Barcelona, located amid the Mediterranean's sun-kissed shores, is a shining example of culture, history, and elegance. This cosmopolitan city, known for its gorgeous architecture, exciting nightlife, and wonderful cuisine, attracts travellers looking for exceptional experiences. Among its bustling streets and twisting lanes are a variety of hotels, each providing a distinct blend of comfort and luxury. In this post, we will reveal Barcelona's top eight hotels, where extravagance meets outstanding service, ensuring an unforgettable stay in this lovely Spanish city. From ancient landmarks to modern havens, these hotels redefine luxury, catering to the exacting tastes of every guest that walks through their doors. Join us on a tour through the pinnacle of hospitality in Barcelona's most prestigious hotels.
El Palace Hotel Barcelona
Situated in a prime location on Gran Via for almost a century, this hotel embodies Barcelona's illustrious past more than any other. From the majestic marble-columned doorway to the ballrooms brimming with elaborate chandeliers to the expansive main hall—all mirrors, gold, and exquisite Louis XVI-style furniture—the former Ritz maintains its Baroque luxury throughout. Bedrooms with similar décor include marble fireplaces, tasselled silk curtains, luxurious carpets, and traditional wood furniture combined with antiques. Fusty, though, isn't the word; there's always something happening at the hotel, be it alfresco movie on the large, dual-level roof terrace, a verdant haven of fragrant plants, flower-covered pergolas and bubbling fountains, or live jazz in the cosy underground Bluesman Bar. Undoubtedly, the Amar Barcelona, which will debut in April 2022 and is the brainchild of former El Bulli head chef Rafa Zafra, is already making waves. The spectacular dining area, which features deep blue walls, five-meter-high ceilings, and massive chandeliers hanging over a central circular gold bar, goes well with Zafra's contemporary take on traditional Catalan cuisine.
Monument Hotel
After a makeover, the area that was formerly the Hotel Condes de Barcelona reopened as a distinct establishment. The 84 bedrooms of the neo-gothic building, which was once owned by industrialist Enric Batlló (whose brother hired Gaudí to develop Casa Batlló), have exposed brick walls, oak floors, leather headboards, and bathrooms with hexagon-shaped slate-grey tiles. The best have little terraces with views of Gaudí's La Pedrera and Passeig de Gràcia, and ceilings with LEDs that appear like stars over the beds. The food, however, is the true lure. Head chef Martín Berasategui, a Basque native with 12 Michelin stars, oversees Lasarte, the hotel's three-star culinary haven. A semi-private dining room and an exclusive eight-seat chef's table are two of the restaurant's newly remodelled, brighter, more modern features. It's well-known for its 500-strong wine card (ask the sommelier to show you his small black book with rare bottles not on the list) and meals like chargrilled pigeon and fennel risotto with lobster. Should you be unsuccessful in securing a table here, Berasategui also manages the hotel's one-star Oria bistro, which offers tasting menus starting at €80–€120 and is somewhat more affordable. The lushly manicured roof terrace, located upstairs, is the perfect place to unwind for a drink or some serious swimming sunbathing.
Wittmore Hotel
Located in the mediaeval Gothic Quarter of the city, this 22-bedroom hotel is exclusively for adults and feels like a hidden gem known only to well-informed locals. Even though it still has a cosy, clubby vibe, the Wittmore Hotel reopened in February following a two-year hiatus. Septiembre Arquitectura of Barcelona was responsible for the hotel's new common area renovation. Natural raffia-weave panelling and slick wood flooring have taken the place of the previous hunting-lodge interior's tartan-plaid wall coverings, book-filled shelves, and oriental rugs, giving the space a lighter, more contemporary appearance. The recently opened Contraban restaurant, overseen by chef Alain Guiard (who also manages the cooking at the neighbouring Hotel Neri), is lit up by natural light. A succinct menu including imaginative and sophisticated pieces spans from "nostalgic" dishes like the rich béchamel pasta adorned with Iberico pork to veggie carpaccio, a beautiful display of shaved beetroot, black turnip, carrots, radishes, and herbs. It is served with a carefully chosen wine list, many of which are limited-edition varietals. You can enjoy traditional drinks in the welcoming bar, which has a sofa by the fireplace. In warmer months, climb up to the rooftop terrace with its bright yellow-and-white striped loungers, plunge pool, and higher sun deck with 360-degree views of the city. Alternatively, head out to a tiny, central courtyard with a living wall and fairy lights. With their classic accents like as push-button phones, deep crimson sofas with floral pillows, vintage wooden bedside tables, Marshall speakers, and courtyard views, all of the bedrooms exude a sense of nostalgia.
ME Barcelona
This newcomer from the luxury Spanish company ME by Meliá has an outstanding location: just a short walk from the city's centre square, Plaça de Catalunya, and around the corner from all the posh shopping on Passeig de Gràcia. The sinuous metal sculpture in reception, the book-lined lobby lounge, and the sleek, contemporary guestrooms all exude an artsy, cosmopolitan vibe, with huge, bold photos of models on the walls and tables stacked high with design books. Suites here are well worth the cost; several have expansive terraces with Jacuzzis where you can relax while taking in the city views. The hotel's entire second floor is dedicated to drinking and dining, with two Mediterranean-inspired restaurants and the posh Luma serving fantastically imaginative cocktails. They are bordered by Barcelona's largest courtyard patio, 1,000 square metres, which is studded with flowers, orange trees, and aromatic herb pots and provides a wonderful respite from the city's hectic streets. Guests have exclusive access to the rooftop sundeck and pool, as well as the tiny Égoïste Spa with two cabins for luxurious massages.
