The best Barcelona hotels for a slice of Catalan culture
Our favourite Barcelona boltholes, from fabulous five-star hotels to historic hideaways
Barcelona has a bit of everything. You get a beach with the city, plus fabulous architecture, nightlife, and countless museums, galleries and shopping opportunities. There’s fun to be found for every travel tribe, from hip young things and well-heeled families, to older couples and adventurous solo travellers.
With hotels in the Gothic Quarter, Eixample, El Born and Gràcia, our favourite Barcelona hotels span the gamut from glamorous five-stars like El Palace, which has attracted the likes of A-listers including Madonna and Elton John, to historic hideaways like Mercer Barcelona which is literally built into the city's Roman walls.
There are budget-friendly options including Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella which offers brilliant value for what you get (bags of character and sociable atmosphere), plus hip hotels such as Casa Bonay which draws young creatives to its impossibly cool lobby bar.
Whatever your style, here’s where to stay in Barcelona.
Mercer Barcelona
A small and historic little enclave reached by cobblestoned alleyways in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Part of Mercer Barcelona is built into the city's Roman walls ─ that’s how special it is here ─ and you can spot ancient features like columns, arches and old stone walls throughout the hotel.
That being said, top local architect Rafael Moneo has sympathetically modernised the interiors, and sleek rooms and spaces are very easy on the eye. Especially the attractive rooftop area with its plunge pool and the interior courtyard with seating under orange trees. Foodie highlights include a smart restaurant for formal dining plus a casual tapas bar.
Hotel Neri
In Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Hotel Neri is positioned among winding streets, key sights, cafés, bars and restaurants, and only 10 minutes’ walk from Las Ramblas, Plaça Reial and the Cathedral. The 22-room hotel is a mish-mash of historical architecture; part of it was a palace dating back to the 12th century, other parts an 18th-century townhouse.
As well as stylish interior design, the hotel boasts a highly rated Mediterranean-Catalonian restaurant and a rooftop garden with a bar and pool. There’s also a ground-floor restaurant/bar terrace that spills over to a pretty square. We recommend room 107 for views of Sant Felipe Neri Square.
Monument Hotel
With a great location on the Passeig de Gràcia in Eixample ─ near famous sites including La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia ─ Monument Hotel is an ideal luxury base.
Days are spent popping off to see the city, lounging around the rooftop pool, quaffing cocktails as you gaze over the rooftops, and indulging in one (or all) of the hotel’s amazing restaurants which share four Michelin stars between them.
The Neo-Gothic palazzo, which dates back to 1896, mixes original features (like the restored stone staircase that spirals up to the first floor) with modern design as seen in the warm, harmonious rooms.
Cotton House Hotel
Attracting an affluent crowd that leans towards the mature, well-seasoned traveller, Cotton House Hotel is an elegant hotel with an excellent address in the Eixample neighbourhood. The 19th-century Neoclassical mansion was previously the home of the Cotton Maker's Guild and many of its original features (like the original marble spiral staircases) are dotted throughout the hotel.
History aside, the property has been sympathetically updated with striking artworks and contemporary furnishings as seen in the charming wood-panelled library and squishy beds in well-appointed, spacious rooms. There’s also a stylish restaurant/bar area with a terrace.
Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella
Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella offers brilliant value for what you get: characterful, colourful interior design, a buzzy bar area in the lobby, a sunny roof terrace with views of the sea and Ciutadella Park, and stylish rooms, all in the El Born neighbourhood.
You can mix your sightseeing itineraries up with trips to the beach, the zoo and local restaurants (there’s no restaurant on site, though breakfast is served). Rooms are modern and uniform in style but promise a good night’s sleep. Children are welcome and pets can stay for free.
El Palace
Formerly a Ritz when it opened in 1919, nods to El Palace’s elegant incarnation are still evident today, it’s no wonder A-listers including Madonna, Michael Douglas, Sean Connery, Elton John and Paul McCartney flock to it.
You’ll need deep pockets to stay but once you’re here it’s all about indulging in the outrageously opulent grand hall, the sumptuous spa, cosy basement bar, stylish rooftop terrace with its pool, and lavishly appointed rooms with mosaic-tiled Roman baths. Ronnie Wood even styled his own suite, decorated with his artwork and a fun 1956 Wurlitzer jukebox.
Seventy Barcelona
Facilities abound at this bright and beautiful spot that straddles the vibrant Gràcia and Eixample neighbourhoods. From the outdoor pool and indoor pool to the gym and gorgeous spa, guests of all ages come to Seventy Barcelona to work and play.
The double-height lobby is particularly attractive, with floor-to-ceiling bookcases, potted palms and wide tables perfect for spreading out with your laptop and notebooks. There’s a garden patio that makes a lovely spot for a cocktail, plus a bar and restaurant serving Mediterranean fare. Expect good modern amenities in rooms as well as seating areas and spacious bathrooms.
Serras Hotel
Located on the Passeig de Colom, in the Gothic Quarter by yacht-filled Port Vell, Serras Hotel is a brilliant choice if you’re looking for a boutique-style five-star with proximity to atmospheric neighbourhoods. The look is by Eva Martínez who uses black trims and pops of yellow to elevate a white minimalist background.
A Michelin-starred chef oversees two restaurants while the rooftop bar is a great spot for cocktails and watching the boats dock. There’s a small al fresco pool perfect for a post-sightseeing dip, and the rooms are suitably comfortable.
Casa Bonay
With a hip vibe and impossibly cool interiors, young creatives love Casa Bonay. The Libertine Bar is a moody yet sociable space where locals and visitors mingle over laptops, tapas and glasses of natural wine during the day, while evenings take a slightly different turn with DJs pumping music from Thursday to Sunday.
The hotel’s location is another win for guests; you get the buzz of the Eixample neighbourhood without being in the hectic tourist throng. There are two rooftops: one housing Chiringuito, the beach shack rooftop-restaurant; the other with sunbeds, an orchard and a shower exclusive to guests. Charming rooms are surprisingly affordable and very stylish.
Almanac Barcelona
Set in an elegant 19th-century building, Almanac Barcelona is where affluent city hoppers relax when they’re not out exploring Barcelona. And the hotel has a great location ─ key attractions, Las Ramblas and the beautiful old town are within walking distance. Back at base, shake the city off with a stint in the sauna or steam room, or a dip in the elegant rooftop pool.
Enjoy the views as you sip an inventive cocktail at Azimuth before heading to Virens on the ground floor for delicious plant-based cuisine. Then, roll up to your comfortable and spacious room ─ we recommend Room 312 for big windows which look out onto the street.
Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona
An incredibly central location ─ the Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona is practically next door to Plaça de Catalunya ─ makes this cool, 92-key spot an excellent jumping off point for sightseeing city-breakers.
Back at base, the lobby is a bright, spacious and art-adorned hangout, and there’s a decent cocktail bar and rooftop terrace serving street food, sometimes to live music. There’s also a Mediterranean restaurant. The contemporary, funky design makes spaces attractive places to linger, a look that continues to the rooms.
Mandarin Oriental
Moneyed guests base themselves at the Mandarin Oriental, one of Barcelona’s most luxurious hotels, to enjoy high-quality amenities with lavish interiors and a historical setting to match (the building used to be a bank).
When you’re not out there making the most of the Passeig de Gràcia location, head to the elegant spa with its lap pool and steam room; splash about in the hotel’s rooftop dipping pool (which has great views of the city); and choose between several wining and dining spots ─ don’t miss the Michelin-starred Catalan cuisine at Moments. In terms of rooms, Room 401 is the one to book for views of the street's historic architecture.
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