Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I

"How did it strike you on arrival?Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I is situated amid more than 250,000 square feet of lush, palm-tree-studded gardens—it's impossible not to feel calm and serene from the moment you arrive. What’s the crowd like?A good mix of forty-something businesspeople and travelers. Gentlemen in modern suits but no tie and ladies in elegant pantsuits with heels. Tell us about your room.For the best views of the city, book a Fairmont Deluxe room on a high floor. From your window, you’ll be able to see the Royal Polo Club next door, Camp Nou, the green hilltop of Montjuïc, and all across the Eixample district and Gothic Quarter down to the glittering Mediterranean. How are the beds?A choice of two queens or one king-size bed. The sheets are 100 percent cotton and the pillows, quilts, and beds are all Fairmont's in-house brand. Guests from the U.S. and Canada can even buy them online. How are the bathrooms?The best thing about the bathrooms is that every room, across all categories, is fitted with both a bath and shower, so you don't have to choose between a quick shower or a long, relaxing bath. Products are by Le Labo, a high-end perfumer with a devoted following of jet-setters. Is there Wi-Fi?High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout hotel free of charge. Anything stand out about other services and features?Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I is a resort hotel set amid gardens with a lake and swans, two outdoor pools (open in summer), as well as a spa and fitness center. Take one of the culinary workshops on offer—they range from Catalan wine tastings and healthy cooking to Christmas cookie decoration for children. B·24 restaurant is open 24/7 and serves tapas and Mediterranean cuisine. If you want to tan while you eat, you can order your summer lunches from the Pool Restaurant & Lounge straight to your deck chair. What was most memorable about your stay?If you don’t mind staying a 20-minute metro or taxi ride from the city center, the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I can offer the best of both worlds: a relaxing resort hotel that's well outside the hustle and bustle of Barcelona’s tourist mayhem, but still close enough to everything you want to see. Bottom line: worth it?The Fairmont Deluxe room is a great value." - Isabelle Kliger