Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona (Purobeach Barcelona) Review

Sitting on the northeastern edge of Barcelona, Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona offers visitors to the Catalonian capital a blend of metropolitan spirit and laid-back beachside energy. With its sleek modern design and strategic position next to the Barcelona International Convention Centre, and just moments from Llevant Beach, the hotel appeals to both business travellers and leisure guests looking to stay connected without sacrificing downtime. At the heart of the experience is Purobeach Barcelona the hotel’s luxury beach club concept offering a stylish space to relax and soak up the sun. The Luxury Editor checked in to experience it first-hand, read on to discover more.

Designed by Catalan architect Óscar Tusquets and rising 25 storeys, Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona cuts a distinctive figure on the neighbourhood’s skyline, its twin angular towers evoking the prow of a ship, a subtle reference to the nearby Mediterranean. Dining is a highlight here, with Michelin-starred Aürt providing an intimate, ingredient-led culinary experience, while the Ma’i Lobby Bar delivers relaxed all-day fine dining tapas and cocktails. Those staying in executive rooms and suites gain access to the Executive Lounge, which offers breakfast, complimentary refreshments throughout the day and drinks each evening. But the real standout remains Purobeach Barcelona, their rooftop beach club complete with Balinese beds, two pools, DJ sets, and its own globally inspired restaurant, M3 Cuisine.

Location

Located in the Diagonal Mar i el Front Marítim del Poblenou district, the hotel is just a short walk from Llevant beach, and adjacent to the Diagonal Mar Shopping Centre and the Barcelona International Convention Centre. The El Maresme-Forum Metro Station is a 2-minute walk away, as is a tram stop, which will take you into the heart of Barcelona in about 20 minutes. Getting to and from the airport is also convenient, taking around 30 minutes by motorway.

Puro Beach Barcelona

Spanning 2,800 square metres and sitting two floors above ground level, Purobeach Barcelona brings its distinctly Majorcan flair to the Catalan capital. Think of it as a fully immersive beach club in the city complete with Balinese beds and poolside loungers, arranged across multiple decks and two saltwater pools, with views stretching out towards the city and even glimpses of the Sagrada Família, and all set to a laid-back soundtrack of DJ beats.

On arrival be personally guided to your reserved sunbeds, where laid-out towels are unfolded for you. We started the experience with a refreshment tray featuring bottled water, fresh orange juice, and jar of salted nuts. And as midday approached, it felt only right to order a cocktail poolside! You can further enhance your experience with extras such as fresh fruit platters, Champagne, and spa treatments.

For lunch, head to M3 Purobeach’s culinary concept, the open-air terrace continues the beach-club aesthetic with low-slung cream seating and natural textures. Taking its name from the culinary inspirations of Miami, Marrakech and Melbourne, you can expect Mediterranean seafood, North African spices, and vibrant modern twists on global favourites.

We opted for a selection of small plates and mains, a portion of patatas bravas loaded with aioli and smoked paprika, along with padrón peppers and local jamón with pan con tomate to start. And for mains fish tacos layered with slaw and chipotle mayo, a poke bowl of salmon, edamame, seaweed and avocado, and a sticky soy-glazed salmon fillet and a side of chargrilled broccolini, all accompanied by an Albariño from Rías Baixas.

Post lunch we returned to our sunbeds for a well-earned siesta and post-lunch dip in the pool. Purobeach Barcelona is open daily till 6 pm in the summer season, sunbed booking is recommended and chargeable.

Rooms & Suites

The hotel offers 433 rooms and suites, all designed with a soft neutral palette and large windows that frame city or sea views. Guest Rooms come in king, twin and family configurations, while Executive Rooms add access to the 15th-floor Executive Lounge, an exclusive space with complimentary breakfast, refreshments and evening drinks. All rooms include Hilton’s signature beds, ergonomic workspaces, Crabtree & Evelyn amenities, along with refillable glass water bottles and locally inspired welcome items.

