Return to Le Meridien Barcelona

The morning after dinner at El Bulli we took a cab to the Figueres train station, had our return ticket stamped for the Catalunya Express to Barcelona, and boarded the train. Uneventful ride back, grabbed a cab to the Meridien, and checked in.

This time they had us assigned to a junior suite on the 7th floor corner, facing a side street. I asked if we could do any better, and they offered a similar room overlooking Las Ramblas with a fairly panoramic view.

I asked whether any renovated suites were open, and they told me this was it… they also mentioned that they hadn’t yet decided to renovate some of the remaining suites on the upper floors, “some customers prefer the older style.” I don’t know whether this was guesswork on the checkin agent’s part, of if he’s correct.

While I appreciate the extra space, I really do love the redesign of the rooms and might even take a large renovated standard room (as long as it’s not two beds joined together as king ) over the unrenovated suite. Just my personal aesthetic preference, and it was good to compare.

Unlike our first visit a couple days earlier, a single bottle of water was delivered, along with 2 glasses. Since this was Sunday, the Carrefour next door was closed. So I was glad to have stocked up earlier with several bottles.

At check-in they did present me with a brochure offering an extensive array of Instant Awards, something they hadn’t offered on my previous check-in. It was customized with my name and then-current point balance. They didn’t quite hit my value meter, but I admit they represent a better return on Starpoints than I’m used to seeing from Instant Awards.

Lunch Restaurant Cent Onze
Lunch at Cent Onze Restaurant including a glass of Cava.
2,250 Starpoints

24-Hours Internet Connection
Work in your room as comfortably as in your own office with 24-hours high speed internet access.
1,500 Starpoints

Entertainment 4 You
Enjoy 24 hrs internet + 2 films or adult movies + entertainment menu (burger with coke)
5,250 Starpoints

17 Euro Credit
Use a credit of 17 euros for any additional charges.
1,800 Starpoints

Exclusive Dinner at 111 Restaurant
Exclusive dinner at 111 Restaurant including a glass of Cava
4,500 Starpoints

Anniversary Celebration
Experience one night upgrade in one of our Suites covering the difference of room category with Starpoints, including a flower arrangement, a bottle of Spanish Champagne, and a dessert cake for two.
10,500 Starpoints

Breakfast at Restaurant Cent Onze
Long day? Begin with a delicious breakfast at Cent Onze restaurant
1,500 Starpoints

Romantic Soiree
Surprise your partner with a Romantic Soiree in one of our Suites covering the difference of room category with Starpoints including a bottle of Cava, strawberrys covered with chocolate and a flower bouquet
9,750 Starpoints

Classic Pillow 45/70 cm
High quality pillows by Muhldorfer. Including shipment
3,750 Starpoints

Classic Pillow 80/80 cm
If you do not want to miss the pleasure of quality pillows, you can purchase them with us. Includes shipment to your home.
6,750 Starpoints

Bottle of Moet & Chandon
Go on! Treat yourself to a Bottle of Moet & Chandon
9,000 Starpoints

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

More articles by Gary Leff »