Visit the capital of Catalonia
In the heart of the city – Ohla
At this point, I’m sure more than a few guests have exclaimed Ohla, la! Located in the heart of Barcelona, it boasts a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor. No wonder as it’s got everything and more you’d expect from a five-star hotel.
It’s a place for people who like minimalist,modern interiors, but not too austere. The main attraction is the rooftop terrace with bar and swimming pool. From its edge you can enjoy panoramic views of the Catalan capital’s city centre.
A five-minute walk from the hotel takes you to the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia, with its characteristic soaring towers. A little further on is the social hub of Plaça de Catalunya and La Rambla, which you can walk all the way to the port. In the evening, it’s the perfect place to admire the sunset and listen to the sounds of the city as it awakens to nightlife.
This property also has the advantage of first-class service. Not only can you count on express check-in and check-out and concierge assistance, but there is also a spa, wellness centre and sauna on-site. Massages, body treatments and a sauna session will help you relax before the next day’s sightseeing.
If you are travelling to Barcelona with children, remember that the hotel offers professional childcare, available at an extra charge. Ohla also takes good care of its guests’ palates, so you can enjoy the hotel’s two restaurants, including La Plassohla, famous for its excellent tapas. For coffee and local desserts such as crema catalana, carquinyolis or panellets, head to the local café.
Say u0022Ohla, la!u0022 in Barcelona
An icon of modernism – NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón
Before you enter the NH Collection Barcelona Gran Hotel Calderón, take a look at it from the outside. The modernist exterior is the work of renowned Catalan architect Josep Rodriguez Lloveras, a designer specialising in theatres and cinemas. Situated in the heart of the Quadrant D’Or, you have to admit that both the façade and the colourful, futuristic foyer of this hotel has an artistic spirit.
This five-star hotel also has the advantage of an excellent location. The main attractions of the city centre, such as Casa Batlló, Casa Milà and La Sagrada Familia, are just a few minutes’ walk away. You can also walk to La Rambla, Plaza Catalunya or Passeig de Gracia in five minutes and to the metro station in three minutes to visit more distant attractions.
Although the hotel lobby is full of colour, the stylish and comfortable rooms are almost entirely white. This creates the ideal environment for peace and relaxation. Several rooms offer stunning views of Barcelona, both from the windows and also from the private balconies.
The attraction that brings many guests back to the hotel is the rooftop pool. From a height of a trifling 75 metres, you can admire the city in all its splendour. In autumn and winter, you can sit on the comfortable sofas and make plans for the next day in the heart of Catalonia over a glass of Catalan wine and a plate of tapas.
What about food? The hotel has a rooftop bar, Eleven BCN, and a gastro bar, Tablafina, serving Spanish specialities. Meanwhile, the breakfast buffet offers both Catalan cuisine and international hotel fare.
If you expect more from a five-star hotel than a budget property, you’ve come to the right place. You can count on concierge assistance, babysitting (available at an extra charge) and the support of the Guest Relations team to help you plan a tour of the city and surrounding area.
Feel the artistic spirit of Barcelona
Modern luxury and design – ME Barcelona
ME Barcelona is the perfect hotel choice for those looking for luxurious interiors, but who also want to have a great time in Barcelona. Located next to the Passeig de Gràcia and opposite the Teatre Tivoli, a true epicentre of culture, a stay here will allow you to soak up the best of art, design, fashion and music in the heart of Catalonia.
After six years of refurbishment, the building has a modern, minimalist exterior and a subdued but never boring interior, designed by the renowned Mur Arquitectos and ASAH studios. The common areas and rooms of different standards are dominated by a modern, light palette of earthy colours. This is broken up by interesting decorations, such as artistic photographs or the characteristic glass bottles from the Casa de Familia series, alongside furniture by local designers.
ME Barcelona promotes itself as an avant-garde source of inspiration and creativity for its guests. This cosmopolitan space offers an authentic and immersive experience, perfectly suited to Barcelona’s urban lifestyle.
What can you expect at this venue? Swim in the rooftop pool in the shadow of the historic neighbouring buildings, overlooking the city skyline. Drink at the poolside bar. Relax in the hotel’s large indoor garden, just a few minutes’ walk from Plaça de Catalunya, La Rambla, Casa Batllo and Barcelona Cathedral. Indulge in a wonderful experience at the hotel’s NURE Spa, with exclusive face and body treatments using rare plant essences. Plus delight in Mediterranean culinary adventures at one of the hotel’s three restaurants, including Terrenal.
Would you like a full hotel service during your stay? Concierge, laundry, ironing, babysitting (available at an extra charge) and 24-hour reception are all available.
Soak up the culture in the heart of Catalonia
With a sixth star – Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
It is impossible not to be enchanted by this hotel. Located in the heart of the city, just steps away from Casa Batllo and Plaça de Catalunya, Mandarin Oriental Barcelona’s modern architecture and total focus on the needs of its guests is captivating.
The interiors of the luxurious rooms were designed by renowned designer Patricia Urquiola. One of the hotel’s four restaurants, Moments, has been awarded a Michelin star. On top of this, the hotel has a fantastic spa with a full range of body treatments, HairSpa and the Vanitas Espai Beauty Room.
A complimentary free minibar with soft drinks, refilled daily, concierge service and inclusive transfers to Sants Estació Airport or Port de Barcelona also come as standard. Multilingual reception staff are available 24 hours a day to help with any queries you may have.
What would a five-star hotel in Barcelona be without a swimming pool? The Mandarin Oriental not only has a rooftop pool with stunning views of the Barri Gotic, but the modern, minimalist interior also conceals an exclusive indoor pool. You can use it in autumn and winter, regardless of the vagaries of the Catalan weather, and combine swimming with relaxation in the spa area or a workout in the fitness area.
Unlike the other hotels on this list, the rooms are not monochromatic. Instead, they look like part of a well-designed apartment, with trendy solutions and designer furniture. If you like rooms with character and natural materials, you will feel right at home here.
Experience six-star luxury
The quintessential Barcelona hotel – Monument Hotel
Do you prefer historic buildings to modern architecture? The stay in one of Barcelona’s 19th century townhouses. The Monument Hotel, located in Enric Batllo’s house in the heart of the Quadrat d’Or, is considered a jewel of local architecture. Note the wrought-iron railings of the French balconies, the brick façade and the charming staircases with oriental elements. The hotel also boasts a great location on the fashionable Paseo de Gracia, just a five-minute walk from Gaudí’s masterpieces, Casa Battló or La Pedrera.
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All elegantly decorated, soundproofed rooms have a safe with a laptop charging socket and an en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, where a velour bathrobe, soft towels and a range of luxury toiletries await you. If you need help planning an excursion in Barcelona or Catalonia, you can rely on the staff at the front desk, and the concierge will be happy to advise you on anything else.
You can also expect high standards in the property’s restaurants. The hotel’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, Lasarte, offers a wide range of dishes created by chef Martin Berasategui. Prefer something less formal? Try Oria, a bistrot serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel also has an interesting fitness area and, like others in its class, an outdoor rooftop pool.
What views can you expect when you stay at this hotel? Almost every room has large windows and a French balcony overlooking the historic buildings and greenery of the surrounding centuries-old trees. Meanwhile, the roof terrace offers panoramic views of Barcelona’s old town.
