Review of Hotel Majestic Barcelona, by Jamie Dunford Wood

The modern, clean lines in the Majestic's cool reception area are impressive, as is the location on the fashionable and endlessly entertaining Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona's shopping hot-spot. In this part of town, Gaudí's architectural masterpieces rub shoulders with designer boutiques, and all is within walking distance of La Rambla and Plaza Catalonia. Travellers love the central location and sophisticated interior, making the Majestic perfect for business or pleasure.

The facilities

Great for business customers, the Hotel Majestic offers a business centre, exhibition space and conference rooms to make use of. But it's not all about work: the hotel also boasts a rooftop swimming pool and spa to help guests clear their heads. The extensive fitness centre has panoramic views of the city and the mountains beyond.

After you've rejuvenated your body, excite your palate by wining and dining at one of the Majestic's luxury eateries. Choose at your leisure between three bars and two restaurants, but make sure you don't miss the culinary masterpieces on offer at Fermi Puig's Drolma. Having received a whole host of awards (the most prestigious of which being one star in the Michelin guide 06), Puig's deluxe international menu offers a truly special dining experience. Book ahead to avoid disappointment. The main bar is one of the more inviting, and chicest, of those in town, decked out in plain mahogany wood panels with good modern prints.

The rooms

The 303 air-conditioned, soundproofed rooms come with complimentary Wi-Fi. They are kitted out with made to measure furniture in rich, inlaid, dark wood, with big mahogany bedsteads.The decor is simple and colourful, with modern prints adorning pale yellow plastered walls. Fabrics are in green or red with blue curtains and carpets.