Day or night, there’s always something to do in Barcelona. It’s no wonder, then, that it’s among the most visited cities in Spain! History buffs will marvel at the centuries-old buildings, while foodies will have a feast with Catalan cooking. In Barcelona, world-class art museums brim with the works of artists like Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. Meanwhile, La Boqueria and other markets entice shopaholics. And if you’re yearning for nature, you can bask on the beach, play in the Mediterranean Sea, or go hiking in the hills. When night falls, start bar-hopping and dance until the wee hours of the morning in the irrepressible clubs. Check out some of the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain, which you can use as your base for exploring this awesome city.
Where To Stay In Barcelona
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic) is the city’s geographical and historical center. It’s also where you’ll find some of the top things to do in Barcelona. This captivating neighborhood goes back over 2,000 years, so it’s no surprise to find historical treasures all around. Notable examples include the Temple d’August, which dates from the time of the ancient Romans and the medieval Gothic cathedral. It’s also bustling with restaurants, shops, and clubs, making it a hive of activity day and night.
The iconic Eixample district is another popular place to stay. Book a room here for easy access to the famous La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s art nouveau basilica. The neighborhood is also known as “Gaixample,” since it’s teeming with LGBT clubs and bars. This is hardly surprising as Barcelona is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world.
If days with sun, sea, and sand are part of your itinerary, consider a hotel in Barceloneta. This former fishing village is home to one of the city’s busiest beaches, where swimming and water sports are ever-popular.
Hotel The Serras
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History, culture, and architecture harmonize in the 5-star Hotel The Serras. It’s set in a building dating from the 19th century, where Pablo Picasso once had his studio. Today, it’s one of the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain, in terms of modern comfort. Choose from 28 spacious and chic rooms and suites, many with balconies where you can enjoy the Mediterranean breeze. Some overlook bustling Carrer del la Mercè, where tapas bars tempt you with delicious eats. All rooms come with high-tech gadgetry such as a wireless sound system and smart TVs.
Dining options are plentiful. Enjoy Catalan specialties created by a Michelin Star chef at the Informal restaurant. At the Le Nine mezzanine bar, you can have coffee in the morning or a pre-dinner cocktail in the evening. Meanwhile, the El Sueño rooftop bar, just beside the lovely swimming pool, serves beverages and sharing plates in the summertime.
Hotel The Serras is in the Gothic Quarter, close to many of the city’s myriad attractions. The city’s beaches, for instance are 10 to 15 minutes away on foot. Likewise, the monuments and museums in Las Ramblas are within walking distance.
Hotel Arts Barcelona
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With buildings like the Hotel Arts Barcelona, it isn’t hard to see why Barcelona is a recipient of the Gold Medal for Architecture. Soaring 44 stories above the sea, it’s a striking building of steel and blue glass. This 5-star property boasts close to 500 rooms and suites, many with breathtaking city and sea views. You’ll relax in style with features like music and lighting control as well as turndown service. Also, if you book a suite, you’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi and access to an exclusive lounge where food and drinks are served all day.
Speaking of food and drinks, the hotel offers a wealth of drinking and dining options. The Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Perez features seafood and fine wine. Meanwhile, the airy Lokal restaurant is where you can enjoy either a buffet or a la carte breakfast. Also, grab a cocktail from the lounge beside the infinity pool, one of the hotel’s two gorgeous pools. You’ll see why it’s one of the top hotels with a rooftop pool in Barcelona.
The hotel sits beside the Olympic Port, with the iconic Peix fish sculpture standing in front of it. Close by, the sands and waters of Barceloneta Beach await. Likewise, Ciutadella Park is a short walk away.
Ciutat De Barcelona
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The 3-star Ciutat De Barcelona offers fabulous accommodation and amenities at reasonable prices. Here, you can bask under the Spanish sun in the pool on the rooftop deck, sample delicious tapas in the restaurant, and enjoy a craft beer or wine in the cozy lounge bar. So, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the top budget hotels in Barcelona.
The hotel boasts 78 modern and tastefully decorated rooms. Whether you’re traveling solo, with your significant other, or with family or friends, you’ll find the right type of accommodation here. Also, you can expect 21st-century comforts like climate control, LCD TV, and free Wi-Fi. What’s more, there’s a desk you can use if you need to get some work done.
Situated in the Gothic Quarter, plenty of attractions sit within easy walking distance. From the hotel, it’s a short stroll to the Picasso Museum and the European Museum of Modern Art. Likewise, the La Seca Theatre and the Santa Caterina Market are minutes away on foot. When it comes to accessibility to sightseeing, Ciutat De Barcelona is indeed among the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain.
