Best Luxury Hotels in Barcelona

The W Barcelona’s spinnaker-shaped tower sits where Barcelona gives way to the sea at the end of Barceloneta beach and, along with the Sagrada Familia, it’s one of the city’s most recognisable silhouettes. 473 rooms and suites all offer uninterrupted views across Barcelona’s skyline or the open sea, while the facilities are a resort in themselves: ranging from the WET Deck with multiple pools and terraces, Salt Beach Club, to its vast AWAY Spa complex. Dining runs from Noxe, the 26th-floor Japanese restaurant and sky bar, to the Peruvian COYA and the grill cooking at Fire. For beachfront presence and that unmistakable shape on the skyline, little else in the city competes.

Few Barcelona hotels are works of art in themselves, but Hotel España Ocean Drive is exactly that. Opened as the Fonda España in 1859 and transformed at the turn of the century by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, a father of Catalan modernisme, it sits a minute from La Rambla in the heart of the Raval. Now, within the Ibiza-born OD Hotels portfolio, interiors have been carefully renovated by designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, and inspired by Art Nouveau, showcasing modernista details of the property. The best of the 82 rooms open onto private terraces with skyline views. The soul of the place is comfort, art, and music, with a library of the figures who shaped Barcelona and a vinyl corner of vintage records, fitting with the Liceu theatre as a neighbour. Breakfast is taken beneath Ramon Casas’ murals in the Sirens Lounge, and dinner is at Fonda España, where Martín Berasategui, the most Michelin-decorated chef in Spain, guides honest Catalan cooking. Evenings are savoured at the Dorita cocktail bar and at the rooftop OD Sky Bar, open to the whole city, not only to guests. True to what OD calls its ‘neighbourmood’, this is a hotel where locals and visitors share the best of Barcelona.

Located in the very heart of Barcelona on Passeig de Gràcia, the Mandarin Oriental is just seconds away from the city’s luxury boutiques and only a 2-minute walk from the Gaudi-designed Casa Batlló. Fusing modern interiors and timeless style from Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, the 120 rooms are bright and airy. Book a suite for a freestanding whirlpool tub, terrace and even kitchen. Gourmet Michelin-star dining is available in three restaurants – one of which is al fresco. The addition of a  relaxing spa, first-floor terrace, indoor pool for year-round dips and a rooftop pool with views out over the city makes the hotel one not to be missed.

The former Ritz Hotel Barcelona, El Palace Barcelona, is perhaps one of the most famous hotels in Barcelona attracting celebrities, prominent figures and guests from all over the world to indulge in a place that oozes timeless glamour. With a striking and ornate façade the hotel is even more beautiful on the inside from the sweeping staircase to the grand Great Hall every turn presents elegant detail.  The hotel comprises six spacious suites – each individually designed and with marble bathrooms that house a Roman bath inspired mosaic shower – all 120 guest rooms are inspired by a neo-classical style.

The impressive rooftop garden and terrace, which features a swimming pool, a restaurant and a bar, with 360-degree views over the city is the social hub of the hotel – a place to relax by day and party by night. AMAR Barcelona is the hotel’s brasserie serving fresh seafood with an extensive wine in a stylish art deco setting and The Great Hall – a grand and formal setting is where Afternoon Tea is the order of the day and live music can be enjoyed in The Bluesman Speakeasy bar. El Palace Barcelona is also home to the Mayan Luxury Spa which as its name suggests is inspired by the Mayan culture, offering guests traditional Mayan treatments designed to bring the mind, body, and soul together as one.

Located in the Eixample District of bustling Barcelona, El Palace offers guests convenient access – walking or via metro – to many of the city’s main attractions. El Palace Barcelona has been recognised for its outstanding quality and distinctive character and is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Part of the Ritz Carlton group, the Hotel Arts Barcelona is one of the city’s original luxury hotels, mixing tradition luxury service with minimalist aesthetics. The iconic building was designed by architects Bruce Graham and Miguel Ruano, originally for the Olympic Games. Providing outstanding views out to sea and across the city, its location on the seafront is ideal for those seeking to fuse a city and beach break (you will need to take a taxi into the city centre). A great swimming pool, 483 rooms spread over 44 impressive stories, 5 restaurants (from bistro to two Michelin-starred Enoteca) and impeccable service place this hotel at the premium end of the contemporary luxury scale.

