The Best Places To Sleep In Barcelona

Habana Hoose in El Born is perfect for a trip with the girls. Part of the Chic&basic group, which offers fun, affordable accommodation across Europe, the hotel has fused Scottish (hence ‘hoose’) and Spanish cultures in the décor and F&B – there’s a great whisky selection at the bar, for example. Rooms are more muted than the colourful communal areas, but just as playful, and some have balconies. Don’t miss dinner at Carmina, the excellent Catalan restaurant within the building. 

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If you like the idea of stocking up from a local deli and cooking your own dinner, DestinationBCN operates self-catered apartments across three buildings in Eixample. Ranging from one-beds to larger apartments for families, they’re all light and bright, with modern interiors and amenities from fully equipped kitchens to laundry facilities. At the more affordable end, we like Tiptoe with its high ceilings and chic décor. 

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This is a hidden gem in the village-like neighbourhood of Sarrià, which is known for its beautiful architecture. Casa Filomena is a no-frills B&B with just two rooms, a communal area and a shared kitchen. We recommend staying in the superior suite with its white beamed ceilings, neutral décor and private bathroom. Owner Patricia lays on a generous breakfast each morning, and offers cooking classes using ingredients from the Sarrià market. 

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Poblenou is among the city’s most creative districts, so it’s no surprise The Hoxton opened here. From the colourful lobby, which hosts regular DJ nights and events, to the spacious rooms, there’s a Mediterranean vibe throughout, with terracotta floors and pastel colours. The beds are among the most comfortable you’ll sleep in. Up on the rooftop, a checkerboard-tiled pool is surrounded by cabanas and sun loungers, while Mexican-inspired restaurant Tope serves spicy margaritas, tacos and more.

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In the Gothic Quarter, just a few minutes from the beach, this adult-only hotel has the feel of an upmarket speakeasy or members club with its moody décor and mid-century furniture. Tucked away down an unassuming alley, there are 22 rooms, from doubles to suites with separate living areas. There’s a green-walled courtyard and a restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes, a library, and a rooftop terrace with yellow-striped sun loungers overlooking the plunge pool. 

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Casa Buenavista is a beautiful example of modernist Catalan design. The handsome late-19th-century building was transformed into a boutique hotel a few years ago, with lots of original features intact, including its wrought-iron balconies. The restaurant is a particularly warm and inviting space where you can try typical Catalan dishes. Its light-filled rooms are more pared back, while the discreet rooftop pool is a small oasis away from the streets below.

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Location don’t get much better than this. Close to Barcelona’s gothic cathedral and the Picasso Museum, The Edition does contemporary luxury so well. It lays on unique dining experiences headed up by Young Michelin chefs, as well as offering incredible views from a rooftop terrace with an outdoor pool. Every room has a view of its own, minimalist décor, extra comfy beds and custom-made Le Labo toiletries. Two penthouses, quite literally, take everything to the next level.

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If you want to rub shoulders with the A-list, book a stay at Mandarin Oriental. Walk right off upmarket Passeig de Gràcia and into the light-filled lobby, where the team can take care of anything from stocking your room with your favourite snacks to organising yacht trips around the bay. Rooms have a luxe, contemporary feel, with rainfall showers or huge freestanding baths, while the rooftop pool is the place for a quick dip and glass of sangria. There’s also a basement spa and numerous restaurants, including two-Michelin-starred Moments.

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With its masculine design, Hotel Alma offers something a little different from the rooftop pool properties elsewhere. Don’t let the art-gallery vibe fool you – minimalist but chic rooms are dotted around the hotel, accessed by fingerprint passwords instead of swipe cards. Inside, you’ll find furniture by Loewe and works by local artists. Outside, there’s a beautiful garden with an oak bar. 

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Barcelona’s old town has had a flurry of cool openings in the last few years, including this five-star hotel that seamlessly blends in with Via Laietana’s historic architecture – the building used to be a department store. The main draw is the rooftop terrace with its relaxed atmosphere. Some rooms have cathedral views, while others are so spacious you’ll want to invite friends over for drinks. There are two restaurants: La Plassohla for cocktails and tapas, and Caelis, headed up by Michelin-starred chef Romain Fornell.

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The Marriott group made quite a stir when it opened its sail-shaped W Hotel along the famous Barceloneta boardwalk. Designed by the late Ricardo Bofill, the hotel is a playground of fun, with a Barbie Dreamhouse-style infinity pool, a beach club, numerous bars, and an exciting events calendar. You can even book time in the recording studio. Rooms are simple in décor, but suitably luxe.

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