It is very elegant. Located in the heart of Paseo de Gràcia, it measures 465 square meters and occupies a large part of what was, until a few years ago, a brand new apartment in Barcelona’s Eixample. It’s called the Royal Penthouse and this year it was voted the best hotel room in the world.
This decision was made by the jury of the Villégiature Award, which consists of 22 journalists from around the world who specialize in hospitality. They personally visit and vet all candidates for these awards, who will be 20 years old in 2023 and have become an important thermometer in the sector.
One of the best suite bathrooms in the world
Interestingly, in the final round, the Catalan hotel surpassed the legend in its category: Martinez de Cannes. The Côte d’Azur establishment, a landmark on the famous Croisette, was founded in 1929. By then, the Majestic had been hosting guests from around the world for eleven years in one of the city’s best quarters. Owned by Martín Casals Galceran since the late twenties, he has dedicated much of his life to making this place one of Barcelona’s benchmark hotels.
Family home
The Saldevilla-Casals lived on the top floor of the hotel: an 800-meter floor that had been converted into a grand suite
After his death in 1963, his heirs, the Saldevilla-Casals, took over the reins of the business, improving the hotel and its services in three main phases: the 1970s, the pre-Olympic years and the present, with an investment of 30 million euros allowing the hotel to become part of the group Leading Hotels of The World, an association of high-quality establishments that regularly measures 1,500 different parameters to welcome and support its members.
Staying in the Royal Penthouse costs 18,000 euros per night
Saldevilla-Casalau had a house in Barcelona on the top floor of the Majestic: an 800m2 apartment that had been downsized in favor of new suites since the last renovation. When it was finally empty, it was decided to build there a royal penthouse, which would become the jewel of this five-star luxury hotel and the largest room in Barcelona, an asset that allowed the addition of a very determined clientele looking for space , exclusivity and privacy: from members of the royal family from different states to great riches from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Brazil or the USA, and global stars from the world of cinema, sports and art. No wonder a night in the Royal Penthouse costs 18,000 euros.
Spacious rooms
Large living room with sofas for 14 people, three bedrooms, several bathrooms, outdoor and indoor dining, several terraces.
Opened in the autumn of 2016, its almost 500 m2 was designed by Antonio Obrador and distributed between several outdoor and indoor spaces: a large living room with several sofas that can comfortably accommodate up to 14 people, three bedrooms, as many large bathrooms, an open dining room and more inside. It also has two terraces. They offer spectacular views, private jacuzzis, and different areas have smaller living rooms or work rooms. A strong point is its very well-stocked maxi bar, which in terms of size and variety is the complete antithesis of the minibars in many hotel rooms.
The dining area of the suite and in the background the living room of the royal penthouse
Staying in a room of this category is not only a matter of space, but also of details, such as the presence of a perfume bar or finding a maxi bar with whims, drinks and favorite dishes of guests whose tastes are known in advance. Exclusive butler services and a high-end chauffeur-driven car are also available 24 hours a day. All these details have made this suite in the center of Barcelona one of the great prizes in the sector. Success celebrated with the care that characterizes the best hotels in the world.
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