The Best LGBTQ- and Gay-Friendly Hotels in Barcelona, Spain

With a Passeig de Gràcia setting, a two-Michelin-star restaurant and rooms decorated by celebrated designer Patricia Urquiola, the Barcelona outpost of the Mandarin Oriental certainly lives up to the name. Views from the rooftop infinity pool are to die for, and the Banker’s Bar is one of the swankiest nightspots in the neighbourhood. What’s more, the location puts it right in the thick of the happening Gaixample nightlife.

Smack dab in the centre of Eixample is the Claris Hotel and Spa GL, a five-star, LGBTQ-friendly accommodation set in a gorgeous former 19th-century palace. Swoon-worthy interiors include a fabulous art collection, with museum-quality pieces scattered throughout the building – including the 124 rooms. A Mayan-themed spa is all about volcanic rocks and medicinal herbs, and after, you can have a cocktail by the rooftop swimming pool.

If you book a summer stay at the LGBTQ-friendly, ultra-modern Olivia Balmes Hotel, chances are you’ll want to spend most of your time lounging by its gorgeous rooftop pool. There’s a 24-hour fitness room up here too. If you can bring yourself to leave the hotel, you’ll find yourself in the centre of the Eixample district, with an abundance of daytime activities and nightlife on your doorstep.

Axel Hotel Barcelona is one of the best-known options for LGBTQ travellers visiting the city. A trendy and stylish retreat, this adults-only hotel classifies itself not as gay-friendly but as hetero-friendly, as the LGBTQ community is its first priority. It lies in the Eixample neighbourhood, close to many LGBTQ venues, and features modernista touches and a bright, bold design. Rooms are luxurious and stylish, while the rooftop Sky Bar is sophisticated and fun. There’s also an on-site wellness centre and a gourmet Nikkei fusion restaurant.

Hotel Cram is modern and minimalistic in design, sitting inside a gorgeous modernista building in Eixample. It has a sophisticated interior decked out in a colour scheme of wine red and cream. One of the highlights is the two-Michelin-star Angle Restaurant headed by celebrity chef Jordi Cruz. It also has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the Barcelona skyline, a swimming pool and a breakfast buffet area.

Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona is steps from Plaça de Catalunya, at the centre of the city. This hip hotel offers stylish contemporary rooms with aqua-blue bathrooms; however, the highlight is the leafy roof terrace – a great space to party. Here, you can enjoy sets from some of the best DJs in Barcelona, with drinks fuelling the night. The hotel also offers great services such as personal training, yoga, in-room massages and bicycle rental.

The Renaissance Barcelona Hotel sits in Eixample, and if you’re looking for insider tips, its team of “Navigators” are on hand to help you. The Goja Rooftop Experience has city views and a sleek party atmosphere, often hosting DJs and tastings in the evenings. Some of the premium family suites are perfect for groups and feature contemporary designs.

The four-star Acevi Villarroel Hotel sits within the heart of Eixample and features a classic design of wood panelling, polished wooden floors and light-coloured walls. What makes it an ideal base is the wide range of facilities it offers, including a breakfast buffet, a fully equipped gym and a patio garden with an outdoor swimming pool. There’s also a luxurious spa in which to unwind and relax.

Axel’s second adults-only hotel in Barcelona has a similar concept to the first – it primarily caters to the LGBTQ community but markets itself as hetero-friendly. Sitting in the Sant Antoni neighbourhood, it’s close to the Sant Antoni Market and within walking distance of numerous LGBTQ-friendly bars. Each of the 87 rooms is stylish yet understated and offers high-quality comfort and all the latest mod cons. On the rooftop, you can enjoy a party-like atmosphere on the terrace or in the pool.

Another accommodation option in Eixample is the Corner Hotel, featuring trendy cosmopolitan decor that is functional yet cosy. Hipsters will feel at home here with exposed-brick walls, original architectural touches and a cool industrial design. A hip bar, a roof terrace with a swimming pool and a breakfast buffet room round out the offerings nicely.

Between Plaça d’Espanya and Plaça de la Universitat, you’ll find Hotel Soho Barcelona, a great mid-range option with smart modern rooms and minimalistic design. Facilities include a rooftop pool and terrace area, open during the summer months. The hotel also offers an LGBTQ-focussed walking route, leading you to various LGBTQ-friendly venues nearby.

The largest rooms at the Ako Suite Hotel sleep up to four adults, ideal if you’re travelling with a group of friends. In addition to all the usual hotel room amenities, each one also features a lounge area with a sofa bed, a kitchenette and a dining space. The spacious and relaxing suites are decorated in soft muted tones and clean lines. Head to the rooftop pool and solarium when temperatures climb.

The W Barcelona rises high on the city skyline, with a distinct sail-like shape. Sitting right next to the beach, it’s an ideal option for sun-seekers and those who love the water. The colourful, bright and modern rooms offer some of the best views in the city. You won’t be short of services or activities here either, with several bars and restaurants, a gym, a spa and an outdoor pool. If you’re here in summer, look out for the live electronica sessions by the pool every Friday night.