Afternoon Tea at El Palace Review: We stayed at a different hotel, but we came here for the tea experience in the main dining/bar area of El Palace. I booked everything in advance and got the vouchers. Contacted the them via email, there were a few attempts and finally we got confirmed. When we finally arrived it seems there was confusion on the time. They had 2 different reservations, not sure how as I have everything in writing, nothing was resceduled but somehow it showed funky stuff on their side. FYI, they did ask for the physical printed vouchers, which thank god we had. Anyways. We got seated, everything was pleasant. We came right after opening (around 16:00) and it was almost empty, which we enjoyed. There was a live piano and no one rushed us out at all. Food was delicious and plenty of it. Would definitely comeback. The decor is nice as well. PS. No issues communicating in English as some other reviews mentioned concerns.

This is an outstanding hotel with an incredible service culture amongst the staff. Their level of general happiness and service quality is something I have rarely seen before. The room we were in was with modern appliances and well appointed. Overall the hotel has a charming throwback feel to a bygone era and is a lovely place to stay at when visiting Barcelona. The bar downstairs is a great meeting place. The rooftop bar too is lively and wonderful afternoon place. There is a cute pool and the new restaurant in the El Palace is to die for. Very happy and will be sure to repeat my lovely experience there when we are back in Barcelona.

Just returned from a lovely long weekend. Hotel was amazing. Great location. The staff are absolutely wonderful, especially Kevin. They have great recommendations and nothing was too much trouble. The decor and entrance is very impressive, lovely cocktail bar to have or dinner drinks, live jazz. Will definitely return.

Just went in to drink a bottle of champagne after 2 other rooftop bars seemed to decline us entrance for wearing a hoodie and sneakers. Not here: very polite and helpful staff, even if you’re not sleeping in the hotel. great atmosphere with live band in the bar

You can search and search - in our opinion you will not find a more comfortable place. Great people. Lovely rooms. Fabulous foods. Charming facility. Close to many things. Go. Enjoy.

Bitter disappointment, staff completely overwhelmed with breakfast service. We were told to wait in the lounge area as breakfast was full and they would call us through - but they would serve us coffee in the meantime (that took 25mins and a polite reminder) unfortunately the staff didn’t communicate with one another and other families arrived and were seated ahead of us despite the fact we had waited 30 mins for seating - when I confronted the staff as to why this had happened the answer was “I’m sorry but I’m very busy” at which point we just left. If you pay the price of a 5 star hotel you would expect them to be capable of a simple breakfast service - unfortunately that’s not the case in the El Palace hotel.

El Horrible… I first read about El Palace in Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold list, as one of the editors’ All-Time Favourite Hotels. I had had wonderful stays at other hotels on this list, so when planning our holiday in Spain in July, I booked El Palace thinking we would end our trip with a splurge. What a disappointment! I don’t think the editors have stayed there recently. In the city of Gaudi, El Palace just seemed like a gaudy Mariott Courtyard. All that El Palace has in common with a palace is that it’s old and falling apart. In our ‘Classic’ room, we had stains on the carpet, stains and broken bathroom tiles, and dead flowers in the window box. The rooftop courtyard was tired and old, with a tiny pool, and an unimpressive view. The breakfast garden? Peeling paint, heat lamps everywhere (in July) and a tent set up with hundreds of coffee cups. All for the low, low price of €500/night. This was hardly the pampering, elegant, charming experience proclaimed on the website. I feel cheated, lied to, and upset that we ended our holiday by staying there. Please don’t make the same mistake I did.

