Luxury hospitality: What's up in Barcelona?

The magazine Business Traveller has recently posted an article about how much the distinction between boutique hotels (traditionnaly small, independently run properties) and global chains (offerig 5 star hospitality services) has muddied in the last few years. EIBTM education tour was also an occasion for me to understand how the large hotel companies are looking for a slice of the increasing lucrative « boutique » market.

The key « boutique » market words are always used in the communication of hotels Sales and Marketing managers - architecture, design, modern art, gastronomy, music, no limitation, everything possible or whatever – Ok, these are the words, what about this unique hotel experience ?

     «Where was I? »

This is not just a litlle bookmark in one ot the guest heavy contemporary art book in a room but the emotion you have after staying in one of the scenery Divine rooms of the W Starwood Hotel, top of the list in Condé Nast travelers. Here we don't talk about executive, high standard or luxury, rooms are Divine, Amazing, Extreme or Wow & Wow. Believe me the view is Wow! Whaterver you have already experienced and whenever, rising high above the Mediterranean from your bathroom is amazing!

The Arts Hotel is no doubt the Meeting Hotel in Barcelona. You know that you are in one of the Ritz group properties as soon as you are in the reception hall. Discretion, kind attitude, floral design, courtesy, classy furniture, « endlessly cool » and volumes. 250 guests can be offered the same type of generous rooms and every guest will be proposed extra services to feel home. The conference center has huge and flexible ballrooms (including backstages & corridors!). Cosy gardens, promenades and numerous terraces can be used for private receptions. « The Arts Hotel is my private garden next to the museum of contemporary art museum »... I do agree with this Facebook fan!

 

Later in the afternoon, I noticed a big « I love ME » pins on the bartender while serving me a fresh cocktail at the ME Sol Y Mélia hotel. The latest provides with a large range of emotions too: from the begining as soon as you get into the lobby, you feel a special fragrance especially created for this hotel. ME is what we love or/and expect in our urban life: loft design, high tech surroundings (ipod and Kinect are available) Madona or a DJ mixing in the lobby, fine and generous cuisine (with the opportunity oto look at the chiefs when playing on their piano) and sheer decadence. Entertainment and shows are totaly included in the offer of this hotel. Urban clubbers … this is for you the place to be in Barcelona!

No doubt « Boutique » hotels ARE more and more popular and become part of our day to day life,…

By the way « Here, in Barcelona, hotels are the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights ».

Many thanks to Laura, Patrica, Ruth, David, Alice, Claire and Doris for these experiences!

Christine