Last updated on August 31, 2016
Based on pure opulence, cool factor and location, here are my personal recommendations on the best luxury four and five star hotels in Barcelona
Gushing reports by your insider Barcelona-based travel writer, Ben Holbrook
I’ve lived here for about three years now, on and off, and not a day goes by that I don’t get asked for my recommendations on where to stay in Barcelona. There are more luxury hotels in Barcelona than I care to count, so it’s taken me quite a while to whittle it down to my “Top 10.” But alas my fellow luxe lover, after much deliberation, here is my considered selection of Barcelona’s most luxurious and iconic hotels. Salut!
1. Mandarin Oriental (5 Star): Michelin Star Dining and Art Deco Splendour on Passeig de Gràcia
This imposing Art Deco masterpiece fuses the best of classic Catalan and contemporary design to create what is unquestionably one of Barcelona’s most resplendent five-star luxury hotels.
Boasting multiple high-end restaurants (Moments has two Michelin stars), a serene spa & wellness centre and the alfresco delights of the rooftop pool and terrace areas, this palatial hotel offers uncompromising modern luxury, right in the very heart of Barcelona.
2. Ohla Hotel (5 Star): Contemporary Style Set Deep in the Heart of Barcelona
Undoubtedly one of Barcelona’s best located and stylish 5 star hotels, Ohla’s stunning neoclassical exterior houses a sumptuous selection of minimalist suites, the Michelin starred Saüc Restaurant and an award-winning cocktail bar (which is definitely one of my favourites in Barcelona). The rooftop pool and lounge area provide some of the most arresting views over Barcelona.
If you’re looking to experience the “old meets new” that Barcelona does so well, you need look no further.
3. W Hotel (5 Star): Barcelona’s Most Iconic Luxury 5 Star Hotel – A Beach Paradise
Uniquely positioned (literally) at the end of Barcelona’s iconic city beach, this dazzling work of art glows like a shimmering sail against a backdrop of bleached blue skies, kissed day and night by a gentle Mediterranean Sea breeze.
The vibe is hip, casual and outright sexy and there’s no getting away from the fact that this truly is the real deal. Epitomising the finest of Barcelona’s “Capital of Cool” status, the glass-clad pool and white furnished terrace area hosts some of Europe’s hottest DJs, creating an Ibiza-esque chill out vibe.
The 26th floor Eclipse Bar not only provides some of the most awe-inspiring views over the city and ocean, but is also, unquestionably, the glitziest and most glamorous bar in Barcelona.
4. Hotel 1898 (4 Star): Ultimate Luxury on Barcelona’s Revered Las Ramblas
With its prime locale on the iconic Las Ramblas, this sophisticated haven of peace and tranquility is the ultimate luxury basecamp for exploring Barcelona’s superlative gastronomy, culture and nightlife.
As well as offering a collection of opulent ballrooms and sumptuous spas, you can also chill out at the heated rooftop pool area, which offers unrivalled views across the city’s glorious downtown skyline.
5. Grand Hotel Central (5 Star): Classic Sophistication, Avant-Garde Brilliance, Ideal Central Locale
“Grand” is the perfect name for this gracious utopia, but it’s more of a palace than a hotel. Its owner, Pau Guardans, spruced up the original 1920s features and added a touch of avant-garde design to create what can now only be described as a deeply evocative, extravagant and sensual urban space.
The suites are spectacular and the famous rooftop infinity pool and terrace will provide you with all the vistas and sightseeing you could ever wish for.
6. Hotel Omm (5 Star): Modernity and Michelin Stars on Barcelona’s Gaudi-Centric Passeig de Gràcia
With Gaudí’s Casa Milà just around the corner and its enviable proximity to Barcelona’s boutique-spangled Passeig de Gràcia, Hotel Omm has been attracting the world’s elite since it opened its doors back in 2003. Everything from the curvaceous facade to the space-aged corridors have been designed by some of the biggest names in the business.
Take to the rooftop terrace for classic cocktails and sweeping views of the Sagrada Familia whilst rays of light illuminate the sky above Montjuïc.
7. Hotel Miramar (5 Star): Modern Luxury with Elevated Views Over the City and Mediterranean Sea
An affectionately restored palace, this truly decadent 1920s resort is an exquisite symphony of zenlike gardens, modern-luxe design, world-class gastronomy and blissful health facilities. Uniquely located on the leafy slope of Montjuic mountain, Miramar Hotel and its grounds offer elevated views over the city’s terracotta skyline and the luminous Mediterranean Sea.
If I didn’t already live in Barcelona, this is without doubt where I’d stay for an unrivalled taste of the high-life and a spot of self indulgence in the Catalan capital.
8. Gran Hotel La Florida: A-List Living in the Hills
Arguably the most exclusive luxury hotel in Barcelona, the Gran Hotel La Florida is where the rich and famous go to retreat, with unsurpassed views over Barcelona, the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees Mountains.
Its classic-meets-modern design and spacious grounds come together to create a palatial oasis of tranquility, a country resort hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the city below.
And when you feel ready to leave the Zen Zone Spa and spectacular pools, you can jump on the complimentary shuttle bus and be in the heart of Barcelona within a mere 20 minutes. Need to get away from it all? Look no further.
9. Hotel Casa Fuster (5-Star): Jazz Tones and Catalan Chic on Passeig de Gràcia
With its handsome stonework and intricate modernist detailing, Hotel Casa Fuster was the first building to win my heart when I first moved to Barcelona all those years ago. To me, it reflects the pride and vibrance that graces the Catalan spirit, a true gem among gems on the glorious Passeig de Gràcia.
The staff’s unfaltering service is famed the world over, as is the Art Nouveau-inspired jazz club and idyllic rooftop pool and terrace areas. If you don’t fall completely in love with this exceptional hotel, you’re not human.
10. Majestic Hotel & Spa (5 Star): Unapologetic Decadence, Michelin Stars and Luxury Spas
Every time I see the handsome facade and illuminated balconies my jaw drops. Located on a prime corner spot on Passege de Gracia, the palatial “Dolce Vitae” roof terrace, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, offering picture-perfect vistas over Antonio Gaudi’s architectural icons, from La Sagrada Familia to La Padrera, all in strolling distance.
The world-renowned Majestic Spa holds the SpaQuality SpaExcellence certification, making it the perfect retreat for a spot of serious self-indulgence, wrapped in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.
And if you need another reason to stay here, just consider the opulent restaurants, bars and bistros, which are overseen by the Catalan Michelin-starred chef, Nandu Jubany. Life doesn’t get any better than this.
Want More?
Luxury Apartments in Barcelona: If none of these quite take your fancy or you’d like to indulge in a little slice of home away from home, I recommend browsing and booking one of the stunning Barcelona apartments listed on the WaytoStay.com website. Based in the heart of the city, this local company is the leader in luxury private rentals here in Barcelona and they offer some of the grandest and most sumptuous properties in town.
[…] For a double dose of luxury and self indulgence, don’t miss my guide to Barcelona’s best luxury hotels. […]