10/10
“Stunning”
An absolutely beautiful hotel of old world Spanish tradition
Barcelona · head to head
Hotel El Palace Barcelona vs ME by Meliá Barcelona
Priced on the same night, 2026-10-10: ME by Meliá Barcelona is $323 a night less. They are 311 metres apart.
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The honest take
ME by Meliá is cheaper at $684 against $782, and edges El Palace on guest rating too, 10 versus 9.4 from a larger pool of reviews. El Palace counters with a fitness facility ME lacks, plus its two restaurants and spa, which justifies some of the premium if you plan to use the hotel itself rather than just sleep in it. Both sit within 0.3km of each other on the Eixample grid, so location is a wash. Book El Palace for the building and the amenities, ME for value and a leaner, more modern stay.
The look and the feel
Hotel El Palace Barcelona
El Palace occupies the old Ritz Barcelona building on Gran Via, all marble staircases, chandeliers and a lobby that still carries the weight of its 1919 opening. The Mayan-style spa is an odd, theatrical touch against the otherwise classical bones of the place, and the two restaurants and cocktail bar keep the public rooms busy well into the evening. It draws an older, moneyed crowd who want gilt mirrors and a doorman who remembers their name, not a design statement.
Guests who want old Barcelona grandeur, a proper spa and restaurants worth staying in for.
ME by Meliá Barcelona
ME Barcelona, part of Meliá's design-hotel arm, is a more contemporary proposition: clean-lined rooms with flat-screen TVs and coffee machines, city views from upper floors, a 24-hour desk with multilingual staff. The listing describes efficient modern comforts rather than grand public spaces, continental breakfast and concierge service standing in for the spa and dining theatre of its neighbour. It suits guests who want a slick, low-fuss base in the centre of town rather than a hotel to linger in.
Guests who want a modern, efficient five-star base at a lower price and don't need spa or fitness facilities.
ME Barcelona has no fitness facility on its list, where El Palace does, alongside its spa and two restaurants, so the saving comes at the cost of on-site wellness and dining options.
El Palace is the more beautiful room to stand in, its marble and chandeliers doing real historical work that ME's clean modern lines don't attempt to match.
The numbers
| Hotel El Palace Barcelona | ME by Meliá Barcelona | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $785 | $462 |
| Guest rating | 9.4/10 | 10/10 |
| Reviews | 2408 | 2619 |
| Stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 8 | 8 |
| Distance apart | 311 m |
What one has that the other doesn't
Only Hotel El Palace Barcelona has
- Fitness
Only ME by Meliá Barcelona has
- Beach
What guests actually say
Hotel El Palace Barcelona
- beautiful historical elegant interiors
- excellent service and atmosphere
- perfect location
- not enough water and no ironing board
- some female staff uhked ja üleolevad
ME by Meliá Barcelona
- excellent location near Plaça de Catalunya and Ramblas
- generous and pleasant rooms
- good varied breakfast
El Palace's guests seem happier overall, praising its historic charm, service and breakfast almost without complaint, while ME by Meliá's reviews are shorter and less detailed though still positive about location and rooftop amenities.
Rooms & rates, 2026-10-10
Hotel El Palace Barcelona
- Superior Double or Twin RoomRoom Only$783
- Classic Double Room 1 King Bed Non RefundableRoom Only$788
- Classic Double RoomRoom Only$789
ME by Meliá Barcelona
- Always MeRoom Only$462
- Always Me City ViewRoom Only$487
- Standard MeRoom Only$496
In guests' own words
Hotel El Palace Barcelona
10/10
“Lovely place! The best in the city.”
Beautiful. Historical. Classy. Clean. Comfortable. Amazing breakfast.
Please leave more water for each guest room. And an ironing board.
10/10
We absolutely loved the atmosphere of the hotel. The interiors are beautiful, elegant and full of character, and the whole place has a very special charm. The service was excellent, and we really enjoyed our stay.
About each
Hotel El Palace Barcelona
Luxurious Mayan-Style Spa Hotel El Palace Barcelona offers a unique Mayan-style luxury spa, providing guests with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience during their stay. Gourmet Dining Options With two exquisite restaurants and a stylish cocktail bar, guests can indulge in a culinary journey without leaving the hotel premises. Convenient Location and…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
ME by Meliá Barcelona
Luxurious Accommodation ME Barcelona, a 5-star hotel in the heart of Barcelona, offers air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities and stunning city views. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and a safety deposit box for your convenience. Exceptional Services Indulge in room service, concierge assistance, and a continental…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
Facilities, in full
Hotel El Palace Barcelona
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Business center
- Heating
- Terrace
- Family rooms
- Garden
ME by Meliá Barcelona
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Heating
- Pets allowed
- Lift / Elevator
- Laundry
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- Airport shuttle
- Safety deposit box
Where they are
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 668Carrer de Casp 1-13
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Rates are live for 2026-10-10, one night, two guests, fetched together so the two are comparable. Facilities and reviews are from each hotel's own listing. The honest take is written by our AI from the listing, the reviews and what is widely known about each hotel. HotelDupe earns a commission if you book, which never changes the verdict. All comparisons