11 Most Expensive Hotels in Barcelona, Spain

Barna, as locals call Barcelona, sits on Spain’s northeastern coast, overlooking the Balearic Sea and the great blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea beyond. It’s one of the world’s most visited and greatest cities and is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and many, many Gaudi landmarks. But the Catalan capital is so much more; it has a never-ending string of amazing bars and restaurants, a modern seafront, and an avant-garde vibe that’s as infectious as it gets. It’s also home to a wide range of fabulously luxurious hotels, and the best properties in town are exceptional. That said, the most expensive hotels in Barcelona, Spain, range from modern outposts of world-renowned brands to hotels sitting in age-old palaces in the heart of its cultural quarter.

But that’s not all. They combine the most luxurious mod-cons we’ve ever seen in our lives with jaw-dropping interiors and absolutely personalized service. Plus, those who sit in and inhabit historic structures even boast authentic charms in spades. The best bit? They’re spread across the best neighborhoods in the city, thus covering quite a bit of ground. What more could you ask for? Check out the best and priciest stays in Barcelona, one of the most visited cities in Europe in what is one of the world’s most-visited countries.

The Wittmore

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Staying at the Wittmore feels like a kids-free five-star vacation—no, really. The 22-room adults-only oasis is more of a swanky and exclusive club than a hotel. Tucked in the serene streets of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, this decadent, dimly-lit haven has a seductive vibe all over, right from the red-velvet common spaces to the red-accented rooms and suites. The vibe begins from the dark and mysterious lobby itself, with thick red tartan drapes flanking a huge portrait of Sir Wittmore himself.

In fact, the common spaces make you feel like you never want to leave. For instance, the lovely rooftop sun deck with a plunge pool is the perfect place to hang out in summer. In winter, retreat to the red velvet library by the well-tended roaring fire with a good book and a glass of wine. Even the ground-floor Contraban restaurant is one of the best in the city and is a great place perfect for intimate date-night dinners.

The red-accented rooms, which range from small rooms to suites, face the inner courtyard and boast plush, oversized beds, Marshall speakers, and luxe bathrooms with bespoke bath products from a host of exclusive brands, such as D.R. Harris of London. While the price of the small room starts at around EUR 500 (USD 535), the price of the Wittmore suite can be as much as EUR 1,200 (USD 1,290).

Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection

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The 83-room Cotton House Hotel sits in an elegant 19th-century mansion in the heart of Barcelona’s wonderful gay quarter, Eixample. It was once home to the cotton guild, which is evident from its Belle Epoque neoclassical extravagance; think a grand 1950s spiral suitcase and parquet flooring. The cotton theme is evident everywhere, right from the 300-thread Egyptian cotton sheets to the orb-shaped chandeliers. In fact, you can order hand-stitched, candy-colored shirts from Gossypium, the cleverly named concierge desk!

Discerning travelers will love everything about this upscale boutique hotel, like the amazing restaurant and cocktail bar. Do try the house special Gossypium cocktails with blue curaçao and pisco at the bar, which spills out onto a stunning terrace with lush foliage. Even the restaurant is open all day and serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine. That said, the verdant rooftop with a pool is the best amenity at the hotel, which is perfect for unwinding, swimming in, and lounging around. Not only is the pool wonderful to swim in, but it also boasts wonderful views of the Sagrada Familia, the city, and the mountaintops.

The white-heavy, modernist rooms are simple yet stylish, while the spacious suites even have private terraces, marble bathrooms, and canopy beds. While the basic rooms start at EUR 550 (USD 590), the one-bedroom Tafetan Junior Suite costs EUR 1,200 (USD 1,290).

Hotel Neri – Relais & Chateaux

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History buffs will absolutely love the Relais & Chateaux outpost that is Hotel Neri. It sits in a restored medieval castle tucked in a quiet alley down one of the Gothic Quarter’s prettiest squares. So, you’re practically surrounded by a major chunk of the top things to do in Barcelona.

But there’s a lot more to this medieval-meets-modern bolthole, which is also a short walk to the harbor and the beach. When you’re not exploring the many squares, markets, and landmarks around, the tranquil Roba Estesa rooftop is the perfect place to kick back and unwind. The opulently landscaped oasis, with its twinkling lights and cozy but plush seating, was reserved for guests only. You don’t have to leave to tickle your tastebuds either, thanks to “A” restaurant and its top-notch global-inspired Catalonian cuisine.

