A Luxury Stay: 5 Star Hotels In Barcelona
A CURATED LIST OF THE BEST FIVE STAR HOTELS IN BARCELONA
There are almost 50 five star hotels in Barcelona, but if you want to splurge during your stay, choosing the right hotel is crucial to make your trip a success. If you are trying to figure out which are the very best, you can’t miss today’s post in which we are sharing our favorite top hotels in town and why everyone aiming at the most high-end service should consider staying there. There is a choice for every personality and need. And we’ve sorted them out by area for you: City Center, Eixample, Gothic Quarter, Ramblas, Port, Beaches and Other.
Best 5 star hotels in Barcelona City Centre
What does "Barcelona city centre" really means? ALL the hotels in Barcelona try to convince you that they are very centrally located. "Only" 10 minutes from the city center (sure, by subway - walking probably some 40 minutes...). Do you know what a local means when we speak about the city center? We mean Plaça Catalunya and its immediate surroundings. Unfortunately, there's no 5 star hotel right on that square (there's a few 4-star hotels, though). So here are the ones that are the closest:
1
Me Barcelona
Located around the corner of Passeig de Gracia, the elegant shopping street, but giving to and interesting Eixample street with little traffic with local life (the headquarters of a famous radio station and an old theater are right across the street), this hotel has a urban and young vibe and organizes cultural events for guests and locals alike. The hotel is run by the reputable Spanish hotel chain Melia, with venues all over the world. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star
LOCATION: 3 minutes from Plaça Catalunya (one block)
SPECIAL FEATURES: Rooftop bar and pool, organic vegan spa, fitness room, queer-friendly, pet-friendly.
2
Gran Hotel Calderon
This well stablished hotel is run by NH, a Spanish chain with hotels in Europe and Latin America. It is also located also Eixample, but in a livelier street: Rambla Catalunya, which is considered the elegant continuation of the more touristy Las Ramblas, and a more local shopping version of Passeig de Gracia. Locals come here for shopping more affordable clothes, shoes and bags, as well as to eat tapas. The hotel has gone through a complete renovation to update it to modern needs and style. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star
LOCATION: 5 minutes from Plaça Catalunya (two blocks)
SPECIAL FEATURES: Rooftop pool and terrace, fitness room, adapted for wheelchairs and blind people, parking.
3
Ohla Barcelona
The Ohla Barcelona was the first urban hotel of the Aqua Catalan beach resort chain in Barcelona city. Their goal was to create a stylish venue that would have a special focus on food and drinks at the highest level, as well as art (the entire hotel is decorated with contemporary art and design signature pieces). It is located in a busy avenue that crosses the Old Town, connecting the Eixample with the Port. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star
LOCATION: 5 minutes from Plaça Catalunya (two blocks)
SPECIAL FEATURES: Michelin star restaurant, rooftop bar and pool.
Top 5 star hotels in Eixample (Barcelona)
4
El Palace
Our list of luxury hotels in Barcelona has also room for classics. The elegance of the old school hotels can be found here, and it captivated even Salvador Dali himself. The hotel has been going through a complete refurbishment process, and now it is up to compete at the highest level with the other best hotels in town. Really great location half way between the Old Town and Passeig de Gracia. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 8 minutes from Plaça Catalunya (three blocks), two blocks of lower Passeig de Gracia.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Michelin star restaurant, rooftop bar and pool, speak-easy cocktail bar, cigar bar, Mayan spa.
SIMILAR TO EL PALACE: You’ll find a similar classic style within the Eixample district at the Cotton House, just a couple of doors down the street.
5
Mandarin Oriental Barcelona
The Barcelona venue of this exclusive Asian hotel chain is strategically located in the heart of the high end shopping district and only one block away from Gaudi’s Casa Batllo. Refinement and perfection at its finest, with everything that the most exigent guest can require. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 10 minutes from Plaça Catalunya (three blocks), one block from Gaudi’s Casa Batllo.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Michelin star restaurant, rooftop bar and pool, cocktail bar, spa with indoor pool, fitness center.
SIMILAR TO THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL: You’ll find the familiar feel of a well known international label at the Hotel Renaissance Barcelona, by Marriott (ATTENTION: Do not confuse with the Renaissance Fira, which is in the suburbs)
6
Majestic Hotel & Spa
The Majestic has been for decades one of the best hotels in Barcelona. Travelers that see the Mandarin too snobby and the Palace too classical will find at the Majestic the perfect balance. And shopping lovers will also adore to have Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Loui Buitton literally around the corner. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL | Member of The Leading Hotels of the World
LOCATION: 15 minutes from Plaça Catalunya (three blocks), one block from Gaudi’s Casa Batllo and two from Gaudi’s Casa Mila.
SPECIAL FEATURES: gastronomic restaurant, rooftop bar and pool, drink bar, spa with water circuit, fitness center, art collection, certified green hotel.
SIMILAR TO THE MAJESTIC: You’ll find a similar 5-star offer with fine restaurants, great rooftops and wellness centers at the Monument and the Claris hotels.
7
The One
You like feeling special and trendy. You appreciate hotels with a modern feel, a great rooftop, a nice restaurant, an if possible a spa where you can be pampered during your vacation. The One is a contemporary luxury hotel run by the Spanish hotel chain H10, with dozens of urban hotels in Europe and beach resorts around the Caribbean. Its location on a business street one block away from Passeig de Gracia allows you to get the feel of the local daily life, while still being really close to the tourist sites and the shopping district. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 20 minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya, one block from Gaudi’s Casa Mila.
SPECIAL FEATURES: gastronomic restaurant, rooftop bar, spa with water circuit and sauna, fitness.
SIMILAR TO THE ONE: Similar options are the Ohla Eixample, the Alma, the Almanac and the Sir Victor.
