Hotel W Barcelona - five star luxury for visitors

By Paul Naylor

As the plane descended towards Barcelona airport, one building dominated the view – a gigantic mirrored monolith, glistening in the afternoon sunshine.

An almost heavenly crescent of light cast from the towering hotel W Barcelona acts as a beacon to visitors to the Catalan region of Spain. “Here I am”, it appears to declare.

Just as well, as this was to be my five-star base for a memorable stay in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. And how appropriate that I was to stay in such a sparkling building as the nature for my visit was to sample the region’s finest sparkling export – cava, courtesy of prolific producer Freixenet (pronounced fresh-en-ay).

The Barcelona-based, global market leader in the production of sparkling wine, Freixenet is responsible for a surprisingly versatile range.

A visit to the family-owned business is a must for wine connoisseurs and novices alike.

The sprawling facility located close to Barcelona, in the town of Sant Sadurni d’Anoia, is almost as refreshing as its produce. Cavas Freixenet is obviously proud of its heritage, but nothing is approached in a stuffy or pretentious manner.

An unusual promotional vehicle outside Cavas Freixenet

The approach to the reception building is flanked by whimsical vehicles, used for promotional purposes and local parades or carnivals. Mopeds and cars in the shape of cava bottles and a cork shaped van offer a light hearted introduction to what is a serious business.

The name cava came in to use when Spain joined the EU in the 1980s. Prior to this it was mostly referred to as champagne – so wine snobs beware, this is not an inferior product. On the contrary, many folk – myself included following this informative trip – can see why it is so popular worldwide.

Cava, which translates as cave, is probably a more appropriate name for this colossus in wine production, something you are made more aware of as you make a steady descent in to the cavernous depths of Freixenet.

The fascinating tour takes in the history of the Ferrer family, explaining the origins of the Freixenet name – based on the family home La Freixeneda, or “where the ash trees grow”.

Then there is the harvesting of indigenous grapes, explained in detail with justifiable pride by one of the many tour guides. Combine this with intriguing insights into wine making from the past and your history lesson is complete.

A selection of cavas by Freixenet

As the route continues, marvel at the walls of glass – wine bottles stretching as far as the eye can see – before emerging at the truly 21st century heart.

Freixenet now produces around 200 million bottles of cava per year, and what was once a quaint process is now, in this modern era, a precise scientific operation, ensuring the quality synonymous with a successful business.

The UK remains a massively important part of the Freixenet market, with Elyssia Pinot Noir and Elyssia Gran Cuvee among its latest exports.

This is endorsed further by the fact that France is the fastest growing importer of Freixenet cava. And that speaks volumes.

Adding that Wow factor to your stay

Designed by architect Ricardo Bofill, hotel W Barcelona provides the experience you would hope from a five-star establishment with a wide range of services, including a second-floor restaurant with fabulous views of the Barcelona shoreline.

London-based nightlife gurus Ignite Group has created a distinctive rooftop bar and the signature W living room experience is not to be missed.

Built in 2009, the hotel has a total of 473 rooms on offer. A huge open plan lobby with 24-hour reception and check-out services gives an indication of the quality that awaits, with shimmering wall friezes and expanses of glass, hotel safe, currency exchange facilities and lift access.

Located on the Nova Bocana of the Port of Barcelona, connecting the historical heart of the city centre to the majestic Mediterranean, the hotel has direct beach access at the entrance to the boardwalk La Barceloneta.

The hotel is within walking distance of the top class restaurants of Port Vell, glorious coastline and water sport opportunities of Puerto Olimpico and Las Ramblas.

Guests at hotel W Barcelona can enjoy a state-of-the-art entertainment system and the signature Munchie Box available in their room. They may also unwind on a stylishly cosy chaise lounge facing floor-to-ceiling windows with a virtually 360-degree view over the sea, city or mountains.

Rooms come equipped with a shower, double or king-size bed, direct dial telephone, satellite/cable TV, radio and internet access.

Furthermore, they have a safe, minibar and individually regulated air conditioning and heating as standard.

The hotel features a glamorous outdoor infinity-edge pool surrounded by sun terraces and fully equipped cabanas, as well as a state-of-the-art gym.

Travel Facts:

Paul Naylor travelled with British Airways from Heathrow airport. Flights are widely available throughout the year.

Hotel W Barcelona, situated in Placa de la Rosa dels Vents, 1, can be contacted on (34) (93) 295 2800.

Further information, including rooms and rates, plus reservations, can be found by visiting the hotel group website at www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels

The Freixenet winery is situated in Joan Sala, 2, 08770 Sant Sadurni D’Anoia, Barcelona, Spain. Call (34) (93) 891 7000 or fax (34) (93) 818 3095 for details.

Visit www.freixenet.es for information. Email: freixenet@freixenet.es