With its world-class food scene, wild nightlife, sunny weather and relaxed pace, Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Europe. It’s also one of the most visited cities on the continent, bursting at the seams every summer as travelers come to explore the city, admire its art and architecture (Gaudi has tons of works here) and eat as many tapas as they can.
I love the energy of the city and never tire of visiting it.
Although there are many neighborhoods to stay in, almost everything you’d want to see or do is located in just a handful of areas. I’ve been coming to the city since 2006 and have stayed in countless accommodations over the years.
To help you choose from the endless accommodation options, here is my list of the best hotels in Barcelona:
1. Hotel 54
Located in La Barceloneta, a seaside neighborhood known for its bars and clubs, this stylish three-star hotel offers views of the beach from the terrace. Rooms have plenty of natural light and minimalist decor. They’re simple but functional, with pops of color that brighten up the space and give it a more vibrant look. There aren’t many in-room amenities (no coffee/tea maker, no desk), but there is free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV in every room. Beds are large and comfortable, though. Bathrooms are spacious and showers have good pressure, but note that the bathroom has a partial glass wall, so there’s little privacy if you’re traveling with others. There’s a bar on-site and a continental breakfast (which may be included in the price) that offers plenty of options. The hotel is just a three-minute walk from the beach.
2. Hotel BestPrice Gràcia
This budget hotel is located in the quiet Gràcia neighborhood, which is a bit away from the main tourist areas. The rooms here are funky and unique, with large photos on the walls (most of them depicting famous landmarks in the city). Rooms are on the small side and don’t get much natural light, but they’re comfortable and affordable. Basic amenities include free Wi-Fi, a small desk, and a flat-screen TV. Bathrooms aren’t particularly spacious, but they’re well-maintained and have good water pressure. There’s no breakfast, but there are plenty of cafes nearby if you want to grab a coffee. Overall, it’s a comfortable, no-frills place that’s perfect for budget travelers.
3. Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento
Set in a UNESCO-listed modernist building right on Passeig de Gràcia, this upscale hotel will make you feel like you’re in old Europe. It features a chic jazz bar lined with massive, ornate columns that give the space a palatial feel. There’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site that serves incredible Mediterranean dishes. There are plenty of other luxurious amenities here, too, including a rooftop pool, a sauna, and several other restaurants.
The rooms here are huge, airy, and let in plenty of natural light. The beds are big and comfortable, and the decor is stylish and regal, with wood accents and hardwood floors. The bathrooms are also large and well-lit, with plenty of space and great water pressure. Rooms also include a minibar, flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, a desk, coffeemaker, and fluffy bathrobes. A full breakfast is also included.
4. Saint Antoni Market
The Sant Antoni Market is a sleek four-star hotel in Sant Antoni, a relatively secluded neighborhood popular with foodies. The rooms here are all apartment-style, so they’re super spacious and have lots of natural light. The ceilings feature exposed beams and the rooms have hardwood floors. The overall feel is modern and minimalist at the same time.
All apartments have a kitchen, large bedrooms, a washer and dryer, tables, a sofa, and both WiFi and air conditioning. (Since these are full-service apartments, there is no breakfast on-site, although there are plenty of great places to eat nearby.) The bathrooms are spacious and have large showers and magnifying mirrors. The staff here is super friendly and has lots of excellent recommendations for exploring the area. I believe it’s the best value hotel in the area. Note: During peak season, the minimum stay is four nights.
5. Serras
This beautiful five-star hotel is right in the heart of the city’s Gothic Quarter. From the outside, the hotel looks almost like a small castle or palace. The lobby is just as opulent, there’s a rooftop infinity pool, and even a restaurant run by a Michelin-starred chef. There’s also a bar and fitness center on-site.
The rooms here are simple, elegant, and minimalist in design. They’re also well soundproofed, large with plenty of natural light, and even have a small balcony to enjoy the view from. There’s a nightly turndown service, rain showers in the bathroom, and free newspapers and bottled water. Breakfast (not included) has a ton of variety, including plenty of fresh fruit. It’s the best non-chain luxury hotel in the area.
6. Hotel Colón
Located across from Barcelona’s centuries-old Cathedral, this elegant property offers chic rooms with plenty of natural light from the large windows, marble floors, and beautiful minimalist decor. The beds are super comfortable and the rooms include a flat-screen TV, WiFi, a desk and a coffee/tea maker. The bathrooms are also large and the showers have excellent water pressure.
The rooms have a light, airy feel and look incredibly sleek and stylish. Overall, it’s a calm, quiet hotel in a quiet part of the neighborhood. There’s also a terrace where you can enjoy the views, and the on-site restaurant serves delicious Catalan dishes (breakfast can also be included).
7. Hotel Praktik Vinoteca
This hotel is located in Eixample, a neighborhood where you’ll find plenty of upscale shopping (as well as many works by Gaudi). The style of this beautifully designed three-star hotel revolves around wood. There’s a lot of wooden furniture and wooden features adorning the rooms, which have plenty of natural light (a nice contrast to the dark wood decor). Although they can be a bit smaller, the rooms have a desk, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. Also, the bathrooms are a bit oddly decorated and don’t offer much privacy, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with someone.
The breakfast, while not included, is delicious (there’s not much choice, but what’s there is tasty and fresh). There’s also a lovely courtyard with lots of trees where you can enjoy one of the hotel’s famous wine tastings. I think this is a good upscale hotel with reasonable prices.
I never get tired of visiting Barcelona. The food, the nightlife, the relaxed pace of life. It’s the best. If you choose any of the hotels above, you can be sure you’ll be staying in a fun, safe, and affordable place to stay when you visit.