The comfy rooms and suites are even customizable to some extent to personal preferences, including a menu of different pillows and bed linens. Plus, the luxe bathrooms have Molton Brown products and adjustable mood lighting, too. If you’re looking for views, then the Junior Suite, with its views of the alluring Sant Felipe Neri Square, is amazing. That said, the rooms here start at EUR 700 (USD 750), and the Suite Neri is the most expensive, costing EUR 1,300 (USD 1,390).

Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

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The Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona might be more than a century old, but the seniority only has excellent remnants in the form of posh doormen and fancy staircases. Beyond that, this grande dame is as distinctly modern as it gets, sitting pretty on Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most beautiful streets.

There are a lot of amazing amenities at this hotel, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better crowd or better views anywhere than at the roof terrace here. During summer weekends, top DJs spin tunes as the hip and fashionable crowd parties, dances, and enjoys to the hilt. A visit to the pool should be followed by a visit to the superior Majestic Spa, which offers a long list of pampering treatments. Plus, there’s the SOLC restaurant, which serves some of the freshest seasonal and local produce that money can buy. If you’re here midweek, don’t miss the three-course prix-fixe lunch costing just EUR 28 (USD 30).

Understated color schemes with muted beiges and creams and high ceilings in the rooms exude minimalism, along with modern luxuries like free Wi-Fi and Nespresso machines. While the rooms and the Junior Suites are amazing, it’s the Majestic Royal Penthouse that’s the hotel’s crown jewel. Not only is it the city’s largest suite, but it also has exclusive services like a private butler, a luxury car with a driver, and even a private rooftop terrace with an outdoor jacuzzi tub. It’s no wonder that despite the entry-level rooms costing EUR 500 (USD 535), the Majestic Suite costs a whopping EUR 3,000 (USD 3,200)!

Monument Hotel

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Luxury lovers and haute cuisine gourmands will love the 84-room Monument Hotel, which is the former neo-gothic home of industrialist Enric Batlló. At first glance, the hotel’s chic beauty is evident in the on-point design and the impressive and large entrance. But as you explore, you’ll find that it’s the amenities here that make this hotel so luxurious and popular with discerning travelers.

Since this is Barcelona, the terrace with a rooftop pool and a bar is extremely popular. Plus, the exclusive Wellness Studio Spa at the hotel, along with its plethora of organic massages and body treatments, would appear to seal the deal. But the hotel delivers in spades for food lovers especially, and the real draw here is the food and fine dining. In fact, it’s Spain’s only hotel to host four Michelin stars under the gastronomic direction of 12 Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui. These include four restaurants, including an outdoor Mediterranean cuisine one, and a cocktail bar.

Most of the crisp 84 rooms, suites actually, boast exposed brick walls and cute little balconies with spectacular views across La Pedrera. suites) While entry-level ones cost EUR 550 (USD 590), the Penthouse Suite is the most expensive in the house and costs EUR 3,000 (USD 3,200).

Serras Hotel

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There’s a very modern elegance to the 28-room Serras Hotel that overlooks the bobbing yachts of Port Vell marina. This palace of white understatement nails all the little details, right from the subtle Catalan dishes at the restaurant and the rooftop terrace’s panoramic views to the casual and laidback vibe. It’s what makes it one of the more quietly stylish stays in all of Barcelona.

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It can’t be easy to stand out in the fabled Gothic Quarter with several excellent choices to stay. But the Serras stands out for multiple reasons, including an eye-catching design and a distinctive ambiance, besides the enviable address. Travelers who love a luxe and discerning atmosphere will feel right at home at the rooftop pool, which boasts excellent views of Rambla De Mar. After a swim, it’s perfect for relaxing with a cocktail in your hand. You only have to walk down to dig into Catalan cuisine, something that foodies come from all over to feast on. The rooftop bar is a particularly great hangout spot, especially with DJ’s tunes and a twinkling skyline.

The accommodations here are seriously comfortable—in fact, the supremely comfortable Hypnos beds are the same sort that the British royal family favors. Rooms also have floor-to-ceiling windows, a pillow menu, freestanding baths, and black accents that give them a seriously sexy vibe. The rooms might start at EUR 450 (USD 480), but the priciest stay in the hotel, Suite Mediterraneo, costs a cool EUR 3,100 (USD 3,300).

