The Best Luxury Hotels to Book in Barcelona

Guests at the Barcelona EDITION can enjoy city views from the rooftop terrace | Courtesy of The Barcelona EDITION / Expedia

Leon Beckenham

28 January 2022

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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,.

The One Barcelona, for proximity to modernist architecture in Eixample

The rooftop of the One Barcelona with a pool and dining area looking out over the city

Courtesy of The One, Barcelona / Expedia

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.

Hotel Neri Relais & Chateau, for a medieval palace stay in Barri Gòtic

A communal seating area of the Hotel Neri with exposed stone walls and staircase is accessorized with colourful rugs

Courtesy of Hotel Neri / Expedia

Tucked away down an atmospheric tiny lane in Barri Gòtic – the ancient heart of the city – and a stone’s throw from the gothic cathedral, this intimate five-star Barcelona hotel is spread across a respectfully updated 18th century mansion and an adjacent medieval palace. Gilded mirrors, exposed stone walls and antique furnishings greet you inside the 22 individually styled, minimalist-yet-luxurious rooms and suites. The on-site restaurant makes the most of regionally sourced seasonal produce, while the rooftop pool, solarium and lofty garden offer a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city.

Casagrand Luxury Suites, for self-caterers in Vila de Gràcia

A few steps from the domed sauna building, sunloungers and greenery line the edge of the rooftop pool, at the Casagrand Luxury Suites

Courtesy of Casagrand Luxury Suites / Expedia

While most of us enjoy the frills of a five-star hotel, sometimes it’s nice to have the luxury without the fuss. Casagrand Luxury Suites offers just that – all set in a fine example of 19th-century architecture in the charismatic Vila de Gràcia neighbourhood. Each of the three top-end apartments is beautifully decorated and kitted out with 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton and Molton Brown toiletries. A rooftop pool and artwork from local avant-garde artists completes the deluxe package.

Cotton House Hotel, for design-forward comforts in Eixample

Low wooden tables surrounded by chairs and lush greenery on the outdoor patio area of the Cotton House Hotel

Courtesy of Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection / Expedia

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.

Majestic Hotel & Spa, for stellar modernist architecture in Eixample

The airy living room of a Majestic Hotel & Spa suite with a low wooden table and sofa, opening out onto a private patio

Courtesy of Majestic Hotel & Spa / Expedia | Courtesy of Majestic Hotel & Spa / Expedia

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.

Monument Hotel, for three-Michelin-starred dining in Eixample

The rooftop terrace of the Monument Hotel with swimming pool, round daybeds and Mediterranean vegetation in oversized pots

Courtesy of Monument Hotel / Expedia

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.

Sir Victor Hotel, for rooftop pool views of La Sagrada Familia in Eixample

The Sir Victor Hotel lobby with subtle lighting in the seating area featuring comfy grey sofas and armchairs

Courtesy of Sir Victor Hotel / Expedia

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.

Hotel Arts Barcelona, for beach access in La Barceloneta

The contemporary Hotel Arts Barcelona lounge area with neutral-toned furniture and huge windows looking out over the Med

Courtesy of Hotel Arts Barcelona / Expedia

You can’t miss this towering, industrial-looking hotel located outside the city centre at Port Olímpic (next to golden fish sculpture by Frank Gehry and near La Barceloneta beach). It serves first-rate food (the on-site restaurant, Enoteca, has two Michelin stars), cracking cocktails and boasts all-encompassing views of both the city and sea. The two sun-drenched swimming pools aren’t bad, either. If you’re in town to party, there’s a string of nightclubs nearby (Catwalk, Shoko and Pacha). If not, don’t worry, they’re far enough away that you won’t hear a beat.

Mandarin Oriental, for proximity to designer boutiques in Eixample

Rooftop seating area with sofas, rocking chairs and views over the city at the Mandarin Oriental

Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona / Expedia

The Mandarin Oriental is in a prime location for exploring the high-end retailers of Barcelona: Passeig de Grácia – where the hotel sits – is packed with designer shops. It’s also close to two of the legendary constructions by Gaudí (Casa Batlló and La Pedrera); so close, in fact, that a handful of suites offer views of Casa Batlló (the coral reef-like building). There’s a rooftop pool, luxury spa – with hot tub, hammam and indoor pool – and the hotel restaurant is overseen by one of the most decorated female chefs in the world, Carme Ruscalleda.

The Barcelona EDITION, for tech-smart comforts in El Born

Gold-framed pictures hang above a cream sofa in a suite at the Barcelona EDITION, flooded with natural light from the terrace

Courtesy of The Barcelona EDITION / Expedia

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.

Hotel SOFIA, for numerous on-site perks in Les Corts

The long and narrow outdoor pool of the Hotel SOFIA, lined with wooden sunloungers with blue cushions

Courtesy of Hotel Sofia / Expedia

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.

The Wittmore, for quirky interior design in Barri Gòtic

The patio area of the Wittmore with indoor and outdoor seating, and a bookshelf-covered wall

Courtesy of The Wittmore, Barcelona / Expedia

This luxury hotel is hidden in the lively Gothic Quarter. But beware – pets, photos and children aren’t allowed. Rooms ranging from tiny to suite are designed like swanky, British country homes; think checkered carpets, rotary-dial phones and bucolic prints on the walls. The hotel sundeck comes with the type of stripy outdoor furniture you’d find at a private members’ club, and is a good place to kick back.

Grand Hotel Central, for sightseeing in El Born

A portrait hangs in the stylish and intimately lit dining room at the Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona

Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central / Expedia

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.

The Serras Hotel, for marina views in Barri Gòtic

The outdoor bar of the Serras Hotel at dusk with candles lit on the tables and fireplace glowing

Courtesy of The Serras Hotel / Expedia

The Serras Hotel is the 19th-century building where 15-year-old Pablo Picasso had his first studio back in 1896. It now offers views over the yachts at Port Vell marina from a leafy, decked rooftop. That’s in addition to Michelin-starred dining and a refreshing welcome with a warm face towel. The decor here is New York-meets-Catalan contemporary design with high ceilings, Barcelona tiling and pops of bright furniture.

Mercer Hotel Barcelona, for an offbeat bolthole in Barri Gòtic

The courtyard of the Mercer Hotel Barcelona with wooden deck, living walls covered in plants, sunloungers, tables and relaxed seating

Courtesy of Mercer Hotel Barcelona / Expedia

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.

Almanac Barcelona, for contemporary comforts in Eixample

The rooftop pool at the Almanac Barcelona with daybeds shaded by large parasols

Courtesy of Almanac Barcelona / Expedia

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.

These recommendations were updated on January 28, 2022 to keep your travel plans fresh.

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