The best luxury Barcelona hotels for an extravagant city break
Up the luxe-factor on your next Barcelona city break with a five-star stay at one of these amazing hotels
Michelin-starred restaurants, rooftop bars with views over the city, outdoor terraces with infinity pools, clubby bars, exclusive spas, and opulent designer-led interiors… Barcelona knows how to do luxury, and that’s not even including the little extra touches that are offered to you as a hotel guest.
Our favourite luxury Barcelona hotels attract A-listers like Madonna and Elton John who bed down in places like El Palace because of its elegant history and resplendent interiors. You can even stay in the suite that Ronnie Wood designed, complete with his own artwork. Monument Hotel oozes luxury and has four Michelin stars across two restaurants, while Serras Hotel is a great choice if you’re looking for elegant interiors by Eva Martínez.
Find yourself a good spot on the roof terrace and you can watch the Port Vell yachts bobbing up and down as you quaff a spritzy cocktail. There’s also an old jewellery store which Hotel Bagues occupies. It has a little museum displaying a collection of jewellery ─ and it’s right on La Rambla.
For more ideas on where to treat yourself on your next break to the Catalan capital, see our full selection below.
El Palace
A-listers including Madonna, Michael Douglas, Sean Connery, Elton John and Paul McCartney have stayed at El Palace in the Eixample neighbourhood, and it’s easy to see why. Formerly a Ritz when it opened in 1919, its elegant incarnation is still evident today ─ in its outrageously opulent grand hall, beautifully adorned double-height windows, and lavishly appointed rooms with mosaic-tiled Roman baths.
Ronnie Wood styled his own suite and you can sleep under the gaze of his artwork, or play around with the 1956 Wurlitzer jukebox. There are bars in the basement and on the roof for cocktails, as well as a sumptuous spa.
Cotton House Hotel
This elegant 19th-century Neoclassical mansion with an excellent address in the Eixample neighbourhood predominantly attracts an affluent crowd who appreciate how special Cotton House Hotel is.
Previously the home of the Cotton Maker's Guild, many of its original features are dotted throughout the hotel which has a distinctly 1920s feel. History aside, the hotel has been sympathetically updated with striking artworks and contemporary furnishings ─ as seen in the wood-panelled library and squishy beds in well-appointed, spacious rooms. There’s also a very stylish restaurant/bar area with a terrace.
Hotel Bagues
Enjoy a little slice of Barcelona history when you stay at Hotel Bagues which dates back to 1850 and once housed the former headquarters of jewellery company Bagues-Masriera. In homage to its heritage, there’s a little museum displaying a collection of jewellery, along with opulent design details like Venetian glass lamps in the lounge and a huge golden sculpture by the stairs.
The location is a real highlight ─ right on La Rambla ─ but despite this the hotel doesn’t feel overwhelming and soundproofing ensures the roomy bedrooms are quiet. Further to this, a lounge and rooftop pool provide a peaceful respite from the crowds, while a sauna, fitness centre, bar and impressive breakfast complete the offering.
Serras Hotel
Attracting a well-heeled and trendy crowd, Serras Hotel is an excellent option if you’re looking for five-star stay with elegant styling and views over Port Vell marina. Interiors by Eva Martínez ooze sophistication with black trims and pops of yellow elevating a white minimalist background.
There’s also a corner dedicated to Picasso ─ the property dates back to 1846 and this was the site of his first studio. Two restaurants are overseen by a Michelin-starred chef while the rooftop bar is a great spot for cocktails and watching the boats dock. Next to this is a small pool perfect for a post-sightseeing dip, and the rooms are suitably comfortable.
Almanac Barcelona
Occupying an elegant 19th-century building with close proximity to key attractions and landmarks (and shopping!), Almanac Barcelona is where affluent city hoppers relax when they’re not out exploring the city. You’ll find them soaking in the sauna or steam room, lounging by the elegant pool on the rooftop terrace, taking in the views with an inventive cocktail at Azimuth, or tucking into plant-forward cuisine at Virens.
Interiors have been created by top designer Jaime Beriestain who blends mid-century modernism with Art Deco styling to generate a look that is both warm and easy on the eye. You can look forward to comfy, spacious rooms.
Monument Hotel
With four Michelin stars spread across two restaurants (Lasarte, three; Oria, one), beautiful interiors, a penthouse suite with butler service, plus expansive rooftop terrace with a dipping pool and buzzy bar, Monument Hotel oozes luxury from every atmospheric corner.
The Neo-Gothic palazzo, which dates back to 1896, mixes original features like the carefully restored stone staircase with modern design, and has a great location on the Passeig de Gràcia in Eixample. Famous sites including La Pedrera and Casa Batlló and the Gothic Quarter, Park Güell and Sagrada Familia are within walking distance.
Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona
Boasting an incredibly central location practically next door to Plaça de Catalunya, the Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona makes a luxurious base for exploring the best of Barcelona. Striking styling by local designer Lazaro Rosa-Violan makes spaces attractive places to linger, a look that continues to the rooms.
The lobby is a bright, spacious and art-adorned hangout, and there’s a characterful cocktail bar and snazzy rooftop terrace serving street food, sometimes with live music performances, as well as a Mediterranean restaurant if you feel like staying in.
Mandarin Oriental
One of Barcelona’s most luxurious hotels, the Mandarin Oriental is the place to be if you value high-quality amenities with lavish interiors and a historical setting to match (the building used to be a bank).
Moneyed guests base themselves here to make the most of the Passeig de Gràcia location, as well as relaxing in the spa with its lap pool and steam room; splashing about in the hotel’s rooftop dipping pool; and flitting between several wining and dining spots, most notably the Michelin-starred Catalan cuisine. Expect exceptionally comfortable beds and bathrooms with walk-in rain showers and freestanding tubs.
Majestic Hotel & Spa
Discerning travellers with a fondness for grand historic hotels and five-star facilities will love the Majestic Hotel & Spa. The property, which first opened its doors in 1918, sits on tree-lined Passeig de Gràcia, so surrounded by restaurants, cafes and designer stores and only a walk away from key sights like the Gaudí houses.
As soon as you enter, wafts of Atelier Cologne immediately set the tone, with an elegance that continues throughout. The food is outstanding ─ including the breakfasts ─ and there are artworks and sculptures everywhere. Rooms are kept up to date with king-sized beds and rain showers; the Majestic Royal Penthouse is the one to splurge for.
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