Review of Hotel Arts Barcelona, by Jamie Dunford Wood

The Hotel Arts Barcelona was one of a number of luxury hotels that was built in record time (and not finished) for the 1992 Olympics. It is right in the harbour, which is a great location - there is plenty going on down there. It has wonderful views over the Mediterranean. It's all luxury hotel, which means it as soon as you walk in here you know you've arrived in one of the best hotel hot-spots in town - the place is buzzing.

The facilities

The public spaces of the luxury hotel are cool and light, with windows and glass doors opening out onto a succession of terraces. The architect has used glass, stone, marble and ceramic, all in cool tones, with Gaudi-esque chairs and stools dotted about. Vibrant modern oils mingle with minimalist modern flower arrangements to add splashes of colour.

Once outside the luxury hotel, the spaces are beautifully arranged - a series of terraces at different levels, shaded with imported greenery - olive trees, potted palms, and grass, all cooled by a curtain of waterfalls falling from horizontal pipes to a well below. On one level is a little plunge pool, on another a small swimming pool, while up yet another level is a lunch and brunch bar staffed by young Spaniards in navy shorts.

The rooms

The 500 rooms of the luxury Hotel Arts Barcelona are all fairly uniform upstairs, the only difference being views and size of rooms. Those with rooms on 5 club floors at the top of the luxury hotel have access to hot and cold snacks and drinks all day free of charge in a special lounge, together with various other added-value services such as upgraded soaps and chocolates. It's a Ritz- Carlton speciality (they own the hotel).

The décor of the rooms can only be described as flesh toned. Outside each room is a little mirror and wall table on which is a fresh orchid, and soft music emanates from the Bang and Olufson stereo as you enter. The walls are textured in beige/magnolia and furniture is in pale ash. Cupboards are built in. Carpets are pinky-beige, and all double rooms have little seating areas. Sliding wooden shutters frame the large, picture windows. The large marble bathrooms - beige again - are modern, with separate showers and twin sinks. Double rooms are bright and of a decent size.