Just back from Barcelona

By Globalista

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We're just back from Barcelona as we wanted to revisit the Mandarin Oriental and the W Hotel. And we're delighted to report that both are absolutely excellent, albeit in different ways, and definitely to be recommended in Globalista's Best Hotels.

The W hotel is the first hotel to be completed directly on the waterfront and the only good hotel in Barcelona that has direct beach access.

It's a big hotel with 473 rooms including 67 suites described as Wow (below)/Extra Wow/Spectacular. (We joke not). So as you can see the hotel is probably more attuned to the younger Globalistas' who will particularly like the outdoor deck which is Miami club scene style with summer pool parties.

Whilst all the rooms are excellent, we'd recommend booking one with a sea-view. And if money's no object you might consider the 'Extreme Wow Suite' which is breathtaking and the ultimate venue for a huge private party.

The Mandarin Oriental is a very different affair set behind the mid 20th century facade of the bank that used to occupy the site. With only 98 rooms including 11 suites, it verges on the boutique and so effortlessly conveys a real sense of personal service. The rooms are absolutely wonderful and exactly what you would expect from this excellent chain.

For the summer months there's a delightful roof terrace with a sizeable plunge pool and in the basement a huge and excellent spa.

On the food and drink front, there's the Bankers Bar decorated with original deposit boxes and for food you can either eat at the excellent Blanc restaurant or more formally in the Michelin starred Moments Restaurant (below) on the mezzanine floor.