W Barcelona

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Views: that’s the standout and selling point of W Barcelona. Seriously, the can-you-believe-these-are-real views here are some of the absolute best in the city – and for a good reason. The hotel’s shape is a nod to Burj Al Arab and sits on the newer Barcelona boardwalk. Hence, there are unobstructed views of the Balearic and Mediterranean seas. That’s why it’s one of the top beach hotels in Barcelona.

There’s a lot always going on at the W. When you enter, the lobby is buzzing and bustling, with crowds of honeymooners, couples, and large groups on their way in or out. This is an out-and-out party hotel, thanks in no small part to the Wet Deck, the funky poolside area that’ll make you feel like you’re in Miami. Besides the Wet Deck, there are five other restaurants, lounges, and super trendy bars that will instantly put anyone in an absolute holiday party mood.

It’s not hard to see why the W’s rooms are called Cozy, Wonderful, Fabulous, Marvelous, Spectacular, Cool, WOW, Extreme WOW—you get the drift. Think floor-to-ceiling windows with jaw-dropping views, mood lighting, chaise lounges, comfy and plush beds, and luxe bathrooms with deep-soaking bathtubs and bespoke bath products. It’s no wonder that many people say they hardly ever leave the rooms! Rooms start at EUR 600 (USD 640) here, and the Cool Corner One-Bedroom Suite costs a cool EUR 3,200 (USD 3420) per night. We haven’t even begun talking about the Marvelous, Spectacular, and WOW Suites and the Extreme WOW Presidential Suite, which cost much more than that!

The Barcelona EDITION

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The 100-room Barcelona EDITION is the hottest hotel in the city in recent years. It sits right on the border of Eixample and the enchanting Old Town, and you’ll be forgiven if you think it looks like a 1970s office block. But on the inside, it’s all about timeless cream decor, high ceilings, and modern artwork. Now this is what you call an EDITION hotel.

The wonderfully efficient and helpful staff are right on hand from the moment one arrives, making everything feel effortless and easy, but the real ticket here is the well-designed common spaces. The standout is the wood-decked rooftop bar with a sexy slim swimming pool and fabulous views across El Born. Punch Room speakeasy, sexy lobby bar, and a wood-decked rooftop bar with a slim pool and views across El Born. This lavish urban oasis with lush vegetation, white fabrics, and excellent poolside service is just what you need to unwind. That said, what sets this hotel apart is its dining offerings, besides the roof, of course. There’s Veraz and the speakeasy-vibed Punch Room, but the real ticket is Cabaret. This one-of-a-kind micro-club-cum-night venue is a multidimensional space that’s very popular with the city’s nightlife scene.

The highlight of the rooms and suites here is that many have little sofas sitting in jutted-out windows, giving you a sense of sitting out on a balcony. While rooms start at EUR 700 (USD 750), the spacious and airy Loft Suite with a panoramic bathtub and shower is perfect for those who don’t mind splurging. Of course, the priciest room, the Barcelona Penthouse, costs a whopping EUR 5,000 (USD 5,350).

El Palace Barcelona

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The El Palace Barcelona is one of the best hotels in Barcelona, and for a good reason. Firstly, it appeals to just about everyone, right from lovers of old-world luxury to those who love contemporary indulgences. As Barcelona’s very first five-star hotel, it’s all about Baroque opulence and feels like a small-scale version of Versailles. El Palace has all been about grandeur since it opened in 1919, and that magnificence continues even today. Whether it’s the ornate Great Hall, dapper doormen, the rotating art exhibits, the background piano music, or the world-class service, everything about it is the luxurious traveler’s dream.

Amenities

Barcelona has many hotel roof terraces in Barcelona, but few are as beautifully designed, relaxing or expansive as the one here. It’s also the largest rooftop garden in Barcelona, transporting you to a different world. Think loads of tropical vegetation, Italian Rivera-style pergolas, and even an open-air cinema. During winter, it turns into the magical Chalet El Palace, drawing inspiration from a fondue restaurant in the Swiss Alps. Besides the rooftop, there’s the monochromatic and plant-filled El Jardín and the chandelier-topped AMAR. Topping everything is the after-hours Bluesman Cocktail Bar, a velvet-draped speakeasy, and a music lover’s dream. Did we mention the Mayan-themed spa? Yep.

