Our luxury hotel review series began about a month ago with our post about the W Barcelona.We decided to fine tune the process a little bit.
Over the next few months, we’re giving you reviews and in-depth information about Barcelona hotels that fall into the Official Barcelona Hotel Association’s 5-Star Grand Luxury category. We’re launching this series because we want to give you the information you need to choose the Barcelona luxury hotel that most closely fits your personality and taste.
Hotel Miramar: Our Interview & Review
he bustling brawn of Barcelona’s city life comes to a halt at the foot of Hotel Miramar. Perched on the flank of the verdant Montjuic, the boutique hotel offers luxury seekers a peaceful retreat through which to calm your nerves and provide you with a resort-style setting. We talked with Director of Sales & Marketing Raúl Lizón about what makes this 5-Star Grand Luxury (5SGL) hotel tick.
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| A view of the historic facade of the Hotel Miramar |
What Sets Them Apart – How They Want Guests To Feel – Staff Personality
Favorite Aspect of Hotel – Opening Year– Best Suite
Family Amenities – VIP Programs – Location
Conclusions
What is your philosophy of service?
Before he answers the question, Lizón points out that his clients tend to extend their stay at the Miramar more frequently than any other 5SGL in the city. He says this enthusiasm is based on the philosophy of the hotel’s service: anticipation, professionalism and flexibility.
“We are professional, but at the same time we like to give our clients personal attention. We understand that each guest’s needs are unique,” Lizón said. “In Spanish, we would say servicio cercano. It’s not informal service, where you can find at other properties like the W, for example. This is not our way. But, at the same time, even though we are professional, we are still close with our guests.”
What sets your hotel apart from other 5SGL hotels in Barcelona?
Additionally, the Miramar’s prices are competitive and its service and staff are a favorite among guests. “The staff is something that our guests really value in our hotel,” he said.
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| A view of Hotel Miramar from the hotel’s Mediterranean gardens. |
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| The pool at Hotel Miramar is open from May to September |
How do you want your guests to feel when they are walking out the door at the end of their stay?
Lizón answers the question with an example from a review he read earlier that morning. “If we ever come back to Barcelona we will return to the Miramar Hotel,” the review read.
“I think this is the best compliment you can have is to have people looking forward to coming to our hotel,” Raúl said.”It think this is the goal, to have people come back and want to stay with us again”
What is the personality of your staff?
“It’s a very young staff. Our managers are young. I’m only 37, and our manager isn’t yet 42,” he said, laughing. “At the same time, we have worked at other hotels.”
The defining trait of the staff, Lizón points out, is that what the staff lacks in age they more than compensate for in their enthusiasm for the hotel.
“We love this property as if it were ours, as if we were the owners,” he said. “It’s a property, it’s a product, it’s a world and it’s an experience you enjoy delivering, and you enjoy working at the hotel. I think this is common for all of us.”
What’s your favorite aspect or amenity in this hotel?
Raúl smiles and turns his body away from the hotel bar and points to a series of white pillars lining the patio behind us. “There is a link with history in this hotel,” he said. “If you look at those pillars, you can see.”
The pillars support a pink and off-white facade that hearkens to a different era. The original building was constructed for the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition. King Alfons XIII christened the building, which went on to serve as a restaurant for the city’s elite until the 50’s.
Spain’s national television station bought the property and used it to shoot television programs. Marlene Dietrich was once interviewed there. The television station moved out in the 80’s, leaving the building in disrepair. Hotel Miramar started construction on the site in 2003, building its modern rooms and amenities around the old facade.
When did your hotel open?
The hotel opened in 2006 after three years of construction.
What is your best suite and what makes it special?
Hotel Miramar’s Grand Mediterranean Suite is the king of rooms at the hotel. The room boasts 70 square meters of space (about 800 square feet), sweeping views of the Mediterranean, a beautifully designed bathroom and a door that links it to an adjoining suite.
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| Hotel Miramar’s Grand Mediterranean Suite |
What services are available for families?
The hotel’s restaurant, Forester, offers kids menus that little ones can color. Additionally, the hotel offers babysitting services upon request. Raúl pointed out that Hotel Miramar is shielded from traffic, making it a safe place for children.
Does your hotel offer specific VIP services?
Hotel Miramar’s VIP services offers seven different VIP levels, each with their own unique amenities. Frequent visitors to Miramar receive perks, while families have the possibility of being welcomed to their room by milk and cookies.
The hotel also offers VIP packages for honeymooners, anniversary celebrations and romantic occasions. Additionally, guests can purchase packages that give the discounts at La Roca, a popular fashion outlet mall north of Barcelona.
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| Rose petals, a warm bath and cava welcome guests who purchase Hotel Miramar’s ‘Romance Escape’ |
Where is the hotel located?
Hotel Miramar is located on Montjuic, a mountain that marks the southern border of the city. It is accessible by bus 150 from Plaza Espanya, or by taxi.
Our Conclusions & Review of Hotel Miramar
Perfect For
The hotel’s small size, resort-style pool and spa facilities and it’s Mediterranean garden make Barcelona’s Hotel Miramar the perfect hotel for travelers who want a tranquil escape from the frenetic rhythm of the city. The hotel’s locational strength is also its drawback. Because it is far removed from the city center, a cab is the best way to travel from the hotel to Las Ramblas and the Gaudi sites.
Pros
- If you are a traveler who values privacy, this is the hotel for you.
- If you are a traveler who likes formal service, this is the hotel for you.
- If you are a traveler who likes to hit the city by day and retreat at night, this is the hotel for you.
Cons
- If you are a traveler who prefers“see-and-be-seen” location, this is not the hotel for you.
- If you are a traveler who likes informal service, this is not the hotel for you.
- If you are a traveler who wants to be in the middle of the action, this is not the hotel for you.
The Little Things:
- Legendary French designer Philippe Starck designed the hotel’s bathtubs.
- A Gaudi-esque inverted mobile hangs above the reception area.
- Big jars of marshmallows, licorice and other candy are available at the bar.
- The hotel’s spa pool is open year-round.
Disclosure
Hotel Miramar provided Barcelona Experience with the photos used in this article and the subsequent social media posts. Also, the hotel provided us with a delicious cup of cafe con leche during our interview with Mr. Lizón.
