Today was a big filming day ... the hotel and as much of Barcelona as we could. And we did it!
First up - the drive up - followed by the General Manager interview.
The hotel was opened in 1925 ... it sits 500 metres above the city on Mount Tibidabo. For 16 years it sat proudly overlooking the city until it was almost destroyed in the Spanish Civil War. It was renovated in 1939 and for decades was THE place to stay in Barcelona. The likes of Ernest Hemingway and Zsa Zsa Gabor stayed here.
Six years ago after a HUGE refurbishment it reopened as a 70-bedroom 5-star deluxe hotel ... complete with 8 designed suites.
I am in the Presidential Suite designed by Catalan designer Cristina Macaya. It's 1500 square feet in area ... 2 bathrooms .... terrace ... outdoor jacuzzi and lots of lovely furniture ... an amazing lamp and button-backed winged President's chair.
SO - The GM - Andreu Canals. What a nice chap! Ex-Ritz-Carlton, he leads his team where respect, care and professionalism are at the fore. I was very impressed with him and how he runs this lovely property.
Anyway - you now know about the suite! It's so comfortable! I am VERY happy here!
We (and I mean Tim, James and Lucia) filmed Barcelona in sunlight! My, it looks LOVELY!
Tomorrow is a BIG day for us ... filming-wise ... but with this ash-cloud looming, I may not get home for several days now ... boohoo ...
Song of the Day: Witness - Roots Manuva
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbuSdXKtJX4
Weather: FABULOUSO!
Andreu Canals - The GM
Tim
Hahahahahahahaha!
