The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Barcelona
Delight in the architecture of the second city of Spain, lose yourself in the labyrinthine medieval streets, and pay homage to the legacy of Picasso – all the while eating your way around some of the most exciting restaurants in the country. Here’s our pick of the high-end accommodation options in the Catalunyan capital – bookable on Culture Trip.
Barcelona has something to entice every traveller. Besides attractions such as Casa Milà and Casa de les Punxes, the city offers an abundance of places to stay – especially if you’re looking for a little luxury. Whether it’s the Majestic Hotel & Spa, a converted modernist masterpiece steeped in old-school grandeur, or somewhere high on tech such as the Barcelona EDITION, these are the best hotels for your next blow-the-budget break in the capital of Catalunya,.
1. The One Barcelona, for proximity to modernist architecture in Eixample
Hotel
Surrounded by the handsome modernist architecture of the diverse, upscale neighbourhood of Eixample, this five-star hotel is mere steps from the rippled-stone edifice of the Casa Milà and the pointy spires of the Casa de les Punxes, designed by Puig i Cadafalch. Marble-clad bathrooms with octagonal mirrors and a gold-and-neutral colour scheme define the rooms and suites; for views of the Sagrada Familia, nab the top-floor terrace suite, which comes with a jacuzzi on your private terrace, or reserve a table at the rooftop restaurant.
2. Hotel Neri Relais & Chateau, for a medieval palace stay in Barri Gòtic
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
4. Cotton House Hotel, for design-forward comforts in Eixample
Hotel
Just a few blocks from sights such as Casa Battlò, Palau de la Música and Las Ramblas – and within walking distance of the cathedral and La Boqueria market – this design-forward five-star hotel is ideally located for exploring the most popular neighbourhoods in Barcelona on foot. Holding its own in a city replete with striking architecture, this 19th-century mansion welcomes you with the original grand marble staircase, accented by bold splashes of contemporary art. A white-and-cream colour scheme dominates in most rooms, with the exception of the Vichy duplex suite with its statement panel wall; and the boldly furnished Damasco Suite, decked out with a lavish four-poster bed.
5. Majestic Hotel & Spa, for stellar modernist architecture in Eixample
Chain Hotel, Spa Hotel
The aptly named Majestic Hotel & Spa is indeed that: a stately five-star property with some world-class wellness offerings. The grand, neoclassical building is located on a leafy corner of Passeig de Gràcia – the main boulevard in the centre of the Eixample neighbourhood – and a block and a half from Gaudì masterpieces Casa Battló and Casa Milà. Marble bathrooms with rainfall showers and designer toiletries come in each room as standard, while suites add bubbling tubs. Head up to the rooftop terrace for a dip in the pool, or at night to dine while gazing down on the city.
6. Monument Hotel, for three-Michelin-starred dining in Eixample
Luxury
Even among the wealth of eye-catching buildings that line Passeig de Gràcia, the neogothic façade of the Monument Hotel stands out. Step inside and it’s no less impressive, with a dazzling combination of ornate architectural details and opulently updated interior design. Jo Malone toiletries, velour bathrobes and goose-feather toppers bring a real feeling of luxe to the rooms. Gastronomy takes the form of the three-Michelin-starred Lasarte, while the hotel MyMo experience takes bespoke personalised service to the next level.
7. Sir Victor Hotel, for rooftop pool views of La Sagrada Familia in Eixample
Chain Hotel
As if uncurling into the wind, the paper-sheet-inspired architecture of the Sir Victor Hotel is a pleasingly playful departure from the near-ubiquitous modernism in Barcelona. From the sleek lobby to the steakhouse, interiors fuse low-watt mood lighting with plush furnishings – the latter with intimate circular booths and 360-degree bar. Rooms are stylish Catalan-chic, with Bose bluetooth speakers and king-sized beds. There’s a rooftop pool, too, with the best views in town – Casa Milà and La Sagrada Familia are both within eyeshot.
8. Hotel Arts Barcelona, for beach access in La Barceloneta
Resort, Hotel
9. Mandarin Oriental, for proximity to designer boutiques in Eixample
Hotel
10. The Barcelona EDITION, for tech-smart comforts in El Born
Boutique Hotel
The EDITION is a plush, five-star luxury boutique hotel located next to the Santa Caterina fresh-food market in the hip El Born area. All 100 tech-smart rooms come with whitened oak herringbone parquet floors, Gaudí-inspired furniture and minimalist neutral decor. The EDITION collection is a partnership between Marriott and Ian Schrager (founder of NYC nightclub Studio 54) so, naturally, it’s geared up to entertain. There’s the late-night Cabaret supper club, a speakeasy and a rooftop pool bar with incredible views and weekly DJs.
11. Hotel SOFIA, for numerous on-site perks in Les Corts
Spa Hotel
Though a bit further from the city centre than the other hotels on this list, Hotel SOFIA provides enough opulent amenities and dining options that you won’t need to go anywhere to be comfortable. Plus, it’s near Camp Nou – home of FC Barcelona. Within the hotel is Be So, a fine-dining restaurant with a tasting menu and sommelier experience; Impar, a gastronomic Mediterranean bistro; the Philosofia book cafe, with desserts, sandwiches, quiches and other light snacks; and Sofia Bar, with cocktails and high-end bites. The rooms are luxurious, with gold, wood and marble accents. Some even contain a large circular mirror in the centre of the room that converts into a smart TV.
12. The Wittmore, for quirky interior design in Barri Gòtic
Hotel
13. Grand Hotel Central, for sightseeing in El Born
Hotel
Sitting on the edge of El Born, across the Via Laietana from the Gothic Quarter, the 20th-century Grand Hotel Central is ideally located for sightseers. This fancy retreat has a popular rooftop bar with infinity pool; free in-room minibar; and modest, neutral 1920s decor. There are plenty of things to do and see nearby, such as visiting the Picasso Museum (a five-minute walk), Barcelona Cathedral (three minutes), Ciutadella Park (10 minutes) or exploring the independent restaurants and bars in the artsy El Born neighbourhood.
14. The Serras Hotel, for marina views in Barri Gòtic
Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Hotel
15. Mercer Hotel Barcelona, for an offbeat bolthole in Barri Gòtic
Boutique Hotel
Despite sitting in the liveliest area of Barcelona, the Gothic Quarter, this hotel is ready-made for guests looking for a peaceful stay in a central location. There’s a tranquil internal courtyard lined with orange trees, a haven-like rooftop pool and bar area, and an upmarket cocktail bar for a late-night tipple. This 28-room luxury boutique hotel, designed by award-winning architect Rafael Moneo, blends old and new nonchalantly – with exposed ancient Roman walls adorned with abstract, monochrome paintings. Staff are efficient but not over the top, meaning you have everything you need without being fussed over.
16. Almanac Barcelona, for contemporary comforts in Eixample
Boutique Hotel
Almanac Barcelona is a model example of a luxury modern hotel. Clad floor to ceiling in gadgetry, this five-star boutique hotel has been designed for the 21st-century traveller and looks swish, too. The interior is sleek, with gold and white walls decorated with walnut finishes to create a simple yet indulgent aesthetic. In all 61 rooms and 30 suites, there are buttons that control the electric blinds and digital signage, such as “Do not disturb”, along with a smartphone that controls pretty much everything else. There’s a shallow rooftop pool, too, and the hotel has a zesty aroma created by master perfumer Jimmy Boyd.
Adam David Turner and Georgia Platman contributed additional reporting to this article.
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