Kimpton Vividora Barcelona Review

The Kimpton Vividora Barcelona combines contemporary design with local personality, in Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter. This 5-star boutique hotel features stylish, contemporary rooms, a rooftop pool and bar with city views, Mediterranean dining at Fauna restaurant, and thoughtful amenities including a social hour with complimentary wines. Located steps from the Metropolitan Cathedral and City Hall, the pet-friendly Vividora immerses guests within Barcelona’s vibrant energy, and offers bicycles, and paddleboards too.

I’m back in one of the most fashionable cities in Europe, and it’s the Kimpton Vividora Barcelona that has beckoned. With a name that captures the essence of living vibrantly and embracing life’s pleasures, which feels true to Barcelona’s spirited character, this 5-star boutique hotel sits in Barcelona’s captivating Gothic Quarter, steps from the Cathedral and City Hall.

Location

The vibe is urban, on-trend yet relaxed, welcoming, and just steps from the evocative Gothic quarter. The striking period architecture of the vintage façade gives way to curated interiors of bold, warm colours and rich textures of gold and velvet. The GOT Coffee & Cocktails lobby bar fills with the aroma of freshly ground coffee in the mornings and by sundown transforms into a city meeting place, buzzing during social hour with complimentary wines for guests. This is the place for my café amb llet in the morning watching Barcelona wake up, then returning for the evening social hour.

I took the lift to check in on the mezzanine, greeted by a glass of Catalan cava and the warm welcome of the guest experience team.

Rooms & Suites

My accommodation, the Suite de Vivi, offered a contemporary 42m² corner layout with a balcony providing urban views across the Gothic Quarter. The palette of warm, earthy tones with Mediterranean blue nodded to Barcelona’s coastal character, while designer furniture and a soaking tub created a stylish but homely space. Materials are tactile and welcoming, with a focus on natural textures including wood, bamboo and raffia.

I smiled when I noticed the welcome message written on the bathroom mirror – a thoughtful touch that immediately made the room feel personal.  Further thoughtful gestures included a welcome amenity of wine, and chocolates. Here I’d like to give a special shout-out to the amazing Guest Experience team, and especially Lara, for all the thoughtful, personalised touches, which made my celebratory stay truly memorable.

The Carner bathroom amenities, from a local Barcelona perfumer, included everything from shower essentials to moisturiser and lip balm, turning everyday routines into small pleasures. The room also had a steamer.

The hotel offers twelve different room categories to suit various needs – from bijou rooms perfect for romantic escapades to family accommodations.

Each feels like a stylish Barcelona apartment with locally designed furniture and thoughtful amenities. The signature Kimpton bathrobes are supremely comfortable, while the well-stocked mini bar features local artisanal products alongside international favourites. Smart TVs, complimentary WiFi and USB charging points ensure modern conveniences are seamlessly integrated into the design.

City Slicker

Yet Barcelona beckons. Urban cool is in the city’s DNA, an energising atmosphere that transforms a leisurely stroll into a cultural experience.

The Gothic Quarter with its striking architecture and shadowy lanes gives way to sun-splashed avenues where designer boutiques tempt on Passeig de Gràcia, and Gaudí’s visionary buildings immerse you in a fairytale world of imagination.

One of the hotel’s helpful offerings is the bicycles (Tokio Bikes) available to rent. I borrowed one and explored the neighbourhood on two wheels. For a different perspective, guests can also try paddleboarding along the coast with boards available from the hotel.

Casa de Vivi Drinks and Dining

After active days, La Terraza de Vivi on the rooftop offered a welcome retreat with its pool and city views. I enjoyed a refreshingly crisp spritz as the sun began to set over Barcelona’s rooftops, with glimpses of Sagrada Familia, and the spire of the city’s Basilica on the skyline.

Catalina the hostess, was particularly welcoming – part of a really great team at the Kimpton Vividora Barcelona hotel.

Dining at Fauna was a highlight. Part of the Casa de Vivi concept, the restaurant feels relaxed and elegant.

The approach to food here is refreshingly unpretentious, translating into honest Mediterranean cuisine with Catalan roots. Natural light streams through windows by day, highlighting beautiful, hydraulic tiled floors, while evening brings warm, intimate lighting. The crowd makes for a relaxed experience, with friends around tables, couples in corners, and families enjoying animated conversation.

Barbara the restaurant manager, helped us navigate the menu, making suggestions. I tried the salt cod croquettes with honey and lime, crisp outside with a creamy filling. The brioche of pulled Iberian pork loin and mushrooms was tasty and satisfying, while VivI’s bravas offered a nice twist on a Spanish classic. My favourite was the Iberian pork meatballs with scallops, a good example of Catalonia’s distinctive mar i muntanya (sea and mountain) tradition that combines meat with seafood.

Breakfast is thoughtfully presented – care has been taken with each detail from the ceramic dishes to the way the buffet platters are presented. A la carte dishes are prepared to order.

Wellbeing

For wellness and beauty moments, the Wellness Room promises thoughtful treatments, while the 24-hour gym provides essential equipment for maintaining fitness routines.

Even four-legged friends receive a warm welcome, with pampered pooches lounging contentedly in the lobby alongside their owners. For those arriving by car as I did, the hotel has partnered with nearby car parks offering special rates. I found Saba Cataluña convenient and just a short walk away.

The Kimpton Vividora Barcelona makes a city stay feel personal and thoughtful through genuine hospitality and those little details that make a difference. In a city known for its creativity and zest for life, this hotel fits right in.