With its own unique cabaret supper club, signature restaurant Bar Veraz, rooftop bar and bespoke cocktail bar the Punch Room, you don’t need to step out fo the front doors to experience a fantastic night out. Found on the edge of the El Born district, this 100 room boutique hotel with gym and saltwater pool is just steps away from the Santa Caterina market. Bedrooms are adorned in walnut panelling – echoing the traditional city shutters – and feature imported Anichini linens and Spanish leather headboards following a complete metamorphosis by Carlos Ferrater Studio.

The Mercer Barcelona is an oasis of calm in the heart of the Gothic quarter of Barcelona. It’s housed in a building with architectural styles ranging from Roman times to the present day and finished with contemporary sympathetic features. Two restaurants and a rooftop plunge pool make this a perfect hotel for a weekend shopping and sightseeing break. Service is unpretentious and polished and rooms are set around a quiet breakfast patio.

Just off Passeig de Gràcia, a stone’s throw from Gaudí’s Casa Milà and close to Avinguda Diagonal, home to most of Barcelona’s designer boutiques, sits Barcelona’s the Sir Victor Hotel. With a chic and sleek ambiance, Mr Porter offers an elegant dining destination inside Sir Victor and features a selection of rare steak, seafood, vegetarian options, and more, paired with incredible craft cocktails to enjoy. The Rooftop at Sir Victor offers stunning views and fresh Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, along with a relaxed atmosphere.The communal areas are a work of art, with the 91 rooms taking a crisp and fresh design and featuring original artworks, Bose sound systems, Nespresso machines and rainfall showers. Relax and recharge at Sir Victor Spa by Serena. Enjoy the indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and showers at your leisure.

Back in the 16th century, this mansion house on the Passeig de Colom was the home of a nobleman. Now restored as a boutique hotel, it riffs on minimalism, making the most of local wood and stone in the decor. Rooms come with welcome cakes and chocolates and Nespresso coffee machines, some with views of the port. Dine on tapas dishes in the restaurant or on the rooftop terrace (where you’ll also find its two open-air pools). Take light night drinks in the monochrome cocktail lounge and have a tinkle on its grand piano — snacks and pastries are provided here during the afternoons.

This Grand Luxe hotel occupies what was once the Palau Vedruna, dating back to the 19th century. In 1992 it was completely remodelled to create 124 suites, resplendent in Brazilian rosewood panelling, silk and leather upholstery. Make free calls and use the data on your in-room mobile, and enjoy White Company toiletries. Fans of art, Egypt and all things Avant-garde will especially appreciate the aesthetics here – the owner Jordi Clos is an Egyptologist, with a selection of his collection forming a small museum on the first floor. Dine at the East 47 first-floor restaurant, grab some delectable dim sum at Mr Kao or eat on the rooftop with a view, when the weather is clement.

Offering understated luxury, the Ohla Hotel is located on the busy Via Laietana, the border between Barri Gòtic and Born areas. The style here is hip, smart and chic, inviting to both holidaymakers and young professionals visiting for business. Games consoles, massages and round-the-clock room service are all part of the appeal at this 74-room boutique hotel. The awe-inspiring glass-sided rooftop pool is the perfect place to unwind before enjoying a refined dinner at the Michelin-starred Caelis restaurant or sampling a sensory journey of different culinary traditions in the form of tapas and small plates to share at La Plassohla – both led by Chef Romain Fornell.

The Serras is what luxury boutique hotels are made of. It is a jewel that is carefully tucked away in Barcelona with stunning views of Port Vell. The rooftop has a cocktail pool and a sitting area that affords guests gorgeous sights. There are sunbeds around the swimming pool where you can lie and soak in the sun. At night, you can sip cocktails at the bar as you watch the hotel’s Michelin-Star chef prepare different delicacies. On weekends, the bar has live DJ sessions to change things up. At The Serras Barcelona, you get to appreciate the lively neighbourhood of the El Born district and the Gothic Quarter.