Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona: This 5-Star Barcelona Hotel Has Hosted Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, & Ernest Hemingway—and You Can Stay There, Too

Although Barcelona has become subject to swaths of overtourism in recent years, a quick visit to the city still sparks an immediate sense of joy. Strolling through the narrow passages of the Gothic Quarter immediately brings back memories of study-abroad days and boozy, tapas-filled nights with friends. Though contrary to the lower-maintenance travels of my early 20s, having a quiet place to lay my head is now key, especially in a city as buzzy as Barcelona. Enter Majestic Hotel & Spa, a historic oasis with a prime position in the heart of the city center.

Beyond its ideal address and complimentary spa services, what I loved most about the hotel was its versatility and creative roots. The property is located on the edge of the ritzy Eixample district, with the Ciutat Vella (Old City) just a few blocks away—meaning that sophisticated serenity and nostalgic late-night fun remain equally within reach. It’s no surprise that the Majestic was frequented by the likes of Picasso, Hemingway, and Joan Miró, along with a myriad of other creatives looking for a mixture of harmless fun with classy comfort.

Upon first glance, it’s clear that Majestic Hotel & Spa lives up to its name. The property first opened its doors on the dazzling Passeig de Gràcia back in 1918. Since then, it has maintained its eye-catching neoclassical design, with a few contemporary pops added along the way (think softer textures, warmer color palettes, and upgraded furnishings). However, the hotel’s historic, glamorous pulse can still be felt the minute you walk through its palatial double doors, which are naturally outfitted with a team of mindful doormen. Beyond the glitz, the people-watching and creative energy are equally strong—I immediately understood why Picasso and Hemingway looked to the property for bouts of inspiration.

Across Majestic’s six types of rooms and suites, comfort, elegance, and attention to detail are the threads that tie them all together. The property’s entry-level rooms start with the Deluxe category, complete with white marble bathrooms and interior courtyard or passage views. For a step up, the Privilege rooms offer a bit more space (around 325 to 375 square feet versus the 215 to 270 offered in Deluxe), while junior suites can comfortably accommodate three adults or a couple with two children. Majestic-level suites provide even more space, complete with separate living areas and work desks, while penthouse accommodations include private terraces overlooking the Sagrada Família or Passeig de Gràcia.

The hotel’s crown jewel? The Majestic Royal Penthouse, revered as the largest hotel suite in Barcelona and outfitted with a private terrace, outdoor jacuzzi, and butler service. Regardless of tier, each room at Majestic includes an in-room espresso maker, down duvets, and blackout curtains, as well as a Smart TV, luxury toiletries from Atelier Cologne, and plush terrycloth bathrobes. Note: My upgraded Junior Suite room came with a French-style balcony perfect for enjoying a late-night glass of wine while taking in the sounds of the city—a delightful reminder that being part of the action can still be savored without ever leaving one’s room (or robe, for that matter).

Majestic’s food and beverage offerings span the gamut, ranging from Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant SOLC to the more casual Terraza La Dolce Vitae. While SOLC centers on Catalan and Mediterranean-focused dishes prepared by Chef David Romero, La Dolce Vitae centers on casual tapas, cheese plates, and thoughtful sandwiches. It’s worth noting that many of SOLC’s dishes utilize vegetables harvested from the hotel’s private garden in the nearby Maresme area, located just 30 minutes north of the hotel, making it a true farm-to-table option in the heart of the city.

However, for those looking to take in the hotel’s unbeatable views, a jaunt up to La Dolce Vitae is simply unmissable. Beyond the thoughtfully crafted drinks, the panoramic, unblemished views from the terrace are some of the best—if not the best—in the city. Pro tip: Don’t sleep on the bar’s signature cocktail, Soul, made with Bombay Sapphire, St-Germain, lemon juice, cardamom syrup, and egg white. Down on the ground floor, El Bar del Majestic operates as a classic, all-day hotel lobby bar serving tapas, hot drinks, and cocktails, and is also home to Sweet Majestic, an artisanal pastry corner entirely dedicated to gourmet sweet treats and chocolates.

As the name implies, Majestic Hotel & Spa is home to one of the best wellness sanctuaries in town—and for hotel guests, many of its amenities are included. Prior to venturing out one morning, I booked a complimentary hour in the hotel’s basement area, which includes a 40-foot heated indoor pool, a 215-square-foot hydromassage pool with jets and water cannons, and a relaxation room equipped with tea, water, and snacks. The cherry on top? No one else had the 8 a.m. motivation, so the space was entirely my own! I can officially confirm that starting the day in a private jacuzzi area, on one’s own and completely unplugged, is truly one of life’s greatest luxuries.

Additionally, the hotel houses another therapeutic spa area on the 10th floor, featuring a private hydrotherapy suite complete with a private jacuzzi, hammam, dry sauna, and a sensory shower (additional fee required, save for suite and penthouse guests). Majestic also features a fully equipped fitness center and outdoor rooftop pool, as well as a number of in-room amenities (espresso makers, memory foam beds, marble bathrooms, and minibars).

Located on the edge of the upscale district of Dreta de l'Eixample, Majestic Hotel & Spa sits at the crossroads of Ciutat Vella (Old City) and the more modern 19th-century Eixample, offering best-of-both-worlds access to both sides of the city. The hotel is also situated a stone’s throw away from Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera), two of Gaudí’s most iconic architectural masterpieces.

Location: Barcelona, Spain (Eixample district)

Rating: 5-Star

Room Count: 258 rooms and suites

Pricing: Rates start at $395 per night (season dependent)

Dining: Majestic’s on-site restaurant, SOLC, celebrates traditional Catalan flavors and dishes through farm-to-table dining, all spearheaded by Executive Chef David Romero with input from Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany. For a more casual experience, the hotel’s ground floor Bar del Majestic offers thoughtful bites, sips, and live evening music,

Amenities:  Farm-to-table restaurant, rooftop terrace and cocktail bar with 360-degree panoramic views of the city (including Sagrada Familia), outdoor rooftop pool, on-site wellness center featuring hydrotherapy, jacuzzis, indoor pools, saunas, and custom treatments

Airport: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport (BCN), also known as Barcelona-El Prat Airport