Axel Hotel Barcelona & Urban Spa
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Are you looking for the best gay hotels in Barcelona? If so, and if you’re looking to splurge on luxury accommodation, check out Axel Hotel Barcelona & Urban Spa. It’s chock-full of features and amenities that are apt to spoil you and your significant other. Each of the 101 rooms and suites, for example, promises optimum comfort thanks to soundproofing and climate control. Also, you’ll have plenty of entertainment at your fingertips, including a plasma TV, video-on-demand, and Wi-Fi.
At the spa, you can enjoy pampering in many ways. go for a soak in the hydromassage pool or detox in one of the saunas. Meanwhile, you can cool off on a hot day at the rooftop. Besides the large swimming pool, there’s also a hot tub. A cocktail bar means a drink is never too far away. And when it’s time for a more substantial meal, head to the Nikkei 103 restaurant for delectable dishes.
This 4-star, adults-only hotel is in the heart of Gaixample. Vibrant gay bars and clubs are steps away. Also, attractions such as the La Villaroel Theatre and Gaudi’s quirky Casa Batlló are close by.
W Barcelona
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Dominating the waterfront skyline, the W Barcelona is certainly an unmissable sight. Shaped like a sail, its glass exterior reflects the blue of the Mediterranean. This 5-star property sits along the Barceloneta boardwalk and is one of the best beach hotels in Barcelona. Just a few steps away, the white sands of Sant Sebastian Beach glitter under the sun.
The hotel offers close to 500 spacious, well-appointed rooms and suites. Many boast floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you magnificent beach and city views. And with pillow-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets, and goose-down duvets, you’ll sleep in luxury. But if you really want to live it up, book the presidential suite. A Jacuzzi on the huge terrace, private sunbeds, a DJ booth, and a full-wall speaker system are just a few of its many perks.
The hotel’s amenities are something else, so it’s no wonder it’s among the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain. You’d definitely need to stay more than one night to fully enjoy them. Here, you can work out in style in the state-of-the-art fitness center and get a soothing massage in the spa. Meanwhile, the Getaway relaxation area invites you to de-stress in the sauna and steam room or swim leisurely in the pool. Speaking of pools, there’s an awesome infinity pool on the sun deck, too! And when it’s time for nourishment, take your pick from the hotel’s multiple restaurants and bars.
Hotel Casa Camper
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Do you fancy lying in a hammock in your hotel room’s living area? How about a 24-snack area where drinks and light bites are complimentary? You can have all these and more at the 4-star Hotel Casa Camper. Choose from 30 rooms and 10 suites, which all feature stylish, minimalist designs. Some rooms have a mini-lounge, where besides a hammock, there’s also a second flat-screen TV, a working table, and a balcony overlooking the street.
The rooms don’t have a minibar. Instead, the hotel offers the tentempié, an open permanent buffet that’s available 24/7. It’s a complimentary service with various beverages and food items including sandwiches, soups, salads, fresh fruit, and desserts. The hotel is also home to a Michelin-star restaurant serving Asian tapas. What’s more, there’s a bar featuring two billiards tables as well as comfy leather armchairs where you can play chess while having a drink.
Casa Camper is in the Raval neighborhood, sandwiched between the MACBA art gallery and Las Ramblas. Also, the bustling Boqueria Market and the Portaferrissa shopping street are just a few blocks away.
El Avenida Palace
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Since it opened its doors in 1952, the genteel El Avenida Palace has welcomed many distinguished guests. The artist Joan Miró, writer Ernest Hemingway, and singer and actress Liza Minnelli are just a few of them. The Beatles also stayed here in 1965. As a tribute to the Fab Four, the hotel transformed their room into a themed suite. The other rooms and suites might not be as whimsical, but they’re no less luxurious. You can look forward to features like minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.
Head up to the rooftop terrace for a dip in the outdoor pool or to soak under the sun’s rays. And while there is no fitness center or full spa, you can arrange for an in-room massage. When it comes to drinking and dining, the Cafe Gran Via restaurant steps up with Mediterranean cuisine. In the evening, head to the lounge bar for a cool drink and live music.
Set on the leafy Gran Via in Eixample, the El Avenida Palace is one of the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain, when it comes to location. A short walk will bring you to Gaudi landmarks like Casa Mila and Casa Batlló. But if you’d like to explore farther, just hop on the metro at the Passeig de Gracia station outside the hotel’s front door.
Ohla Barcelona
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What was once a department store in the city center is today the Ohla Barcelona hotel. The original neoclassical façade remains, though enhanced with ceramic eyes by sculptor Frederic Amat. Meanwhile, artists like Samuel Salcedo and Joan Priego have left their mark on the hotel. The former’s white ceramic masks adorn the walls while the latter’s work sits by the foot of the hotel’s impressive spiral staircase.
The rooms and suites are no less stylish, with wooden floors and black bathrooms. Each one has the comforts for a pleasant stay, including flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, and iPhone docks. What’s more, if you book a suite, you’ll enjoy your own balcony and living room.
