The 19 Dreamiest Barcelona Accommodation

The Catalonian capital is no hidden secret, but we can’t help but pursue our passionate love story with Barcelona – especially when we spy these hotels.

The alluring Barcelona has so much to offer the European traveller that it can be overwhelming to pick what to do – let alone where to rest your head each night. That’s where we come in.

From luxury hotels to well-priced family stays, here are our top picks for where to stay in Barcelona.

1. Hotel 1898

Occupying a restored 19th-century building, the Hotel 1898 on Las Ramblas is definitely in the middle of the action when it comes to reaching the city’s most famous sights, nightlife and restaurants. It’s because of this that it is one of the top hotels near Barcelona attractions.

the exterior of Hotel 1898, Barcelona — Hotel 1898 is in the heart of the city.

But will you want to leave when you discover its rooftop terrace with views over the city centre, its pool and a vegan spa and sauna? Only time will tell.

the vegan spa and sauna at Hotel 1898, Barcelona — Pamper yourself at the vegan spa and sauna in Hotel 1898.

2. Grand Hotel Barcelona

A boutique gem in the heart of the Gothic quarter, the Grand Hotel Barcelona is filled with a few secrets, an art gallery and designer rooms in an architecturally significant building.

the deluxe room at Grand Hotel Central Barcelona — The elegant deluxe room at Grand Hotel Central.

One of the original examples of the singularly Catalonian Noucentista movement, the high-rise building’s neoclassical facade belies a stylish modern hotel.

the rooftop pool with cabanas at Grand Hotel Central Barcelona — Bask in the sun at the rooftop pool of the Hotel Grand Central, Barcelona.

The rooftop pool, bar and terrace are worth a visit for afternoon drinks and nibbles, even if you are not staying. But the secret library and villa atop the building are something very special.

the library at Grand Hotel Central Barcelona — The historic library is home to Cambó’s personal literary collection.

At street level, Spanish wines and tapas take centre stage in the elegant Can Bo Restaurant.

Rooms are design-led and stylish and in the perfect location for a wonderful Barcelona stay. Read our our full profile here.

3. Alma Barcelona

An elegant option in the L’Eixample quarter, Alma Barcelona is a boutique hotel on the Carrer de Mallorca, near the high-end and architecturally stunning Passeig de Gràcia avenue.

The beautiful, contemporary design of its suites and rooms, the greenery of its chic outdoors Jardín del Alma restaurant (serving modern Mediterranean dishes), and the structural components of the early-twentieth-century building based in, all give Alma a tranquillity away from other visitors to the capital.

4. Hotel Bagués

Part of the Small Luxury Hotels collective, Hotel Bagués is a ‘monument’ hotel (a historic building) on La Rambla and is everything a boutique hotel should be; small, discrete, stylish and of the destination.

The location is unbeatable, on La Rambla with the La Boqueria market less than a minute and the Plaça Catalunya a five-minute stroll.

The rooftop bar and pool at Hotel Bagues in Barcelona — Relax by the rooftop pool with breathtaking views of the city.

The former jewellery workshop takes its Art Deco styling seriously; the small lobby bar and velvety lounge are perfect for breakfast and pre-dinner drinks.

The compact rooms with deep wood panelling and included non-alcoholic minibar and Art Deco motifs and flourishes. The single red rose on the bedside table is a delightful touch.

Hotel Bagues in Barcelona — Elegance meets history in this hotel’s design. (Image: Quentin Long)

Finally, enjoying afternoon drinks and snacks on the rooftop terrace overlooking La Rambla, enjoying a respite from the heat with a dip in the petite pool is a signature Barcelona moment.

5. Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

One of the best hotels in Barcelona – and the world – you will have to splash some serious (and even more serious) cash to stay at this multi-award-winning Passeig de Gràcia hotel.

If you’re lucky enough to be in a suite, you get dedicated butler service. For dinner, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant is hard to beat. There is also the Restaurant Blanc and Peruvian Terrat on the roof terrace, which also comes with a plunge pool.

6. Almanac Barcelona

A five-star boutique hotel in the centrally located and oh-so-chic L’Eixample neighbourhood, overlooking the Gran Via, the Almanac Barcelona.

a room with a view at Almanac Barcelona — Check into Almanac Barcelona overlooking the Gran Via.

A highlight at the Almanac Barcelona includes Virens by the Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle, with its focus on plant-based meals, as well as a selection of dishes that feature organic meats and fish, such as the carrot risotto with toasted algae.

a plate of food from Virens, Almanac Barcelona — Dine on Michelin-starred dishes at Virens.

Azimuth rooftop bar – which serves seasonal cocktails – completes this hotel – with an outside pool, and killer Barcelona views, of course.

the Azimuth rooftop bar, Almanac Barcelona — Take in killer Barcelona views from the Azimuth rooftop bar.

7. The One Barcelona GL

If you want your sojourn to include a shot of a plunge pool, check into The One Barcelona GL. Complete with a rooftop cocktail bar, this pet-friendly hotel very much capitalises on its stunning views.

