Gran Hotel Mas d'en Bruno — Hotel in Torroja del Priorat

We loved this property ... but didn't 'love love' it the way we do most R&C properties. Make no mistake about it, you'll enjoy a stay here and it is a very luxurious property. The landscaping is probably the nicest out of any hotel we've stayed at ... there are all varieties of flowers and plants throughout, making walking from the pool to the room, etc. a pleasure. The pool is also quite a sight to behold and we enjoyed lounging by the pool each day, even if it was pretty cold. So much so that in 3 days, we only saw one person actually get in for a few minutes. We tried but said 'no thanks!' ... there is a small jacuzzi overlooking the vineyards near the pool, which had a much better temperature and we each took a dip in here each morning.||The biggest complaint I have about the property is the flies. There are flies everywhere! We would take washcloths to the pool each day and swat the flies away. The breakfast buffet was also covered in black flies each morning, which was pretty unappetizing. If you are allergic to bee stings, know that because of the all the flowers, there are also lots of bees in close proximity to the lounges, etc. but generally they are more interested in the flowers than the people and won't bother you.||The location is very remote and relaxing. You are literally in the middle of nowhere in the mountains of Spain surrounded by grape vines ... very peaceful and tranquil setting. The nearest towns are several miles away, so you'll likely be eating on property most of the time you are here. I will say that the last 5 - 10 miles on the way to the hotel were some of the scariest narrow roads I've ever driven on with no guard rails and steep drop offs on the side. As someone who hates heights, after driving into the resort, I vowed not to leave again as driving on these roads were not something I wanted to do more than I had to. My knuckles were certainly white and I was ready for a drink upon arrival. It is about 1 hour 40 minutes from Barcelona.||The staff was very good ... check-in/check-out and the receptionists. The hotel doesn't really provide a lot of water ... only a small bottle of distilled water that is refilled twice per day. This is pretty unfortunate, especially in the heat. One night we called the front desk and they nicely dropped off a few bottles of water to the room. The housekeeping was great and really kept our room looking spotless.||Many luxury resorts are not welcoming of kids. Gran Hotel Mas D'en Bruno was one of the only 5-star resorts in Spain we found which welcomes children. They had a pack and play crib ready for our child and the property was very kid friendly. All of the staff would say hi to the child, which made her smile ... and there were several other couples with children, so we didn't feel as awkward about bringing her to the pool to relax. It was really nice to be able to travel with our (well-behaved) child at a nice resort, so the hotel gets much credit for that!||The room itself was 5-star. It had a lot of space and was decorated very classy. The bed was a bit hard for my liking but was well appointed and has some cool touches, like being able to open/close the shades with the press of a button. We had a junior suite outside of the main historic building ... which we loved because it was a very short walk to the pool and it had a wonderful patio area with a gas fire feature. Each night we would sit out on the patio by the fire and look at the grape vines.||The only thing we hated about the room is that there was very little privacy in the bathroom/shower. The room has no separate areas for toilet, tub, shower or sink. While the toilet area and shower both have glass on the wall, the sounds carry throughout the room. If you are shy about bathroom sounds, know that every little 'tinkle' can be heard outside the bathroom area ... and in the morning, you won't be able to take a shower without waking everyone else in the room up. This was our least favourite bathroom out of any hotel we've stayed in. Pretty weak water pressure in the shower as well.||The restaurant felt very pretentious to us. We ate here twice and though the food was good ... it was a little expensive for what you got. We did not mind paying 30 Euros for a burger or sandwich at the pool bar, because it was good. However, we wished there were less fancy options available at night for those who wanted a more casual and relaxed dining experience.||Overall, this is a really nice resort with all the landscaping and charm of a R&C property, if not more. If you want to come here to relax and unwind, it will be perfect for you. The breakfast buffet was one of the weakest out of any R&C property and we were pretty surprised that the mini-bar and snacks were not complimentary, like other similar properties. A bag of chips as 9 Euro, snacks were 10 Euro and waters/sodas were 4.50 Euro. In most properties at this level, they have a mini-bar included. Also, we informed the booking agent that it was a special occasion and there was no mention, note, amenity/strange for a 5-star hotel. We really enjoyed our time here but probably wouldn't return, unless we were in the area. The Prioriat region is beautiful and the wine is quite good,...

