FAIRMONT | BARCELONA

by dailykongfidence

Walking into the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I in Barcelona Spain, I already knew we would be well taken care of here. The sprawling, breathtaking hotel sits on 25,000 square meters with views of the Barcelona skyline. The hotel is 25 years old, but you wouldn’t know it with the recent renovations that took place.

Spectacular marble floors, brass fixtures and dazzling chandeliers, plush sofas and intimate open seating, to an elevated ceiling with views of all 15 floors of this hotel, the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I is an interior design dream! Every inch of the lobby is photographable and impressive beyond words.

We were escorted to our rooms after a quick check-in by the Duty Manager, Doriane, who was extremely courteous and pleasant. We saw her again a few times during our stay and she always remembered us and made time for a quick conversation to ensure our stay was enjoyable. She is just one example of how amazing and attentive the staff at the Fairmont Barcelona is including the service at their restaurants The Terrace and especially Mr. Marco at B-24 (who got along so well with the kids that they insisted on taking a photo with him).

We stayed in the recently renovated Deluxe King and Deluxe Double Queen guest suites to accommodate our family of five. A large bowl of fresh fruit greeted us in our rooms along with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and bottled waters. Both rooms are similar with the exception of the bed sizes. The cool color palette of light grey, white, and marigold is reflective of the lobby decor with rich, dark wood furnishings. The beds are firm yet comfortable that you will feel like you are sleeping in your own bed. The bathrooms are small but efficient with a full bathtub, shower with waterfall shower head (with strong water pressure which is bonus points in my book), and toilet with separate bedet. I was surprised to find that toiletries include not only the exclusive Le Labo brand which I personally use and love, but also includes a shaving and dental kit which is not common these days in even luxury hotels. The rooms are spacious which is rare for European hotels, but I will have to admit that the shower itself was a bit tight and that’s from the perspective of a 5’3” Asian woman. Other that that, the room was a dream with gorgeous natural light, views of Barcelona’s Camp Nu stadium (where FC Barcelona plays), the Barcelona Polo Club, and the lush landscape and pools of the hotel.

We spent two nights at the Fairmont Barcelona where we basically just enjoyed the good life and took a break from sightseeing. The kids thoroughly enjoyed swimming in the three swimming pools on the property, their favorite being the main pool with its own Veuve Cliquot bar. We were able to rent complimentary kickboards, pool noodles, and googles while sipping on frozen strawberry and lemon slushies. The drinks were plentiful including glasses of Veuve’s finest, but no food is served here (only during the summer). We also had the entire indoor pool to ourselves that is located inside the fitness center and spa where the kids created their own boats with pool noodles, water weights, and floaty balls. Needless to say, their pool experience was two thumbs up!

The hotel is located about 15 minutes from Barcelona’s city center and is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The downside is that there are not very many restaurant options outside of the hotel. Fortunately the hotel’s restaurants and bars are amazing and offer many options for every palette including our kids! The breakfast buffet was included in our room price so we started each day with fresh pastries, eggs Benedict, charcuterie meats, cereals, bacon and sausages at the Breakfast Venue. Their freshly made strawberry and kiwi juice is a must-have as well as their latte macchiato. For dinner, we dined at The Terrace which is an outdoor restaurant overlooking the Wine Lounge and one of the pools at the hotel. The outdoor dining admist string lights makes it the perfect oasis to enjoy their delicious seafood paella and sangria. We also dined in the refurbished lobby at B-24 which provides a relaxed setting while enjoying the remarkable decor of the lobby atrium (in case you can’t tell, this is literally my absolute favorite part of the hotel). Open 24 hours, B-24 offers local Spanish cuisine and cocktails. The octopus and paella (yes, again) were not only beautifully plated, but delectable with every bite.

Our stay at the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I was brief but just the perfect escape we needed after our first leg of our European trip (we arrived from Paris). I can’t speak enough about the stunning decor of the hotel and really felt pampered and well taken care of during our stay. I highly recommend spending a few nights here while stopping by Barcelona.

/ Pros /

  • The entire staff is proficient in English
  • Clean, renovated rooms
  • Modern and minimal decor
  • Located close to Camp Nu stadium

/ Cons /

  • 15 minutes away from city center of Barcelona
  • Restaurant options are limited except at hotel itself
  • Water is hard to come by except at the hotel which costs 7 Euros

Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I
Av. Diagonal, 661-671
Barcelona
Spain
08028
+ 34 933 644 040

Thank you to the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I and the entire staff for making our stay memorable and so enjoyable.

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30 comments

Jenn September 28, 2017 - 4:01 pm

The hotel is beautiful! The interior design of this place is spectacular. I’m glad you and your family had a good time relaxing at Fairmont!