El Palace at Barcelona did not only blow us away with it’s grandiose ambience, but with it’s extremely friendly and quick staff. Even before our arrival at the hotel, we made it a great point that we were Americans who needed free control over our air conditioning units in the rooms we were staying (yes, even during the cold Spanish winter). We were attended by Anna Susin, and the service was second to none. All our (reasonable) wishes were complied-to/granted, and done so in a very courteous and efficient manner. Upon arrival, everything felt very warm and friendly, despite being at a luxurious hotel. The staff knew how to joke around, smile, etc. without sacrificing attention or service, which made you feel at home, speaking to normal people, rather than maybe feeling intimidated or even as if you were speaking to robots. One of the nights, they even let me reserve an hour to play their grand piano, which was an amazing and very generous exception on their behalf, as it is normally locked and not allowed to be played by anyone other than their hired pianist. The bartender, Fabio, was AMAZING. Highly recommend ending your night with his company. His passion and experience is evident in his adaptability and creativeness. The waiters were also on top of their game, for example Erickson and Sandy. Don’t overlook the opportunities to ask and learn about all the anecdotes and experiences that have taken place at this hotel. There is a lounge area right before the breakfast, filled with books and very interesting stories about the Ritz. Perfect food for thought / productive entertainment while you wait on someone from the group to come down. All in all, extremely content with our experience, and if we are ever again in Barcelona, we will surely be returning.

Travelled with children and had a joint family room. We were really happy with the experience, the children loved the kind staff! The only thing I would change is variety for the breakfast buffet, after staying there for one week we were disappointed that the breakfast was mainly the same. It got boring and we ended up heading out for different options. The spa is a little overpriced and isn't exactly 5 star, but I enjoyed the massage and it was professional. Other than that, the hotel is great.

Location was perfect and the concierge/doormen were extremely helpful. Unfortunately, the positives ended there. The drain in the shower was broken and kept coming lose, one of the sink drains didn’t work, toilet flush button kept getting stuck, no convenient outlets to charge phones/computer etc. The lobby and communal spaces had a nice luxury aesthetic, but there was no depth to any of marketed “class”. For $600+ per night, no breakfast included and they limit you to one water per person. The spa has all these rave reviews, but it’s a few small massage rooms with a sauna that doesn’t get hot enough. The food and drinks are overpriced, no reason to eat at the hotel when you can get a better meal for 1/3 of the price 3-4 blocks down the street. The rooftop patio is cool, but the pool is small, and nobody is staffed to order drinks/food.

We stayed in three different 5 star hotels in Barcelona and El Palace Hotel was the best of the best. Service staff was always attentive and kind. The room was quite spacious. The restaurants and bars in the hotel was super nice. Would definitely like to come back here next time

Amazing place! The place is incredibly beautiful.. The staff so friendly, accommodating and helpful.. The rooms are the best rooms I’ve ever seen.. I felt like I was in an Agatha Christy novel the whole time. The terrace pool and bar is a lovey touch.. The food was very very good.. most of all it was the staff from the doorman to the waiting staff, all could not help you enough.. what I liked was there was no snobbery about this place. Anyone was felt welcome and no judgement made (with scruffy looking people like Myself) would love to return if my budget allows 🙏🏽😂

I stay in 5 stars hotels many times and I always enjoy the little details and the story behind the places this place is fantastic, the beds are from out of this planet, the smell coming out of the AC and the Service and the story behind the Piano on the Lobby is just super enjoyable!!! will definitely stay here again my Kid enjoy a lot the Pool on the roof!

The shape of the wine glasses was amazing and the waiter poured us just the right amount of cava each time. Good views! Nice garden. Lovely cyclamen. :)

What a lovely hotel! The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable. And stylish! Plus lots of closet space. The staff is incredible as well. If you’re thinking of booking here, just go ahead and do it. You won’t be disappointed.

