Five-star Hotels In Barcelona, Spain: A Discriminating Traveler’s Home Away From Home

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is one of the largest cities in Spain. It is second only to Madrid and is one of the most influential European cities. It enjoys a globally acknowledged trendsetting image. Additionally, it has a very diverse art and cultural scene.

So, when you’re in a city as steeped in tradition and culture as Barcelona, why settle for anything less than the best? Start your vacation with a classy and extravagant bang by staying at the five-star hotels in Barcelona. Very few hotels in the world can rival the opulence and exquisite service offered in these hotels. The city itself is renowned for fine living and gastronomic treats. It is, thus, no wonder that a stay in any of the five-star hotels in Barcelona will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for weary travelers.

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hotel Arts Barcelona is one such hotel. Arguably the most popular among five-star hotels in Barcelona, Hotel Arts offers breathtaking views of the marina and port area. The view can be seen regardless of your accommodations. You could book a suite, double room, or a luxurious duplex apartment and be equally treated to a magnificent feast for the eyes.

Hotel Arts of Barcelona is owned by the Ritz Carlton Group. It is situated in the marina area of Port Olimpico. If you are looking for style, charm, and an idyllic beach location, then the Hotel Arts is the perfect place for you. The staff are polite and friendly, and they will pamper you like royalty.

Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel

My personal favorite among the five-star hotels in Barcelona is the Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel. As its name suggests, this hotel is in Barcelona’s marina area. It sits very close to the area where cruise ships dock. Like the Hotel Arts, the Grand Marina Hotel Barcelona offers astounding view of the marina area. It also gives guests first class accommodation and ready access to the heart of the city.

Le Meridien

If ready access to the city is what matters the most to you, then you cannot get a better option than Le Meridien. The hotel is on the famous Ramblas, the center of Barcelona’s hustle and bustle. Like other five-star hotels, it boasts of an amazing view of the Ramblas. Unfortunately, the hotel’s greatest draw also proves to be its greatest problem. Because most of the rooms in La Meridien overlook the Ramblas, guests can expect a little street noise. If you think you would not mind this, then book yourself into the Le Meridien. A basic double room can cost you between 330 and 360 Euros.

Claris Hotel Barcelona

The Claris Hotel Barcelona has an interesting geometric shape. Like La Meridien, the Claris Hotel is not far from where the action is. It sits at the intersection of two busy roads, and while this makes the hotel accessible to almost any vehicle, guests can expect to be subjected to a little road noise.

The Palace Hotel Barcelona

The Palace Hotel is not much different from the Claris and La Meridien, although it certainly is more pricey. For a double room at the Palace Hotel, expect to pay 380 to 550 Euros a night. The Palace Hotel is located in the modern part of town. It sits close to numerous cafes, bars, and shops. It is also surrounded by many historical buildings and is not far from the city’s best shopping area.

Hotel Melia Barcelona

This hotel’s location is not as accessible as the others and is, thus, not as conducive for sightseeing compared to other five-star hotels in Barcelona. However, it is only a ten-minute walk away from the nearest metro stop, and from this starting point, one can go anywhere in the city. What sets this hotel apart, aside from the distance? Locals and guests claim Hotel Melia serves the best breakfast in town!

A stay in any of the five-star hotels in Barcelona will make your vacation truly memorable. Ultimately, however, it is not just your preference for luxury that you have to consider but the health of your pockets.

Guide to cooking school vacations in France

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ

Amidst the grandeur and stylish history of The Ritz Paris, a culinary connoisseur or foodie neophyte can indulge in one of the finest cooking school anywhere. The Ritz Escoffier School is named for the luxury hotel’s first Head Chef, August Escoffier, a French culinary master. Credited with creating Peach Melba, among other dishes, Escoffier inspires chefs worldwide to this day. As well, the mystique and allure of The Ritz is equal to that of Escoffier and the combination is as exquisite as champagne and strawberries.

The school delivers a memorable experience – a back-of-the-house view of this legendary hotel coupled with serious yet accessible, and surprisingly entertaining instruction. Whether an accomplished cook or enthusiastic beginner, all types will find a course to suit their needs. Instruction encompasses both practical learning and gastronomic appreciation. There is a range of courses from which to choose, from the introductory Ritz Escoffier classes and Master Class courses to The Art of Pastry and French Bread Baking. Courses are available in half- or full-day options and workshops are also offered, including varieties such as Pairing Food & Wine and All About Truffles. Serious gourmets may even go on to apply for internships at the school.

Just as the details distinguish The Ritz from other hotels, it’s the details at the cooking school that put The Ritz Escoffier in a class by itself. Participants are given uniforms complete with Toques and their own locker. Diplomas are given to each graduate. Instruction is provided right beside the splendid and bustling Ritz kitchens, and all instruction is given by French chefs in French but also translated into English. Finally, a culinary library is at the disposal of all students during their spell at The Ritz.

For those on a budget, you need not stay at The Ritz to participate in its cooking school. But it’s worth the splurge for a once-in-lifetime experience. Because as Hemingway said, “When in Paris, the only reason not to stay at The Ritz, is if you can’t afford it.”