theatre-style or divided into up to six smaller spaces. The hotel offers AV equipment and technical support including simultaneous interpretation, and there's a business centre on this floor. LEISURE FACILITIES: The spa has four treatment rooms and a hydro suite with a sauna and a steam room. The suite is for private groups of up to four people – guests must book and pay €15 per half-hour. The rooftop pool and reasonably sized gym are free to use. VERDICT: The Majestic is a classy, grand hotel in a prime spot. With wide choice and strong competition in the city, I expect corporate buyers will want some of the chargeable extras included in any deal. Staying here during the EIBTM trade show last year, I heard buyers say they were being offered attractive rates at five-star properties in Barcelona, including this one.