Lovely classic hotel in a great location for a stay in Barcelona. Our room was large with a big bathroom, a small balcony and mini bar. The plug sockets were difficult to get to and some of the fascias were coming away from the wall. We had an issue with our telephone beeping early in the morning on our first day there but the staff had fixed the issue before we returned to the room that afternoon. The bed was large and very comfortable. It would have been even better if more than one bottle of water (or a water filter) could have been provided as the tap water is not pleasant. Additionally it would be good to see the single use slippers offered on request only to reduce waste - we didn't use ours but they were unpacked for us during a turn down service that we did not request. The toiletries in the bathroom were offered in refillable aluminium bottles which is great to see and there was minimal single use plastic in the room which was welcome. The pool area is small but we never struggled to get a lounger, there was fairly poor service from the rooftop bar staff on some days (although Beatrice was excellent) where no one would come round to take drinks orders but otherwise we spent some very relaxing afternoons enjoying the sunshine. The cocktails in the main bar and the pool area were very good although they're not cheap (€18 -€25) but to be expected in a 5* hotel. We didn't bother with adding breakfast, it's never going to be worth spending €35, we went round the corner to the excellent Citizen Cafe which I highly recommend. The staff on the whole were very friendly and welcoming, the Concierge (especially Alexander) were always happy to help, the housekeeping staff did a lovely job of keeping our room stocked and fresh and the door staff were very nice. Overall a really good experience, one we would be happy to repeat.

Incredible experience! We enjoyed their bar for some incredible drinks. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful in choosing the perfect drink. After, we enjoyed a candlelight concert in their auditorium, which was something so special, it can't be described...

We just spent 3 nights at El Palace in Barcelona., I can’t say enough about the property, rooms, service & staff! Highly recommend this hotel. The roof top bar and restaurant is very good. The food, staff and service at Azur was AMAZING! The breakfast was delicious with great variety., worth getting! We hope to be back soon!

Best hotel stay ever, concierge was particularly great. The room is fantastic, beautiful old style building – had a wonderful experience.

Some friends had told us very well about all the things that El Palace Hotel organises for Christmas, so we went with our children to try the Christmas afternoon tea and I must say that it was absolutely exquisite and there was a lovely atmosphere, very cosy and familiar. The children were very excited to give their letter to Santa who received it with great love, patience and lots of sweets! It is an absolutely unforgettable experience and we have decided to make it a tradition every year because it is so worthwhile!

Really nice hotel! We were there during the Christmas Season and it was beautiful. Has a great jazz bar in the cellar! Rooms are super nice with an old school chi chi vibe.

Excellent hotel. I stayed here with my wife for six nights and we loved it. Everything about the hotel is all class; location, service, rooms. They pay attention to little details, which matter. Highly recommend.

The gold standard for service. Everyone (reception, doormen, restaurant staff) is so accommodating and nice here (better than some other 5 star hotels). The afternoon tea was the best I've had, and I've tried many in different countries. They made something special for me since I'm vegetarian. In most places, as long as you can eat it as a vegetarian, they think it is good enough. But the flavours were truly fantastic. The finger sandwiches were to die for. The pianist was a nice touch. Also, the decor is beautiful. I wished I lived closer just so I could keep coming by. Additionally, the price for tea was unbelievably reasonable. I can't recommend it enough

The hotel was gorgeous, centrally located, and impeccably clean. However, the best part of the hotel was the staff, I have never encountered such wonderful service- they went above and beyond with a smile every time! Thank you Hotel El Palace Barcelona!

We went on St. John's evening for the special dinner menu at the rooftop (86€ per person).The place was beautiful with great views of the city, and the food was great (with a bottle of cava brut nature, coffee, a piece of St.John's traditional cake and a bottle of water, all included in the menu's price). The service was very good: although a bit slow with some dishes, the personnel was very nice at all times. The only thing I would have changed was the live music: too loud at times, not very appropriate while having dinner trying to converse. Despite that I would definitely recommend the experience.

We visited for an afternoon tea . Its beautiful inside, service is friendly and professional, they had a beautiful dress exhibition which we loved! We visited upstairs and views were lovely too. A place I must definitely will go back.

We like the hotel, starfis very friendly the old speak good English pirate. In our bathroom there was a little bit of mold. You can tell it's a little bit older but still quite nice. this very good special if you want to go shopping five minutes shopping street. Very centrally located.

