An enchanting medieval heart, miles of swimmable beach, a thriving underground culture, one of the most pleasant climates in Europe, fantastic food: it’s hard to say what Barcelona doesn’t have. Vying, undoubtedly, for the title of “world’s best city”, it’s one that we at TravelMag are consistently drawn back to. Even the recent rumblings about Catalan independence shouldn’t put you off; if anything they just add to the feeling that the city is going through a moment, electrifying its already electric streets even more.
Hotels-wise, you’re spoilt for choice, particularly at the more luxurious end, where more traditional establishments compete with ultra-modern ones for your custom, and rooftop pools abound. Accordingly, we’ve searched high and low to bring you tips for all tastes.
Catalonia Atenas
From €58/ night
With a rooftop swimming pool that boasts fabulous views of Barcelona’s newest icon, the Torre Agbar, and an onsite spa, gym, and Turkish bath, there can be little doubting this hotel’s luxury credentials. And with bright, wooden floored rooms, it specialises in a kind of straightforward comfort, which can feel very desirable in comparison to the sensory overload of the city in general. The city centre is just a short hop away, all in all making this an incredible value deal.
Ayre Hotel Gran Vía
From €81/ night
With its achingly cool modern design – both inside and out – this hotel is a perfect foil to Barcelona’s more traditional quarters. Right next to the Plaça Espanya, its large, soundproofed rooms represent a perfect escape from fast pace of the city, boasting all the necessary mod cons to make your stay complete, and to recharge your own personal batteries before striking out on Las Ramblas again.
Royal Passeig de Gracia
From €102/ night
With its awesome rooftop sky lounge offering stunning panoramic views out across all of Barcelona, this centrally located hotel specialises in what can best be described as a truly executive experience. The rooms have everything that you’d could possibly expect from a four star (including genuine comfort!), but really, kicking back on that roof, with a Spanish-sized gin and tonic in hand, watching the sunset play games with the sagrada familia is the kind of experience that no rating can do justice to.
Petit Palace Boqueria Garden
From €92/ night
A totally different speed from the previous options, this 19th Century property is right on Las Ramblas, and provides a sumptuous traditional kind of luxury, with interiors that expertly balance traditional and modern textures and design. There’s WiFi throughout, free iPads in the rooms, and even a bicycle renting system, so you can explore Barcelona under your own steam.
Hotel SB Diagonal Zero Barcelona
From €82/ night
A city with miles of fantastic beach, Barcelona is a rare gem, and the kind of break you can spend here can vary considerably from urban discovery to seaside retreat. This hotel certainly seems to cater more to the latter, feeling more like the kind of place you’d find in a thriving resort town rather than a major metropolis. It has a self-contained quality to it: an extensive spa, Turkish baths and Finnish sauna, its own pool and restaurant, while the rooms are little homes away from home that you’d be happy spending more than just a weekend break enjoying. Oh yeah, and it’s less than ten minutes walk from the sand!
Barcelona Princess
From €75/ night
Another beachside hotel that could almost be a destination itself, with facilities that would make a small town jealous. The Barcelona Princess offers outstanding views from its swimming pool terrace (only one of its two pools, by the way), excellent fine dining in its restaurant, and world class comfort in its soundproof, bright, air conditioned rooms. Fine for families and business travellers alike.
Sunotel Central
From €47/ night
Located at the budget end of Barcelona’s four star hotels, this is a pleasant, characterful hotel, right in the centre of town, which may be just what you’re after if you just want a place to lay your head without too much fuss attached, but aren’t willing to compromise on a certain amount of comfort to find it. The rooms are straightforward, but offer all you could possibly need, and there’s even a roof top pool, though on a smaller, more boutique scale than you might find elsewhere on this list.