To be frank, it was quite a disappointment entering this hotel as the lobby décor and furniture seemed stuck in the 1960s. The beige and brown coloured marble floor and walls, and dim lighting give Hotel Claris an aged feel.

However, it was a pleasant surprise to visit the guest rooms. Unlike most hotels where there are hardly any difference between superior, deluxe and club rooms except for the services and facilities, every room in Hotel Claris is different in décor and interior layout. In fact, our hosts from the hotel were just as surprised as we are when they brought us from room to room. From studio rooms to loft-styled suites, each room exudes its own charm and unique feel. Each room is decorated with original art and artifacts from the hotel owner’s private collection. The interior design theme coordinates with the art pieces. Therefore, some room may look Mayan, and another may be Egyptian, Oriental or Baroque.

This luxury makeover of Hotel Claris Barcelona by its owner, Derby Hotel Group, was completed in early 2015. The art collection and individualized interior décor made Claris fresher and rejuvenated and yet represents the Barcelona brand more than ever.

For MICE groups, the main function room at the basement may not be a very comfortable venue for events due to its low ceiling and lack of natural sunlight. However, smaller groups may consider the Hotel Claris’ rooftop glass room for board meeting, workshop, private cocktail or dinner. The rooftop restaurant provides modern Catalan cuisine with good service. On the day of this review, the restaurant served a scrumptious menu of Rigatoni with Mushrooms and Pine Nuts; Salad with Avocado, Dates and Pomegranate; Fish with Vegetables Cous Cous, ending with desserts of Catalan Cream Glass and Fruit Salad with Basil Ice Cream. The juicy pomegranate gave the salad a distinct fragrance, and a refreshing taste when balanced with avocado and dates. The fish was fresh and cooked just right. The vegetable cous cous was a good combination with the fish as it was not too rich or heavy. It was overall a very pleasant meal.

Hotel Claris Barcelona may not be the best venue for holding meetings, but it would definitely be quite a memorable experience for MICE guests staying here.

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For more information, please visit: http://www.hotelclaris.com/#!en/the-hotel/