I could not rate the hotel staff highly enough for their friendliness and help during our stay in Barcelona. We were greeted with smiles and little chats every time entering the hotel. Not a huge deal but really made a difference to our day to day experience. The concierge staff were so helpful with booking a taxi for us on a taxi strike day and the tapas bar they recommended was fabulous as well. The hotel room was clean. The bed was comfortable. The lobby was so beautiful and food was adequate. I wish we had more time to spend there. It was a shame that we could not try their other restaurants (especially the Michelin restaurant onsite) with a noisy toddler. Also loved the buffet breakfast, so many choices including some interesting local choices. The El Palace Hotel is not cheap but the rate is actually not too bad compared to other five star hotels in Barcelona and other places we have stayed with. We are lucky to have been able to stay with some good five star hotels in various places. But the qualify of services of this hotel is probably one of the best. This will surely become our go-to hotel in Barcelona in the future.

My wife and I stayed at El Palace for 5 nights and the service at this hotel is excellent. The rooms are large with a balcony, albeit small. The rooftop bar has great views, drinks and tapas. The concierge staff goes above and beyond to make your stay the best it could be, special mentions go to Miguel and Francisco for arranging outstanding trips and dinners for us.

Where can I start? El Palace tick off all our expectations in Barcelona 🙌. 5* all the way From the moment we arrived until the day we left the hotel. Staffs were friendly and helpful, rooms are spacious and clean ,decorations are elegant , great breakfast buffet and staff stands out. A great choice for an important celebration or romantic stay. We will be back 🥂 Highly recommended when visiting Barcelona .

At the Hotel El Palace, everything is 5 stars. The welcome, the concierge... The room: crisp fresh sheets every day in a super soft bed. No noise from other rooms or the city. Wonderful breakfast. There is a small patio where you can sit outside. And then the service at dinner. A big compliment to Marc and Miguel. They were really great. Marc can make such good cocktails! Super friendly too. And very kind to our 9 year old daughter. They made our holiday complete! Greetings from Geertrui, Philippe and Julie

From the moment we arrived until the day we left the hotel surpassed our expectations. It was elegant, friendly and accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble they even made phone calls to tours for us. The rooms were immaculate with housekeeping service twice a day. The doormen we alway available and pleasant. The food and service in the restaurant was exceptional. The rooftop lounge and bar was beautiful and a wonderful place for a drink before dinner. Loved our stay there and will recommend it highly to anyone going to Barcelona.

This is a 5 star hotel. Previously known as the Ritz, this place is nothing but luxury. From the staff at the desk and everywhere else, to the amazing rooftop and furnishings, this place offers the highest level of service. The beds are extremely comfortable. The room is a nice size and the bathrooms are large. The shower is great and has great water pressure. The main hall looks like a dream as does the entry. The restaurants inside are amazing, they even have an almost Michelin star in there. This is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at and there have been many! Thank you so much!

Upon our arrival, the greeting from the staff set the tone for a grand visit. The room was exceptionally spacious and clean. Absolutely amazing. Everyday we started with an exceptional breakfast buffet that included an array of dining choices presented in stylish flair with the option of indoor or outdoor seating. Accompanied by an always attentive staff. Our dining experiences at the hotel lounge were impeccable in its taste and presentation. Overall, this hotel was an exceptional choice.

Five stars across the board: service, location, quality of room and one of the most comfortable beds we’ve ever had in a hotel. Just perfect for our first three nights in Barcelona.

Great rooftop garden. They had some new staff but they all cared and made sure we had a great time. Defo recommended for lunch / breakfast.

Be careful with the bill...We attended a concert ordered drinks and the service unfortunatley put a damper on our otherwise lovely evening. Although we ordered two glasses of rosé, indicating which one...their waiter instead poured us a different and much pricier rosé champagne and they even overcharged us for it! Disappointed that we needed to point out the discrepancy. Quite shameful, but this is par for the course in certain touristic places; however, I wouldn't expect such sneaky tactics and/ or sloppy service in a 5 star hotel...

Stayed for few nights and feel like a princess during my stay. Of cause it comes with a price. But definitely worth it. Only thing I could change is not to order the afternoon tea. Probably just order drinks and enjoy the piano. Afternoon tea is overrated, paying for environment for sure.