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, Gaudí’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 1898
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Set along the iconic La Rambla, the elegant Hotel 1898 places guests within easy reach of both the historic center and the Mediterranean coastline. The hotel is only a short distance from the lively waterfront and about a 20-minute walk from the golden sands of Barceloneta Beach. This convenient location allows visitors to spend the morning exploring Barcelona’s famous streets and markets before heading to the beach for a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
The rooms combine classic elegance with modern comfort, featuring warm tones and large windows that create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Each room is equipped with plush bedding, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers and premium amenities. Guests can also unwind at the hotel’s luxurious spa or relax on the rooftop terrace with its inviting pool and panoramic views of Barcelona’s skyline after a refreshing day at the beach.
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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 dining and drinking 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.
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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.
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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 Gaudí’s quirky Casa Batlló are close by.
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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.
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Hotel Europark
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Located in the elegant Eixample district, the stylish Hotel Europark is a welcoming hotel with a rooftop pool in Barcelona. Set atop the building, the rooftop terrace features a refreshing plunge pool surrounded by sun loungers and cozy seating areas. From here, guests can enjoy pleasant views over the rooftops of Barcelona while soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine. It is the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing—take a dip in the pool, relax with a drink, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere above the busy city streets.
The rooms at Hotel Europark are modern, bright, and designed for comfort. Large windows allow plenty of natural light, creating a warm and relaxing space to return to after exploring the city. Each room includes comfortable bedding, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and spacious bathrooms with quality amenities, making the hotel a comfortable and convenient base for discovering Barcelona.
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Hotel Soho Barcelona
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Located in the vibrant Eixample district, the stylish Hotel Soho Barcelona is a modern hotel with a rooftop pool in Barcelona. The highlight of the property is its inviting rooftop terrace, which features a sleek swimming pool surrounded by comfortable loungers and shaded seating areas. From this elevated space, guests can enjoy sweeping views over the rooftops of Barcelona while soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine. It is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the nearby attractions—take a refreshing dip in the pool, relax with a drink, or watch the sunset as the city lights begin to glow.
The rooms at Hotel Soho Barcelona are contemporary and designed with a minimalist touch. Large windows fill the spaces with natural light, creating a bright and relaxing atmosphere. Each room includes comfortable bedding, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and modern bathrooms with premium amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay in the heart of the city.
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Hotel Barcelona Universal
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Just steps from the bustling avenues of central Barcelona, the stylish Hotel Barcelona Universal offers convenient access to both the city’s cultural attractions and the Mediterranean coast. The hotel sits near the vibrant Port of Barcelona and within easy reach of the golden sands of Barceloneta Beach. Guests can reach the beach in about 20 minutes on foot or just a few minutes by taxi, making it easy to combine sightseeing with relaxing seaside strolls and sunny afternoons by the water.
The rooms are modern, bright, and designed with comfort in mind. Large windows allow plenty of natural light, creating a welcoming atmosphere after a day spent exploring the city or enjoying the beach. Each room features comfortable bedding, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and spacious bathrooms with quality amenities. Guests can also unwind at the rooftop terrace, which features a swimming pool and sun loungers with sweeping views over the Barcelona skyline.
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Hotel Paral·lel
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Tucked along lively Avinguda del Paral·lel, the welcoming Hotel Paral·lel places guests within easy reach of both the city’s cultural attractions and the Mediterranean shoreline. The hotel sits close to the historic Port of Barcelona and just a short distance from the sandy shores of Barceloneta Beach. Guests can reach the beach in about 20 minutes by metro or taxi, making it simple to combine sightseeing with relaxing seaside walks and sunny afternoons by the water. Its convenient location also allows easy access to La Rambla and the lively neighborhoods of the old city.
The rooms are bright, modern, and designed for comfort after a day exploring Barcelona. Large windows allow plenty of natural light, creating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. Each room includes comfortable bedding, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and modern bathrooms with quality amenities, making the hotel a pleasant and convenient base for discovering the city and its nearby beaches.
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Midtown Apartments Barcelona
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Located in the elegant Eixample district, the stylish Midtown Apartments offers a luxurious apartment-style stay with a beautiful rooftop pool in Barcelona. The highlight of the property is its spacious rooftop terrace, which features a stunning outdoor pool surrounded by comfortable loungers and shaded seating areas. From this elevated oasis, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Barcelona skyline while soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine. It is a wonderful spot to relax after a day of sightseeing—take a refreshing dip in the pool, unwind with a drink, or watch the sunset paint the city rooftops in warm colors.
The apartments are modern, spacious, and designed with a sophisticated touch. Large windows fill the interiors with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable living areas, stylish bedrooms, and contemporary bathrooms, making Midtown Apartments a perfect choice for a relaxing and flexible stay in Barcelona.
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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.
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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 Gaudí’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.
