Hotel Vincci Mae ★★★★

Amidst the commotion on Avinguda Diagonal I very nearly missed the Hotel Vincci Mae ****. The subtle, shimmering brass lettering above the doorway was crowned with a large window and intertwining ivy, revealing a rich burgundy-toned lobby within. Immediately the first word that came to mind was “sumptuous”, with an urban edge that you don’t often find in vintage styled hotels. But this of course was no ordinary hotel – and nothing inspired by the great Mae West could ever be twee or ordinary.

Considering the Hollywood icon’s reputation to be ahead of her time, the quirky urban touches – like her slogan “I was born to be single” in neon lights at the restaurant entrance – seemed very much apt. The heart and soul of the hotel is found there on the 9th and uppermost floor, in the casually intimate restaurant and two roof terraces that straddle it either side, so it’s naturally where I headed first. The views of Barcelona from the terrace stretched all the way to the ocean horizon, and the sense of peace I felt away from the hubbub below was surprising – yet immensely satisfying. I could have easily spent hours there basking in the sun with a good book on the sun lounger; but then of course I had Barcelona on my doorstep. The prospect of exploring was irresistible.

Mae West’s signature sultry attitude resonated throughout the hotel, but nowhere more so than in my room. Rich crimson tones and deep burgundy furniture contrasted with the white walls, while glossy russet-coloured bricks in the bathroom added even further to the opulent 1930’s vibe. Flooded with light and not a peep to be heard from the roaring city outside, this was the true meaning of sanctuary. Mae West would be proud to lend her name next to a hotel as dazzlingly stylish and effortlessly cool as the Hotel Vincci Mae ****, of that I have no doubt!