Barcelona is one of the easiest big cities to visit with children. There are beaches in town, parks, a cable car and Gaudí’s fairy-tale buildings – and hotels with pools to cool off after a morning of sightseeing.
These five hotels make family life easier, from a resort-like tower by the sea to a central base two minutes from Plaça de Catalunya.
| # | Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hotel Arts Barcelona ★★★★★ | Vila Olímpica | Couples, Families, Luxury |
| 2 | W Barcelona ★★★★★ | Barceloneta | Couples, Families |
| 3 | Novotel Barcelona City ★★★★ | Glòries | Families, Good value |
| 4 | Hotel SB Icària ★★★★ | Vila Olímpica | Families, Good value |
| 5 | Hotel Jazz | Plaça de Catalunya | Families, First-timers, Good value |
How we chose these hotels
We looked for pools, family rooms or space for an extra bed, and a location that keeps travel times short. Family policies, extra beds and pool dates change, so confirm them when you book. No hotel paid to appear here, and we never quote prices.
1. Hotel Arts Barcelona
A beach holiday and a city break in one: the tower stands by the sand at the Port Olímpic, with outdoor pools and gardens. In the holiday season there are activities for children – confirm the dates when booking.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Vila Olímpica
- Location
- Carrer de la Marina 19-21, 08005 Barcelona
- Best for
- Couples, Families, Luxury
Why we like it
- Sea views from a tower right by the beach
- Outdoor pools and gardens facing the Mediterranean
- Spa on the upper floors with panoramic views
Good to know
- Away from the old town: allow 15–20 minutes by metro or taxi
- Pool opening dates and children’s activities vary by season: confirm them when booking
2. W Barcelona
Right on the beach at the end of Barceloneta, with indoor and outdoor pools. Children will love the sea views and the promenade; parents will love the rooftop bar.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Barceloneta
- Location
- Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents 1, 08039 Barcelona
- Best for
- Couples, Families
Why we like it
- Right on the beach, with sea views from every side
- Indoor and outdoor pools and a spa
- Rooftop bar with one of the best views in the city
Good to know
- At the far end of the seafront: allow time to reach the old town
- A lively, fashionable hotel: weekends can be busy around the pool
3. Novotel Barcelona City
The practical choice: family rooms, children’s menus, a play area and a 19th-floor outdoor pool in summer. It is a short walk from Glòries metro, and the Sagrada Família is about 20 minutes away on foot.
- Hotel
- 4-star hotel
- Area
- Glòries
- Location
- Avinguda Diagonal 201, 08018 Barcelona
- Best for
- Families, Good value
Why we like it
- Family rooms and children’s menus
- Outdoor pool and solarium on the 19th floor
- Five minutes on foot from Glòries metro
Good to know
- Not within walking distance of the old town: you will use the metro
- The pool is seasonal (summer): confirm it is open on your dates
4. Hotel SB Icària
A calm four-star in the Vila Olímpica, a few minutes’ walk from Nova Icària beach, with an outdoor pool and wide, flat streets for pushchairs.
- Hotel
- 4-star hotel
- Area
- Vila Olímpica
- Location
- Avinguda d’Icària 195, 08005 Barcelona
- Best for
- Families, Good value
Why we like it
- A few minutes’ walk from the beach
- Outdoor pool and sunbathing area
- Quiet, residential area near the Port Olímpic
Good to know
- A metro or taxi ride from the old town
- The pool is best in the warm months: check if it is open on your dates
5. Hotel Jazz
For families who want to walk everywhere: two minutes from Plaça de Catalunya, with family rooms, cots and a rooftop pool in the warm months.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Area
- Plaça de Catalunya
- Location
- Carrer de Pelai 3, 08001 Barcelona
- Best for
- Families, First-timers, Good value
Why we like it
- Two minutes from Plaça de Catalunya, between the old town and the Eixample
- Rooftop pool and terrace with city views
- Family rooms, cots on request
Good to know
- A busy central street: light sleepers should ask for a quiet room
- The rooftop pool is seasonal: confirm it is open on your dates
Which one should you choose?
- For the beach: Hotel Arts or W Barcelona.
- For good value and space: Novotel Barcelona City or Hotel SB Icària.
- To walk to the sights: Hotel Jazz.
Tips for Barcelona with kids
- Book timed tickets for the Sagrada Família and Park Güell; children under a certain age often enter free, but still need a ticket.
- Plan beach time in the afternoon, when museums are hot and busy.
- Eat early by Spanish standards: many restaurants serve lunch from 1 pm and dinner from 8 pm.
Still choosing an area? Read where to stay in Barcelona.
