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)

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

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.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

The 21 dreamiest Barcelona accommodation