Simply,
Jenn | http://www.lepetittato.com

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Elizabeth September 28, 2017 - 7:04 pm

This hotel is gorgeous <3 I love the interior and well thought out the space is decorated! 🙂 Looks like you had a great time! Definitely going to keep this hotel bookmarked! 😀

XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/

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Briana September 28, 2017 - 9:18 pm

Looks like a gorgeous stay!

Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/

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Eliza September 29, 2017 - 1:42 am

This Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I Hotel looks absolutely incredible. Actually, I’ve heard a lot of good things about it already. Apart from its incredibly beautiful interiors, it has also a history and, of course, so much to offer. The rooms you stayed are so modern yet rather elegant. And the pool area is just perfect for the family vacation.
And it’s so cool that this place is located very close to the city centre. wow! I will definitely add it to my bucket list for the next trip to Barcelona!

Cheers, Eliza | http://www.fashion-confession.com

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Sheree September 29, 2017 - 10:45 am

The Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I looks like such a luxurious hotel. The decor in the lobby is so elegant, and the photos you’ve included are absolutely breathtaking. Your room seems like paradise. After looking at the refreshing pool I am in the mood for swimming, and I know that my kids would definitely enjoy staying here for that reason. I am so glad that your children enjoyed their stay too! From all the amenities and gorgeous decor to the convenient location, this hotel seems to have everything!

~xo Sheree
PoshClassyMom.com

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Ankita Bardhan September 29, 2017 - 11:06 am

Wow the Fairmont hotel does look so luxurious and divine! I am loving the modern & minimal decor, totally adds to the gorgeousness of the hotel. Glad you felt pampered there 🙂
xx
http://realgirltalks.com/

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Jessi Malay September 29, 2017 - 12:51 pm

The hotel’s interior is luxurious! You can never go wrong with modern and minimal decor; home, office, or hotel! GLad you enjoyed your time!

XO, Jessi
https://www.mywhitet.com/nationalcoffeeday-favorite-coffee-shops-la/

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Amna September 29, 2017 - 8:45 pm

Looks like you had a wonderful time. The interior is superior

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Sophie September 30, 2017 - 4:27 am

This place is so beautiful. I love every corner. Amazing and so breathtaking.
http://sophieatieno.com

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michelle October 1, 2017 - 5:26 am

That hotel looks gorgeous – and it does not look 25 years old at all – they did a great job with the renovations. Personally I don’t mind when a hotel is a little further from the city center – it usually means it will be quieter and less expensive LOL. 7 Euro for water does seem crazy but that’s pretty much what they charge for bottled water in NYC hotels too. Overall it does sound like a great stay at a beautiful hotel – although I’m still laughing about the shower – what would a 6 foot person do?
XO
http://www.lehoarder.com/

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Lana October 1, 2017 - 9:06 am

The Fairmont hotel is so chic, the decor and interior design are just amazing! Totally in my taste. I really can’t say that this hotel is 25 years old, everything looks so new and modern.
Your room is very cozy and elegant, like home away from home. And I also love the pool area, seems so relaxing, great place to stay in Barcelona, thank you for the review!

http://lanaluu.com

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Jasmine K October 1, 2017 - 11:19 pm

Fairmont hotels are beautiful. You should definitely check out the one in San Francisco. Stunning!!

– Jasmine K
http://www.myeunoia.com

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Katrina October 2, 2017 - 12:20 am

OMG! This is so called Paradise! Such a beautiful hotel, a perfect place for relaxation!

xoxo, Katrina Isha

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Camille October 2, 2017 - 6:09 am

This looks like an amazing hotel to stay at! Beautiful and thanks for sharing this post 🙂 inspires me to travel!

Camille xo

http://www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk

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Nina Nguyen October 2, 2017 - 6:37 am

Wow this hotel is absolutely beautiful!! Barcelona is next on my list to visit!! Thanks for sharing babe!
xx- Nina

http://www.ninalnguyen.com/2017/09/must-have-denim-skirt.html

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marcy October 2, 2017 - 8:39 am

Fairmont never fails babe!! I have stay in Fairmont hotels and they are amazing. Im actually planning a trip to Barcelona with some of my friends and was trying to stay here so Im glad you had such a wonderful stay. I have to say been in a great hotel with a great location it’s a mega plus. I love all the architecture and modern design. Looking forward to experience this hotel on my own too. Thanks for sharing your experience.

xoxo
Marcy

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Mariann Yip October 2, 2017 - 12:03 pm

Barcelona looks absolutely stunning! Looks like you had an amazing time! http://mariannyc.com/

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Open Kloset By Karina October 2, 2017 - 12:22 pm

Hey love,
Hows you?
I cant wait to Visit Barcelona again and I will stay in this Fairmont Hotel for sure:)
Loved the Design of the Hotel, Looks very Elegant and Chic:)
Your Kids are so Sweet:) I love your Photos sooo much:) Sooo Natural:)
Happy Week
Open Kloset By Karina
Kisses

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sepatuholig October 3, 2017 - 1:40 am

Thank you for sharing this experience!
http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com
instagram @grace_njio

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Jessica October 3, 2017 - 5:21 am

Such a photogenic place, so elegant and sophisticated. Love the luxurious feel of the decor.

Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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Manda October 3, 2017 - 7:47 am

Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I in Spain! Good gracious! So amazing! The interior is exceptional! They did a fantastic job with renovations and I really adore the lighting they chose. It’s nice to hear that the staff was so friendly as I just recently had a very bad experience with this at a recent stay. When the kids gravitate toward someone, usually that’s a great sign! The Deluxe King and Deluxe Double Queen look lovely and I love how light and bright they seem. A waterfall shower with good pressure?! Bonus points in my book to. I love that they included extra toiletries more geared toward men, and you’re right, that isn’t very common. Was the shower short as far as head space or just narrow? I love that they included lots of pool fun, which I feel is another thing that isn’t really common unless the hotel is specifically geared toward children. I love that you included a Pros and Con list. I’ll likely do that as well for my upcoming hotel review as I found that to be incredibly helpful here!

Manda | http://EvocativelyChosen.com

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Madison October 3, 2017 - 5:24 pm

Christine! Are you kidding me with this perfect post?! Always love your blog but these photos, along with your review of the Fairmont Barcelona are seriously next level! I feel like I’ve totally experienced it, and yet I’m now dying to go!! Looks like such a wonderful vacation and if anyone deserves it – it’s you! Between the Veuve and the Le Labo bathroom goodies – this hotel has my name all over it! Can we please talk about this IRL and catch up over coffee?! Miss you!

xx Madison

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Vanessa October 3, 2017 - 6:24 pm

Such an amazing place! Barcelona is one of my favorite places to travel in the whole world. I haven’t gone there in a long minute and I really miss it. This is one of the most luxurious and gorgeous hotels I have seen. This review is seriously perfects. I have enough information to know I really want to stay there next time I take plan to go to Spain. I think that this is honestly a wonderful place for the entire family because while the kids hang out at the pool the parents can have some time to relax. Such a stunning hotel, thanks for sharing!

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Tandya October 3, 2017 - 11:16 pm

Fairmont Hotels never disappoint! The Rey Juan Carlos I in Barcelona Spain looks spectacular! The dark wood, marble floors and chandeliers give this hotel a gorgeous and luxurious feel. It is amazing how spacious the rooms are! Being able to fit a family of 4 or 5 in Europe is a challenge! It is also great that they have everything you need at the hotel, considering it is 15 minutes from the town center. It’s so awesome that the hotel ad three pools! I bet your littles loved that! I know how you feel about the water! I hate that I have to pay so much for water in Europe. It’s free with every meal here, where as you usually have to pay for it there! But hey, what can you do, the countries are SO beautiful and we still want to visit them! 🙂

XO
Tandya
http://www.simplytandya.com

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Jacqueline October 4, 2017 - 10:26 am

Okay first of I NEED to go to Barcelona! It’s on my bucket list and second Fairmont always nails it with luxury! I love their hotels! This hotel looks amazing and mark my words I will stay there haha. Love that it has three pools and the decor is just amazing. It’s good to hear that the staff is friendly. That’s like number one for me. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous place!

http://www.brunchinista.com

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Darya October 4, 2017 - 3:32 pm

Hello Christine,

First of all, I loooooove Barcelona!!! I wish I could stay at Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos I one day. It looks so divine ! These king-size beds have to be so comfortable that you sleep like a baby. Happy that you enjoyed your stay at this wonderful place!

xoxo

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Jill Wright October 4, 2017 - 5:48 pm

What a great review. I love reading honest genuine blog posts. I don’t mind the idea of having to eat at the hotel all the time, if it’s great food then its kind of convenient. Your photos are gorgeous by the way – they really give a great view of the hotel and what you can expect.

Thanks for sharing and I’ll be sure to check out this hotel if we visit Barcelona sometime soon.

J. x

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Sofia October 6, 2017 - 1:03 pm

The suites that you had are just absolutely gorgeous. It feels like luxury throughout both of the rooms! The Main pool would definitely be where I would spend all my days, a little sad that they don’t serve food though as I am always down for eating and drinking on my vaycay.

Will definitely check out their hotels here in the states.

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Heidi October 12, 2017 - 9:15 am

Gorgeous in every way! The pools here look amazing and are so much bigger than other hotels in Barcelona. Is it far from the city centre? I so want to stay here.

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sana October 24, 2017 - 7:49 am

Hello,
Awesome! the hotel is beautiful – and the architecture is fabulous . I really love the flame effect! And the Hammam and pool are great facilities within a hotel – pure luxury!

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