Lifestyle - Interview
Interview with Alejandro Prieto, Hotel Manager at Hotel Praktik Rambla from Barcelona
Lifestyle - Interview
by Beren Dere
Hotel Praktik Rambla is located in the Eixample district, Barcelona. The Casa Climent Arola, which was built at the beginning of the 19th century by Catalan architect Francesc de P. Villar i Carmona, has been hosted Hotel Praktik Rambla since 2009. Hotel Praktik Rambla is an attractive place to stay for guests who want to savor Barcelona. I asked Alejandro Prieto, Hotel Manager at the Hotel Praktik Rambla, about Praktik Rambla and Barcelona.
Hotel Praktik Rambla
Alejandro, before start talking about Hotel Praktik Rambla, could you tell us about your background and hotel management experience?
I started in the hospitality business when I was 17, working in a small restaurant in a small hotel; there I realized I liked treating with guests and the possibilities of traveling and meeting people from all around the world. I started as a receptionist in a hotel in England, after that I worked in different places of Europe and South and North America, always in the reception department, and then I came back to Spain to start working in a big Hotel Chain where I grew up professionally until reaching Front office manager. 10 Years ago I had the chance to enter as a hotel manager in the Praktik Group and I have been here since then.
Hotel Praktik Rambla
Could you tell us about Hotel Praktik Rambla and overall concept?
Praktik Rambla is a mix of Barcelona History and The concept that Praktik Has about the hotels: living experiences...
Hotel Praktik Rambla
Could you give us an information about the Hotel Praktik Rambla building's history?
The Praktik Rambla Building was an ancient palace in the XIX century. Since then, it has been private apartments, different business where located in its different flats and even the Famous “HOSTAL PALACIOS” which was the hostal that became the current Praktik Rambla Hotel.
What sets Hotel Praktik Rambla apart from other hotels in Barcelona?
Its perfect location in the most "privilege" area of Barcelona, its historic building and of course the special treat that all our guests receive from the staff.
Hotel Praktik Rambla
How many types of rooms do you offer? Which one is most preferred?
We offer three different types of rooms: single ones (very small, let me mention it), the double standard which is more than reasonable to stay for a few days and the deluxe rooms, which are all exterior and much bigger in case our guests want to feel more comfortable. This last one is the most requested for everybody, especially because the difference in price from the standard room is very small.
What could you offer to your guests for making their holiday unforgettable?
A stay in the center of Barcelona in an ancient Barcelona palace with Modernism designs.
Hotel Praktik Rambla
What is the most common demand of your guests? How do you carry out these expectations? Could you tell us about your customer satisfaction policy?
The most common demand of my guests are the rooms to be big and exterior, We offer them to book the superior rooms which are bigger and brighter.
We always treat our guests demand as if it were our own demands. For us, every guest is a client with a different expectation of the hotel and we try to satisfy all of them as much as possible according to the possibilities we have.
What are the most famous attractions near you?
We are 2 minutes away from Plaza Catalunya (Center of Barcelona), las Ramblas and Paseo de Gracia, where is located Casa Batlló, Pedrera...
Hotel Praktik Rambla
What kind of additional services do you offer for business travelers?
At the hotel we offer the following services:
How can business travelers make their individual or group reservations? Do you have any advantage packs that you offer to business guests?
They can do the reservations straight on our website or by mail or telephone.
We do not have any special discounts for corporate guests right now.
Hotel Praktik Rambla
Which is the top season for travelers who want to visit Barcelona? What is the reason?
The best months to visit Barcelona are April/May and September/October, during these months the weather is nicer as the Temperature is around 20-27ºC
Hotel Praktik Rambla
If you have only one weekend in Barcelona as a first-time visitor, in this limited time, what are the best things to do?
I would recommend to visit and walk around the Old Quarters of Barcelona to feel the Ancient city, to visit a couple of places such as the Cathedral, Santa Maria del Mar, and eat in a couple of typical Catalan Restaurants we recommend in our reception.
How do you describe Barcelona in one sentence?
Barcelona is a city where you can have all in one single spot (mountain, sea, culture and nice weather).
Anything you would like to add that I haven't asked?
Thank you!
Thank you Alejandro.
For more information, please visit website of Hotel Praktik Rambla
This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Wednesday, July 11, 2018. All photos are the property of their respective owners.