Barcelona’s best hotels are as varied as the city itself. A glass tower by the beach, a grand hotel from 1919, a medieval palace in the Gothic Quarter: each of these five has its own personality, and all of them put you close to what makes Barcelona special.
Here is what makes each one stand out and who it suits best.
| # | Hotel | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hotel Arts Barcelona ★★★★★ | Vila Olímpica | Couples, Families, Luxury |
| 2 | Mandarin Oriental Barcelona ★★★★★ | Eixample | Couples, Luxury |
| 3 | El Palace Barcelona ★★★★★ | Eixample | Couples, Luxury |
| 4 | Cotton House Hotel ★★★★★ | Eixample | Couples, Luxury |
| 5 | Hotel Neri ★★★★★ | Gothic Quarter | Couples, Luxury |
How we chose these hotels
We looked for a memorable setting, excellent service and a location that makes it easy to enjoy the city on foot or by metro. No hotel paid to appear here, and we never quote prices: they change every day, so check availability with the button under each hotel.
1. Hotel Arts Barcelona
The only one of our five by the sea. Its 44-floor tower at the Port Olímpic has views over the Mediterranean, outdoor pools and a spa near the top – the closest thing to a resort in the city.
- 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. Mandarin Oriental Barcelona
The address for Gaudí lovers: it sits on Passeig de Gràcia, almost opposite Casa Batlló and a short walk from Casa Milà. Calm design, a rooftop with a pool and one of the city’s best spas.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Eixample
- Location
- Passeig de Gràcia 38-40, 08007 Barcelona
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- On the city’s most elegant avenue, a short walk from Gaudí’s houses
- Rooftop terrace with a pool and city views
- Calm spa with a hammam
Good to know
- The avenue is busy with shoppers by day; inner-facing rooms are quieter
- The spa is for adults: under-18s are not allowed
3. El Palace Barcelona
For history and grandeur: opened in 1919 as the city’s first five-star hotel, with gilded salons, art suites named after Dalí and Miró, and a rooftop garden with a pool.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Eixample
- Location
- Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 668, 08010 Barcelona
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- A piece of Barcelona history, a few minutes from Passeig de Gràcia
- Art suites inspired by former guests such as Dalí and Miró
- Rooftop garden with a pool and views towards the Sagrada Família
Good to know
- Classic, formal style: not for those looking for minimalist design
- The rooftop pool is seasonal: confirm it is open on your dates
4. Cotton House Hotel
A boutique hotel in the former headquarters of the cotton guild, on the Gran Via. It feels like a private home, with a library and a rooftop pool in the warm months.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Eixample
- Location
- Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes 670, 08010 Barcelona
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- A 19th-century neoclassical building full of original details
- Library and rooftop pool
- Five minutes on foot from Passeig de Gràcia
Good to know
- The rooftop pool opens in the warmer months only
- Some rooms face the busy Gran Via: ask for a quiet one
5. Hotel Neri
The most romantic of the five: just 22 rooms in a medieval palace on Plaça Sant Felip Neri, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, with a rooftop terrace among the plants.
- Hotel
- 5-star hotel
- Area
- Gothic Quarter
- Location
- Carrer de Sant Sever 5, 08002 Barcelona
- Best for
- Couples, Luxury
Why we like it
- One of the most romantic squares in the Gothic Quarter
- Only 22 rooms, with stone walls and a calm atmosphere
- Rooftop terrace with loungers among the plants
Good to know
- In the pedestrian old town: taxis stop a short walk away
- Rooms are intimate in size, as in many historic buildings
Which one should you choose?
- For the beach and a resort feel: Hotel Arts.
- For Gaudí and shopping: Mandarin Oriental.
- For old-world glamour: El Palace.
- For a boutique stay in the Eixample: Cotton House.
- For a romantic break in the old town: Hotel Neri.
Booking tips
- Ask about the pool: rooftop pools in Barcelona are usually open in the warm months only.
- Choose your view when booking: sea, city or a quiet courtyard.
- Check the cancellation policy before you pay.
If you are still choosing a neighbourhood, read where to stay in Barcelona, and plan your days with Barcelona in 3 days.