Where does one begin? The location of Mas d’en Bruno, a Relais Château, is in one of the most beautiful settings one can imagine. Priorat is a destination for both wine and food lovers (of which we are both) world wide. This hidden gem allows one to spend quality time in one of the best wine regions in the world. Situated in one Catalonia’s most impressive mountain and valley regions, one can relax, enjoy premium wines like Clos de L’Obac, all while dining on local delicious dishes.

Mas d’en Bruno’s attentive staff welcomes one immediately. The reception area is surrounded by colorful and lovely art. The 16 th century Masia has preserved its charm yet has all the modern comforts of a luxurious boutique hotel.

Our large suite had three balconies overlooking the lovely pool and the green rolling vineyards of Priorat. The California King sized bed was so inviting that by just laying down on it one can fall asleep easily. Every detail of the room is well thought out and was appreciated. The luxury shower room and separate free standing bathtub with a view were easy and relaxing to use.

The inviting swimming pool below is a must to enjoy. Service at the pool is immediate and attentive. It is a peaceful oasis with birds singing and lovely views of the mountains and vineyards. The temperature of the water was perfect. Each cabana on one side has their own steps into the pool. We spent hours at the pool swimming and relaxing on the lounge chairs while being taken care of by the pool staff.

The dining area outside offers views in every direction of the vineyards and surrounding mountains. Inside the restaurant it is decorated impeccably with warm hues consisting of natural wood and tiles. The chairs, tables, plates, wine glasses etc. are all of the very best quality. The food is delicious and each plate is presented artistically. Breakfast offers fresh squeezed juices, fresh fruit, baked goods, marmalades, cheeses, cold cuts and a menu to have what one would like cooked to order all while served at the table. Lunch and dinner we also enjoyed a complete menu which offered a variety of local choices from mouth watering salads, fresh fish, meats and desserts. The chefs and waiters are first rate.

We were well taken care of in an unbelievable setting. I recommend Mas d’en Bruno because of its attentive and friendly staff, attention to detail, beautiful setting, luxurious suites, delicious food, incredible wine selection and inviting pool. We are definitely...

I want this place to succeed. Because the bones are great. It is the service, for the most part, that is 3 star rather than 5 that it poses as.

—rooms and public areas are very attractive, with blue chip art in lobby and restaurant (Stella, Hockney, Christo, etc ) —before arriving, we requested local restaurant recommendations. Had to ask twice. However an upselling email for overpriced ‘experiences’ came immediately and once more. We chatted with other guests who also asked for help planning a wine tasting tour who were also ignored (try mas martinet, Gemma is great and the is wine top tier) —They asked if we were celebrating an event ahead of time. Wasn’t at all acknowledged. Why bother asking ? —our room’s AC—beautiful room, junior suite—was having trouble. 26 Celsius after running it at minimum setting for 24 hours during a heat wave. Asked twice about it. Said they would look i to it. On third inquiry they admitted that a note was made in their system about the problem but we were not notified or a solution offered —we eventually moved to another room. This required a ‘maybe we can do this’ response and phone call to a manager. Clearly the staff are not motivated or empowered to problem -solve: one of the main ways aspiring ultra high end star hotels fail to reach their goal. —our new room lacked a bath mat and wash cloth. Small things but again not high end and tiring after dealing with the lack of action on the AC —As others have mentioned, their general contractor was less then competent, a lot of construction errors left outstanding such as cracked windows, must prominently, but also a cracked step in our original room that could be a trip hazard —spent hours at the very nice pool. Had to retrieve towels and set up sun bed with no assistance. No biggie, I’m a grown man, but again not luxury. However, was never approached about a drink by staff, they mostly hung out chilling rather than attending to loungers —the breakfast is minimal compared to much lesser competitors. And not replenished over course of morning. Show up on the earlier side. The servers are well trained and attentive, however —the staff at the restaurant bar at night were great, friendly, fun

Again, more training could make this a truly outstanding property. These appear to be a management and ownership...