The 5-star Ohla offers a glass-sided rooftop pool. It’s unheated, but don’t let that stop you from taking a swim on a sunny day. Or, you could lie back on one of the loungers or in the cabana while working on your tan and taking in views of the city. And for keeping fit and healthy, head to the gym and wellness center. Don’t forget to try the delicious dishes in the hotel’s two restaurants! From tapas to trout egg tarts, they’re culinary adventures.
Hotel Barcelona 1882
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Are you looking to stay somewhere close to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia? If so, Hotel Barcelona 1882 is one of your best bets. From the hotel, it’s a mere 6-minute walk to the basilica. Also, did you know that work on the Sagrada Familia started in 1882? The hotel’s name is therefore a subtle nod to Gaudi’s yet unfinished masterpiece.
This 4-star hotel offers twin, triple, and king rooms, each one masterfully designed for optimum comfort. Brew a hot cup of tea of coffee and park yourself in front of the flat-screen TV to catch your favorite show. Are you traveling with a group? Then you’d best book the interior family room. It sleeps up to four people in comfort and boasts features like a rainfall shower, Bluetooth speakers, and pillow menu.
The hotel offers two bars, one of which has a terrace overlooking Sagrada Familia. And while there’s no full restaurant on site, a buffet breakfast is available every day. You can spend sunny days in the rooftop pool and squeeze in a workout at the gym. Also, the hotel offers weekly yoga classes. And if you’d like to explore the city, you can rent a bike from the hotel. These and more are why this property is among the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain.
Condes De Barcelona
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Combine a former 19th-century palace, a central location on the Passeig de Gràcia, and a host of fantastic amenities and what have you got? One of the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain, that’s what. The 4-star Condes De Barcelona is an immensely popular hotel, and for good reason.
Each of its rooms is a study in modern comfort and tasteful design. Featuring cosmopolitan decor, they come with free Wi-Fi, climate control, and flat-screen TVs. Choose one with a balcony or terrace so you can enjoy limitless views of the bustling streets of the Eixample neighborhood. The rooms offer either king or twin beds, and most can accommodate up to three people.
The hotel is also home to the Alaire, one of Barcelona’s highly popular rooftop terrace bars. Set on the 8th floor, it’s an ideal place for a scenic meal, whether it’s a business lunch or a casual snack. Come in the evening and enjoy live music with your cocktails. Meanwhile, fitness buffs can keep active in the gym and the outdoor pool.
El Palace Barcelona
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Understated is certainly a word that doesn’t apply to El Palace Barcelona. Instead, it would be more fitting to describe this 5-star hotel in Eixample as opulent, grandiose, and magnificent. It opened in 1919 as the Hotel Ritz de Barcelona. Celebrities, heads of state, royalty, and more have stayed here in the succeeding years. Today, the El Palace is one of the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain.
The grand lobby is a throwback to the regal age, with its crystal chandeliers, polished marble pillars and floors, and double staircases. Some of the themed suites are just as impressive. In the Salvador Dalí Suite, for instance, where the eccentric artist and his wife stayed for lengthy periods, you’ll find antique furniture and an authentic Roman bath with mosaics. Meanwhile, the Joan Miró Suite takes its inspiration from the artist’s work. It also features replicas of the hotel’s original lighting as well as visual works related to Miró. Of course, it isn’t all aesthetics. Each room and suite also boasts 21st-century technology such as satellite TV and Wi-Fi.
Mealtimes are elegant affairs at both the L’Eclair and Winter Garden restaurants. The latter is on the expensive roof terrace, which also holds an outdoor pool, fountains, and pergolas. And for exceptional and exotic pampering, head to the Mayan Luxury Spa.
Recommended Food Tours / Bars In Barcelona:
- Small-Group Food and Wine Tour In Barcelona With A Sommelier – Treat your taste buds to various local tapa dishes and Spanish wine! This food and walking tour will bring you to some of Barcelona’s food and wine hotspots.
- El Xampanyet – This popular tavern is in the Gothic Quarter, close to some of the best hotels in Barcelona, Spain. Boasting a Michelin Plate for good cooking, it’s a family-run establishment offering a wide selection of tapas, salted meats, cheeses, and sparkling wine.
Recommended Activities In Barcelona:
- 360° Barcelona SkyWalk: Old Town Walking, Helicopter Flight & Sailing – Spend more than 3 hours seeing the best of the city by land, sea, and air. The tour includes exploring the Gothic Quarter, a thrilling helicopter flight, and an unforgettable catamaran ride.
- Skip the Line: Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia Tour in Barcelona – No need to queue to see some of Antoni Gaudi’s creations! This tour will give you quick access to Park Güell where you’ll find many of his sculptures, colonnades, and mosaics. Also, you’ll visit his unfinished La Sagrada Familia cathedral and the cathedral museum.