After you’ve looked to your fill (and ogled the site-specific works of the Chilean artist Fernando Prats), head down to the Despacio Spa, where you’ll find the plunge pool, which also features a Finnish sauna and treatments.

Famished? The Somni Restaurant is at street level, with its signature warm, cold and dessert cannelloni.

8. Hotel Claris Grand Luxe Barcelona

A melange of old, new, and mind-boggling old, Hotel Claris Grand Luxe near Passeig de Gràcia has many stand-out features, like a rooftop terrace and pool overlooking the gracefully ageing Barcelona rooftops and the bustle below, and the upscale but artistically decorated suites.

the elegant facade of Hotel Claris Grand Luxe Barcelona — Hotel Claris Grand Luxe Barcelona stands out with its elegant facade.

But what makes this hotel (a Small Luxury Hotels of the World member) pop for us? That has to be the collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, as well as a generous smattering of artworks, which range from contemporary to classical Roman mosaics.

ancient artefacts at Hotel Claris Grand Luxe Barcelona — The ancient artefacts are a point of difference.

The writer was hosted by Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

9. Cotton House Hotel

Further along near the Passeig de Gràcia, you will find the five-star Cotton House Hotel Barcelona, which has been named one of the best hotels in the world.

the exterior of Cotton House Hotel, Barcelona — Cotton House Hotel is a beautifully restored hotel that dates back to the 19th century. (Image: Meritxell Arjalaguer Vinagre)

Part of the Autograph Collection, Cotton House Hotel is in a 19th-century building, this time in a neoclassical style, with a rooftop terrace and pool with fantastic city skyline views.

Cotton House Hotel's rooftop terrace in Barcelona — Relax on the rooftop terrace. (Image: Santiago de Sentmenat)

Feel like getting cosy? There’s even an onsite library.

the library at Cotton House Hotel, Barcelona — Get cosy in the library. (Image: Meritxell Arjalaguer Vinagre)

10. Hotel Neri

Hands up who wants to stay in a restored palazzi? Today guests of the Hotel Neri can experience the one-of-a-kind historic setting, with modern luxuries such as a courtyard restaurant that dishes up Catalan cuisine, where the emphasis is on sharing.

people dining at A Restaurant, Hotel Neri, Barcelona — Enjoy al fresco dining at the courtyard A Restaurant.

Combine this with their Roba Estesa urban garden, its location on Plaça de Sant Felip Neri near the Barcelona Cathedral and its outdoor pool, you might be in a rush to click ‘book’. But do so ahead of time. There are a select number of suites and rooms available in this Barri Gotic hotel.

Roba Estesa urban garden and pool at Hotel Neri Barcelona — Spend some time soaking in the Roba Estesa urban garden.

11. Hotel Casa Fuster

In a change from a hotel based in a refreshed 19th-century house, the five-star Hotel Casa Fuster can be found in a restored modernist building. It was built in 1908 by one Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner as a rather generous gift from Mr Mariano Fuster i Fuster to his wife.

Hotel Casa Fuster exterior in Barcelona — Hotel Casa Fuster can be found in a restored modernist building.

Our favourite thing about the Hotel Casa Fuster today? The jazz club. Expect live music every Thursday. It’s a funky way to spend a Thursday night, and a must-do for film-buffs, as ‘Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona’ was shot here.

Hotel Casa Fuster rooftop in Barcelona — Take a dip in the rooftop pool before heading to the jazz club.

12. Mercer Hotel Barcelona

One of the top boutique hotels in Barcelona, the five-star Mercer Hotel stands out for its location in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and the fact that it is in a wonderfully restored mediaeval building.

the rooftop terrace at Mercer Hotel Barcelona — Take in Barcelona from the rooftop. (Image: Mercer Hoteles)

Make sure to book a table at its Catalan and Mediterranean restaurant before you set out to explore all the attractions that are close at hand… as well as a treatment at its onsite spa when you step back inside.

a look inside the Mercer Restaurant, Mercer Hotel Barcelona — Book ahead at Mercer Restaurant. (Image: Mercer Hoteles)

13. Serras Barcelona

If you’d rather be by the Mediterranean, look no further than the five-star Serras Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter. You will be sleeping right next to the super-yacht-scattered Marina Port Vell, with ocean-view restaurant, Informal, from Michelin-star chef Marc Gascons, dishing out Catalan cuisine to hand.

Afterwards (if you’re not too full), head to the sixth-floor rooftop terrace for a dip in the pool or simply lie back in its lounge area. It’s the perfect way to end your day in this luxury boutique hotel.

14. El Palace

With a hotel pedigree that goes back over a century, El Palace in the heart of the L’Eixample district must be doing something right. And from its ‘20s-style flower-covered rooftop to its Mayan culture-inspired spa, it is certainly doing a lot right.

the rooftop garden at El Palace — Enjoy the panoramic view of Barcelona on the flower-covered rooftop. (Image: El Palace Barcelona)

Opened in 1919 as the Ritz Barcelona, this five-star hotel has just 120 rooms and suites, making for a delightful melange of styles and personalities.

an overhead shot of El Palace, Barcelona — The five-star hotel used to be the Ritz Barcelona. (Image: El Palace Barcelona)

Their Art Suites are inspired by the great artists and culture-makers of the world, including Salvador Dalí, Josephine Baker and Joan Miró.

a look inside the Joséphine Baker Palace suite — The Joséphine Baker Art Suite is vibrant. (Image: El Palace Barcelona)

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15. W Barcelona

With its striking external architecture and unbeatable views, the W is understandably one of the top-rated hotels in Barcelona.