Hotel Arts Barcelona
Listing Barcelona's top hotels would be incomplete without including the historic Hotel Arts. It is renowned as one of the most upscale hotels in Spain and takes up all 43 floors of Barcelona's co-tallest skyscraper, a high-tech creation of the city's Olympic building boom in the 1990s. Even while CEOs and celebrities may choose the breathtaking views from one of the duplex penthouse suites (Ariana Grande rented out the full 36th floor on her visit in 2017), you can still have a very pleasant stay here for less than £200 per night. The accommodations have large beds and marble bathrooms, and the ones with sea views are definitely worth the extra money. The spa, which has two outdoor terraces and Barcelona's tallest sauna, occupies the top two levels of the hotel. Though the Arts is ideally situated for the beach and water sports of Nova Icària, its location is a little isolated from the ups and downs of the city. Unless you have a reservation at the fantastic two-Michelin-starred restaurant Enoteca Paco Pérez, use the taxi stand outside to get to one of the more lively neighbouring areas, such El Born, Barceloneta, or Poblenou, for dinner or drinks.
Nobu Hotel Barcelona
The third restaurant and hotel owned by the well-known Japanese chef is set to open in Spain in an unusual location: Plaça dels Països Catalans, which is located outside Sants station in north Barcelona. This location is ideal for train travel, but it is a little bit away from the bustle of Las Ramblas than one might anticipate. The chef has plans to open a fourth restaurant in Madrid in 2023. Don't let the location deter you, though; it's a great place to explore the mainly tourist-free areas of Sants and Hostafrancs as well as the cultural attractions of Montjuic hill. The Gothic Quarter is also just ten minutes away by taxi. The hotel, which was designed by David Rockwell, debuted in September 2019 and has since attracted a glamorous clientele of well-dressed locals and football fans on vacation (it's close to Camp Nou stadium) with its distinctive blend of cosy luxury and Japanese minimalism. The rooms are roomy and have striking city views along with chic Japanese details like sliding doors, wooden onsen spas, and sake in the minibar. However, the primary attraction? The 23-floor Nobu restaurant features a 360-degree view of the city, an amazing sushi menu (you can sit at the counter and watch the chefs in action), classic Nobu dishes like black cod miso, as well as other seafood creations like lobster tempura with tamari honey sauce and wagyu dumplings with spicy ponzu. Go ahead and treat yourself to the chef's personal faves on the omakase tasting menu; it's definitely worth the €95.
Kimpton Vividora Barcelona
This stylish hotel brand's maiden venture into Spain is located on the bar- and boutique-lined streets of the bohemian Gothic Quarter. Kimpton, known for its regional approach to design, commissioned Barcelona interiors firm El Equipo Creativo to create the Vividora's particular appearance - entirely contemporary, yet with handcrafted details and bright ceramic tiles that nod to the city's Catalan tradition. The bedrooms, which are on the smaller side, feature striking graphic-motif leather headboards softened by a palette of earthy browns, cool greys, and soothing blues reminiscent of the Mediterranean. Along with the main restaurant, Fauna, which serves modern adaptations of classic Catalan and Spanish food, there is the rooftop Terraza de Vivi, which is one of Barcelona's hottest new brunch spots due to its panoramic views and limitless mimosas and Bloody Marys. Hotel guests may also interact over free wine and vermouth at Kimpton's popular nightly social hours, as well as explore the city with free bike and longboard rentals.
Barcelona Edition
The Edition, a luxurious addition to the city's ever-increasingly packed upper tier, has deliberately positioned itself on the airy corner between the cathedral and Santa Caterina Market, resulting in an architectural beauty in its own right. The slate-lined facade sets the tone for the inside, which combines mid-century minimalism and striking stylistic choices.Each corner has a nice surprise—a gilded baroque mirror here, a Dalí-designed armchair there—enhancing the space with a diverse character. Modern art by renowned painters such as Eric Smith and Carlos Coronas decorates the walls, giving layers of cultural richness to the atmosphere. However, it is the artistic interventions, such as the spiral staircase fashioned from pearl-white marble, that truly take the Edition to a level of unsurpassed elegance and sophistication. Stepping into the Punch Room is like entering a bygone era, with its yellow baize billiard table and gentleman's club atmosphere exuding sophisticated elegance. Meanwhile, the rooftop poolside bar draws attention with its magnificent views and effortlessly elegant attitude, gradually becoming a treasured local institution. In the hands of architect Paul Richardson, the Edition emerges not only as a hotel, but also as a destination, with every element precisely managed to offer an exceptional experience for both discerning guests and residents.
Conclusion
As we near the finish of our journey through Barcelona's best eight hotels, it is evident that this city has something unique to offer every visitor. From beautiful historic buildings to fashionable modern spots, each hotel we've seen has its own distinct appeal. Whether you're indulging yourself to gourmet meals, relaxing in a spa, or simply enjoying the scenery of the city, these venues will make your stay unforgettable. Barcelona's hotels are as diverse as its culture and history, so there is always something new to explore. So, when we bid farewell to these incredible places, remember that Barcelona has much more to offer than simply its iconic attractions. It's a city full of wonders waiting for you to discover!