For those wanting extra room, the hotel’s suites offer a more residential feel. Citscape Suites are junior suite style in design, offering an increased sense of space and looking out over the city. Mediterranean Suites feature separate living areas and panoramic dual vistas from their corner window, while Panorama Suites have a separate dining room and panoramic view from their higher floor levels. And for a truly elevated experience, the Skyline Suite on the 23rd floor stands out with its huge lounge, dining area, and wraparound views.

My Room During My Stay

During my stay, I checked into room 1220, a Mediterranean Suite located on the 12th floor. These suites are completely unique in layout with the bedroom suite sitting right in the triangular ‘prow’ of the building.

Inside, the suite is light-filled and contemporary. You enter into the lounge, which provides a setting to work or unwind. There is also a sofa bed allowing you to sleep up to four guests in the suite. The lounge includes a Nespresso machine, a kettle and a TV.

The highlight of the suite is undoubtedly the panoramic corner window with views stretching across the city and the beach. While a chaise lounge tucked into the window nook makes the most of the spot. The king-size bed is framed by a padded leather headboard and softened with globe pendant lights. Across from the bed is a second TV and wardrobe along with a selection of mineral water and refillable glass water bottles, which can be replenished in the hallway water and ice dispenser.

The bathroom continues the suite’s calm, contemporary feel with clean lines, soft lighting and polished stone finishes. A backlit mirror is paired with a sleek glass-topped vanity and a circular basin. The combined shower and bath comes with Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries.

Skyline Suite

Located on the 23rd floor, the Skyline Suite is the hotel’s most impressive accommodation, spanning 133 square metres, this recently refreshed space pairs generous proportions with curated Catalan design details, including subtle nods to Gaudí in both artwork and materials, while large windows wrap around the entire suite, offering views across Barcelona’s shoreline and across the entire city.

The lounge is furnished in rich velvet and textural fabrics alongside a dining area set beneath a modern statement chandelier. The king-size bedroom is serene and understated, with elegant storage and direct sea views. In the bathroom, a large, backlit vanity sits opposite a generous whirlpool bathtub and a separate walk-in shower.

Aürt

Aürt is the hotel’s signature fine dining experience, located just off the lobby, the Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Artur Martínez is rooted in a philosophy of “thoughtful simplicity over forced complexity”. The intimate space seats just 15 diners at its island-style counters which place you at eye level with the chefs and encourage conversation throughout the meal. The experience begins with a taste of limited-production Becaruda olive oil, pressed from centuries-old trees, cooking is technically confident while the tasting menu is hyper-local and seasonal, with each dish presented and explained by the team.

Ma’i Lobby Bar

Directly across from Aürt is Ma’i Lobby Bar, this relaxed space offers a refined all-day menu guided by the Michelin-starred Aürt kitchen. Expect elevated tapas with Catalan and Mediterranean roots think perfectly crisp croquetas to refreshing tartare, and tacos layered with depth and spice. One highlight is their cocktail list. I opened for a Margarita, served in an elegant flute-style glass with a salt-dusted side and twist of lime. And the wine list features some strong regional choices, including an excellent Albariño of which one glass just isn’t enough!

Indigo

A large buffet breakfast is served on the first floor at Indigo, (with a streamlined Executive Lounge breakfast also available for those staying in executive rooms and suites). The offering is a generous featuring a live cooking station where eggs and pancakes are made to order. A central island is packed with regional cheeses, cured meats and pastries along with a rotating selection of Catalan-inspired dishes and international favourites. You can choose to eat indoors or head out on the balcony terrace.

Executive Lounge

Located on the 15th floor, the executive lounge provides uninterrupted panoramic views of Barcelona. it is open from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, offers complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening canapés with a selection of beers, wines and spirits. The lounge features both indoor and outdoor seating.

Final Thoughts

From the sensory escape of Purobeach with its laid-back energy, poolside cocktails and globally inspired dining at M3, to chef-led storytelling at Aürt, relaxed fine dining at Ma’i, and skyline views from the Executive Lounge. This is a hotel that manages to deliver a true city resort feel, which is stylish and serene.