With its architectural treasures, gastronomic delights and great year-round weather, Barcelona is well established as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. The heart of the action can be found on the world famous, tree-filled La Rambla which hums with activity day and night, while the nearby Passeig de Gràcia is home to every iconic fashion and jewellery brand you could wish for.
When it comes to hotels in Barcelona, visitors are spoilt for choice. Almost every luxury hotel has a swimming pool, including some of the smaller boutique properties. If you’re looking for a Barcelona hotel where you can take a hard-earned dip, whether it’s an indoor pool or an outdoor pool, we’ve picked out 7 of the best.
Catalonia Atenas
FROM €110/ NIGHT
An easy metro journey from the city centre, this 4-star hotel features a luxurious rooftop swimming pool with views of local landmarks including the iconic Sagrada Familia. Other hotel amenities include a spa with a Turkish bath, a gymnasium, a buffet breakfast served each morning, a snack bar, and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms are brightly decorated and feature stylish wooden flooring, air-conditioning, a mini fridge and a TV with satellite channels. There’s also a left luggage service and free on-site parking. The nearest metro station is just 2 minutes away on foot.
Catalonia Sagrada Familia
FROM €112/ NIGHT
As the name suggests, this hotel puts you within easy reach of Gaudi’s most recognisable creation, the Sagrada Família. Among the amenities are a seasonal outdoor pool, a gym, a restaurant serving traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine, a buffet breakfast served daily, a café and a bar. Guests can also hire cars at the 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the hotel. As for guest rooms, they feature bright décor and come with a desk, a mini fridge and a safe. A nearby metro station puts you within 4 stops of central Barcelona.
Barcelona Princess
FROM €118/ NIGHT
Ideal for those keen to spend time on Barcelona’s pretty beach, the 4-star Princess Hotel is located in the city’s Forum district, just 10 minutes on foot from the city’s sandy shore. The hotel has a choice of two heated swimming pools, including one on a high level that affords superb ocean views and with a poolside bar. Guests can also make use of a sauna and gymnasium, along with two additional chic bars. Rooms are laid out with contemporary furnishings and décor, and come with satellite TV and a minibar. A popular shopping centre is directly next door and the famous Las Ramblas boulevard is a short metro ride away.
Barceló Raval
FROM €144/ NIGHT
Located in the city’s buzzing Raval neighbourhood, just moments from Las Ramblas, this funky, design-led hotel features a swimming pool atop a roof terrace. Other notable amenities include a gymnasium, a stylish lounge serving Mediterranean cuisine, and an outdoor terrace. Guest rooms are brightly designed and come with a plasma-screen TV, air-conditioning, a minibar and a modern bathroom, and some also contain a Nespresso coffee machine. Barcelona’s popular MACBA Modern Art Gallery is a quick walk away.
Catalonia Park Güell
FROM €89/ NIGHT
For those on a budget who’d like to enjoy the benefits of an on-site pool, this 3-star hotel could well fit the bill. Nestled in a quiet residential neighbourhood just outside the city centre, it’s also a great base from which to explore one of Gaudi’s most famous landmarks, Parc Güell. As for the hotel itself, there’s also an on-site restaurant and bar, along with free Wi-Fi. The comfortable guest rooms are simply designed and come with air conditioning and satellite TV. A number of bars, restaurants and pretty squares are just a short walk away. There’s also a metro station nearby.
Catalonia Park Putxet
FROM €91/ NIGHT
This 4-star hotel offers surprisingly affordable rates along with some desirable facilities, including a sunroof terrace with a swimming pool. There’s also a charming dining room where buffet breakfasts are served each morning, a snack bar and room service. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and feature a mini fridge, satellite TV and a private bathroom. The neighbouring district of Gràcia is home to a number of cafés, bars and restaurants, and the famous Park Guell is close by too. The closest metro station is a couple of minutes away on foot.
Gran Hotel Calderón
FROM €175/ NIGHT
Perhaps the most luxurious hotel in this list, the 5-star Gran Hotel Calderónis a great choice for those happy to push the boat out for their Barcelona adventure. Located just off the famous Passeig de Gràcia Boulevard in the heart of the city, it features a rooftop swimming pool with superb vistas, along with a fitness centre, an Italian restaurant, and a breakfast buffet served daily. Guest rooms feature free WiFi, a Nespresso machine and a private bathroom with a rain-effect shower. Gaudí’s famous Casa Batlló is just minutes away and Barcelona’s atmospheric Gothic Quarter is also nearby.