W Barcelona exterior — The W is one of the top-rated hotels in Barcelona.

Its sail-shaped design has become iconic to the Barceloneta beachfront where it is located, and inside, its many dining options will keep guests coming back for more.

The NOXE Cocktail Bar at W Barcelona. — Spend time in the NOXE Cocktail Bar.

16. Meliá, ME Barcelona

When it comes to Barcelona hotel recommendations, you will find Meliá, ME Barcelona on every list. Why? It’s a cosmopolitan, trendy hotel in a fantastic location in Eixample, on the Passeig de Gràcia, where art and culture are key.

Meliá, ME Barcelona Facade — Meliá, ME Barcelona is a cosmopolitan, trendy hotel in a fantastic location.

In what was once a theatre and cinema space that was built in the 19th century, you will now find sleek, avant-garde-designed rooms, suites and communal spaces in Meliá, ME.

Terrenal Restaurant Meliá, ME Barcelona — Dine on the Terrenal Restaurant’s terrace.

Head upstairs for views towards the Plaça de Catalunya and La Sagrada Familia from the rooftop pool or chill out to tunes from its resident DJ.

And… did we mention it’s pet-friendly?

the rooftop pool at Meliá, ME Barcelona — Meliá has a rooftop pool you can’t miss.

17. Hotel Arts

If you’re looking for the Hotel Arts Barcelona, simply head for the Port Olímpic and look up. Waterfront and with easy access to beaches and marinas, the luxury hotel has become a landmark for its highly recognisable wave-shaped structure at the foot of the 44-story building.

Hotel Arts Barcelona infinity pool — Hotel Arts Barcelona is a landmark.

Add to that a two Michelin-star restaurant, rooftop spa and outdoor pool overlooking the sea, and it’s no wonder that Hotel Arts has become one of the standouts of the city skyline.

the restaurant interior of the two Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Pérez — Make a reservation at the two Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Pérez.

18. Hotel Pulitzer

Artistic and vibrant, the multifaceted design of the four-star Hotel Pulitzer will be a massive drawcard for any aesthetic-minded traveller. The green-minded hotel is near the Plaça Catalunya – a great start for those who are after a treat and would rather spend more money outside the accommodation.

Armchair and bookcase with plants at Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona — Hotel Pulitzer is artistic and vibrant. (Image: Salva Lopez)

You can kick back over a tapas lunch in its plant-laden restaurant, The Greenhouse, with food like red prawn croquettes and squid sourced directly from the local market.

The Greenhouse at Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona — Dine on fresh produce at The Greenhouse.

Head up to La Terraza for weekly live music, DJs and dancing.

La Terraza at Hotel Pulitzer in Barcelona — Live music with a view. (Image: Alba Giné)

19. Casa Jam Barcelona

After some Barcelona accommodations that won’t break the bank? Hostel Casa Jam in the Gràcia neighbourhood is one of our top budget picks in Barcelona – as well as everyone else, according to its hotel reviews.

Helpful staff at a 24-hour desk will guide you around the clean, airy and character-filled kitchen, shared space, as well as a small play area for little ones. Families can book a room to themselves, and solo travellers can pick from double rooms, four to six-bed mixed and female-only dorms.

20. Hotel Brummell

If you want a trendy hotel that comes at a steal, book Hotel Brummel in the El Poble Sec neighbourhood, in the Montjuïc mountain district. It is based in a 19th-century building that has been rehabilitated by architect Inma Rábano and an Australian interiors team, designed with the vision of ‘tropical modernism’.

sun loungers by the pool at Hotel Brummell, Barcelona — The 19th-century Hotel Brummell was designed with the vision of ‘tropical modernism’. (Image: Coral Solari)

With only 20 rooms, you can pick from a penthouse suite with an outdoor bathtub, one with mountain views, as well as one with a lookout over the hotel pool.

an overhead shot of a person swimming in the pool at Hotel Brummell, Barcelona — Have a refreshing dip in the pool. (Image: Coral Solari)

A sauna, running club, onsite massages and bike rental service only sweeten this relatively cheap deal.

the restaurant interior at Hotel Brummell, Barcelona — Hotel Brummell is an urban oasis in Barcelona. (Image: Coral Solari)

21. Hostal Goya

If you’re looking for one of the best hotel deals in Barcelona, Hostal Goya is it. Located in the central L’Eixample neighbourhood, Hostal Goya has lower prices in what is a city rife with expensive stays.

Hungry? There is a tapas bar inside the guest house and a kitchen. Need help? Hostal Goya also has a 24-hour front desk. A tad hungover? That’s what the late check-out was born for.

The writer travelled as a guest of Turisme de Barcelona.

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

The 21 dreamiest Barcelona accommodation