Barcelona and The Hotel Pulitzer
By Joanne Epstein
Flying over the Pyrenees Mountains raised my excitement before landing in Barcelona. A mass of snow capped mountains in November was a beautiful site to see. The airport is one of the most modern structures, so clean and pristine with glass everywhere to allow the views of the mountains and the city to be seen from many different locations.
Arriving at the Grupo Regina Hotel’s Four Star Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona was a wonderful surprise with its elegant, yet aged architecture sitting next door to its sister Hotel Regina. It was just what I had envisioned of this old, yet contemporary Spanish city. I was greeted by the friendly faces of the staff anxious to help. The feeling was overwhelming, after opening large glass heavy wood framed double doors to this chic, eclectic design of antique and modern furniture and accessories.
To my left was a magnificent large barroc style alter, converted into a reception desk with a marble counter that was purchased from Sicily during a renovation. As I turned, I almost felt like I was in South Beach Florida, with it’s dark mahagony wood floors and custom white leather sofas. The fireplace was transported from Paris, while the large red cabinets that housed the liquor bar were brought from the Orient. The combination of all these designs left me feeling that I could definitely stay awhile in complete luxurious comfort.
The view from the completely glass enclosed elevators gave me a gorgeous view of the beautifully appointed library with the same comfort and charm, allowing guests to relax with their drinks or coffee and enjoy many of the books available for use.
Hotel Pulitzer is one of the first European hotels to use automated lighting and temperature, along with a state of the art security system in all the rooms, it was similar to the regular Panic alarm button for hotels. When the hotel room card is removed from it’s holder in the room, the lights go out, which allows conservation of electricity. The rooms were appointed with dark wood flooring, white soft and elegant bedding very modern furniture, and large windows to see all the bustling of people and traffic below. A sleek large sliding panel separates the well-appointed bathroom. A workspace with a desk and free Wi Fi connection is in each room, and available throughout the hotel.
Dining in The Visit fuses Mediterranean with oriental touches, for a true European experience. A charming room with views of a patio can be enjoyed in the warmer months. The selections of fresh fruits and many Spanish dishes will satisfy any palette. Don’t miss the fresh pear juice served every morning.
During the summer months, take a ride on the elevator to Visit Up on the rooftop, to enjoy the outside veranda created to experience the many magnificent views of the city and streets below, while listening to beautiful music and sipping one of their signature drinks from the bar. The hotel furnishes its guests with a book, “Not just a Note Book” and believe me it’s not. They have described the city, through their own experiences, and noted places throughout the area that we would all want to see. Away from the typical tourist traps, I was able to experience the life of Barcelona like a Spaniard. Not only are maps included, but great suggestions of restaurants, bars, shopping and culture that locals peruse.
Hotel Pulitzer is located on a small single lane street, just steps from The Plaza Catalonia. This is the center of the city for the tourists and all the business people that visit Barcelona. You can take one of the City Tour buses stationed here for a voiced radio tour and get off and on the bus as many times as you would like during the entire day. I must say that this was one of the most extensive tours I took and also the least expensive.
The Grupa Regina has other fine Hotels located in Paris, Rome and Buenos Aires. I look forward to visiting them all and letting you know what you won’t want to miss!
Contact Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona @ www.hotelpulitzer.es or info@hotelpulitzer.es