Rooms

All 120 rooms boast an old-world glam vibe with fireplaces, period wallpaper, and stately neoclassical decor. When budget isn’t an issue, the Art Suites are the prettiest digs that money can buy. They’re all inspired by prominent former guests, right from Salvador Dalí to French-American actor, dancer, and singer Josephine Baker. What’s more, these Art Suites also have Roman-style mosaic baths and can be reserved in multiple configurations, depending on the travelers’ needs. The entry-level rooms might cost EUR 700 (USD 750), but the Two-Bedroom Josephine Baker Suite costs EUR 6,500 (USD 7,000)!

Hotel Arts

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If you’re having trouble deciding between a relaxed beach holiday and a fast-paced urban break, Hotel Arts Barcelona hits the sweet spot. This 44-storied blue glass-and-steel stunner sits on Barceloneta Beach, so you can indulge in both kinds of holidays. With a flock of beautiful people, warm fabrics, and huge floral displays everywhere, this hotel has “five-star” written all over it.

Amenities

Hotel Arts happens to be one of the top rooftop pool hotels in Barcelona, which is not surprising since it has not one but two outdoor pools, one of which is an infinity pool. Both pools enjoy superb views, as does the observation deck with 360-degree views of the Mediterranean Sea. Besides art installations everywhere, there’s even a rooftop bar and lounge from where you can order cocktails.

Apart from that, the hotel also happens to be an unrivaled culinary destination with seven restaurants and bars. There’s the two-Michelin-starred Enoteca for Catalan fare, Lokal for fabulous breakfast buffets, Bites for coffee, the Mediterannean Pantry, the Marina for coastal fare, and the P41 Bar. Wrapping things up is 43 The Spa, an extraordinary space floating high above Barcelona for the ultimate in well-being.

Rooms

While there’s a lot to do here, the accommodations are beautiful in their own right. What’s more, they range from breezy and airy rooms to sprawling penthouse suites, and the club category sanctuaries are even more exquisite. The entry-level rooms might cost EUR 750 (USD 800), but the Royal Penthouse Suite is far, far more pricey – EUR 12,800 (USD 13,650) – oof!

Mandarin Oriental

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There’s a reason why Mandarin Oriental Barcelona figures in the best hotel lists in not just Spain but the world over. Mandarin Oriental outposts tend to have a sense of occasion, and this 120-room Catalan outpost is no exception. Sitting in the former Passeig de Gracia bank building, the hotel is a vision in silky ivory and textured bronze, with a swanky lobby and flawless details. With an infinity pool, a rooftop bar, a decadent basement spa, and two restaurants helmed by the First Lady of Catalan cuisine, Carme Ruscalleda, this is one totally splurge-worthy grande dame.

Amenities

The amenities and impeccable services at this Mandarin Oriental are swanky, to say the least. There are not one but three restaurants and a bar, of which the rooftop Terrat is an absolute hit. It sits right next to the sleek outdoor swimming pool, which boasts sensational views of the city. Moreover, it serves Mediterranean and Peruvian fare and cocktails alfresco.

That said, the standout is the Michelin-starred Moments, which is known for its Catalan fare. It’s helmed by renowned chef Carmen Ruscadella and her son and is famed for its inventive tasting menus. There’s also Blanc for all-day dining and the snazzy Banker’s Bar, which serves creative cocktails on faux vintage bank notes. Moreover, the relaxing spa has a menu of signature treatments, along with an emerald-hued and serene indoor pool. What more could you want?

Rooms

Book a suite for a freestanding whirlpool tub, terrace, and even kitchen. The quietly decadent, Asian-inspired rooms and suites are all about luxurious decor, a cream-and-taupe palette, and natural wood floors. For ultra-special indulgences, the Barcelona Suite boasts a stately terrace with a private whirlpool bath and a dining area, among other things. Even then, the rooms here only start at EUR 1,025 (USD 1,100), with the Penthouse Suite costing as much as EUR 14,000 (USD 15,000)!

How far in advance should I book a hotel in Barcelona?

The right thing to do is always book at least three months in advance, especially if you’re visiting during summer.

What is a good time to visit Barcelona?

Since May-June is a precursor to actual summertime, that’s the best time to visit Barcelona. The actual summer months of late June, July, and August are hot and sometimes sticky.

Is Barcelona busy all year round?

While summers are extremely crowded, the shoulder months of September and October and April and May are the least crowded.