8
Casa Fuster
The hotels we’ve discussed so far are relatively large. But if you prefer boutique hotels, I totally love this building by the modernist architect Domenech i Muntaner, that has been restored to blend the charm of the early 1900s with a modern luxurious touch. The location is also good: walking distance from the apartment buildings by Gaudi as well as some of the best restaurants and shopping in town, and right next to the Gracia neighborhood famous for its plazas and cafes. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL Monument | Member of The Leading Hotels of the World
LOCATION: 25 minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya, three blocks from Gaudi’s Casa Mila.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Michelin star restaurant, modernist architecture, jazz club, rooftop pool and bar, parking, fitness room, sauna, certified green hotel.
SIMILAR TO CASA FUSTER: You’ll find authentic modernist rooms and a five star service at the nearby and El Palauet Living Barcelona hotel.
5 star hotels: Barcelona Gothic Quarter & Born
9
Hotel Mercer
A secret boutique hotel located in an alley off the beaten path of the Barri Gotic, the building is partly a medieval mansion and partly a section of the Roman wall – a wonderful choice for history buffs and people looking for privacy. Just take into account that most taxis won’t accept to drive through such a narrow alley: ask the hotel to arrange a transfer for you if you don’t want to have to carry your luggage a couple of blocks from where a normal taxi can drop you off – the hotel has the right contacts! Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 25 minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya, 5 minutes walk from the Cathedral.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Mediterranean restaurant, tapas bar, Roman ruins, medieval architecture, rooftop pool and bar, cocktail bar.
SIMILAR TO HOTEL MERCER: The other historical 5 star hotel in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona is the Hotel Neri, a Relais Chateaux.
10
Hotel Barcelona Edition
The Edition is the choice for people looking for modernity and convenience. It’s not located in a small backstreet, but on a wide plaza next to a lively food market, Santa Caterina, in the middle of the Born district. So it’s way more easily reachable by taxi than the average 5 star hotel in the Gothic Quarter. The hotel breaths sophistication and offers great city views. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 10 minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya, 4 minutes walk from the Cathedral.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Drinks bar, rooftop pool and bar, speak-easy cocktail bar with pool table, night club, fitness room, certified green hotel, accessible rooms, family rooms.
11
Grand Hotel Central
The Grand Hotel Central is a historical building located in the main street that separates the Gothic Quarter from the Born district: Via Laietana. A modernist building that reminds us of the commercial success of Catalonia in the late 1800’s, but whose back faces the medieval backstreets of the Old Town. Its infinity pool and rooftop bar caused sensation when it was first inaugurated, being one of the first of its kind in the city. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star
LOCATION: 10 minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya, 3 minutes walk from the Cathedral.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Rooftop pool and bar, beauty spa with dry and wet sauna, fitness room, gourmet bistrot and bar.
12
Kimpton Vividora
A vibrant design hotel half way between the city buzz of Plaça Catalunya and the historical vibe of the Gothic Quarter, in a side street off La Rambla, but reacheable by taxi. A hotel designed for young adults (or young at heart) that love to live informally and enjoy life. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star
LOCATION: 6 minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya, 5 minutes walk from the Cathedral.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Rooftop pool and bar, beauty spa, fitness room, yoga classes, drink bar and restaurant.
13
Hotel Wittmore | Adults Only
The only Adults-Only 5-star hotel in Barcelona, it combines the Barcelona feel with a touch of British glamour. Only 22 rooms in a backstreet at the bottom of the Gothic Quarter and very close to the Port Vell marina. The alley is narrow but very short: a taxi driver can drop you off just 20m / 65ft from the hotel door. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL | Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
LOCATION: 15 minutes walk from Plaça Catalunya, 8 minutes walk from the Cathedral, one block from the Port Vell marina.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Rooftop plunge pool, tapas bar, certified green hotel.
5 star hotels in Barcelona near Las Ramblas
14
Le Meridien
A classic of the Barcelona 5 star hotel offer, Le Meridien is a Marriott hotel. The building has been recently renovated into a modern design that caters both pleasure and business trips. Its location towards the top of La Rambla is very convenient to visit the Gothic Quarter as well as to head to Passeig de Gracia. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 5 minutes from Plaça Catalunya, two blocks from La Boqueria.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Rooftop, drink bar, restaurant, treatment room, fitness room.
15
Hotel Bagués
A hotel run by jewelers? Yes! The Bagues-Masriera family have been on the jewelry business for over a century, when they became famous for their delicate modernist creations inspired in art nouveau butterflies, dragonflies and fairies. The building where their workshop used to be has become now a refined boutique hotel, and in its mezzanine you’ll find a small museum with some of their most beautiful pieces. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star Monument | Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
LOCATION: 7 minutes from Plaça Catalunya, one block from La Boqueria.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Rooftop bar and pool, drink bar, jewelry museum, fitness room.
15
DO Plaça Reial
Plaça Reial is a lively porched plaza with water fountains, palm trees and a couple of streetlamps designed by Gaudi when he was young. Quieter during daytime, lively during meal times when people flock to its restaurants and cafes, very busy at night with its drink bars and nightclubs. Here you’ll find this boutique hotel (with sound-proof windows) housed in a fancy neoclassical building. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 13 minutes from Plaça Catalunya, 7 minutes from La Boqueria.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Rooftop bar and pool, tapas bar.
Barcelona 5 star beach hotels
16
Hotel Arts Ritz Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton is one of our favorite Barcelona 5 star hotels on the beach, and it’s considered by many the best hotel in Barcelona, too. Great in the summer when you want to be near the beach and enjoy the swimming pool and the garden, as well as be close to all those restaurants and nightclubs by the beach. Excellent service, high end spa, and its views over the city are also hard to beat! Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 14 minutes DRIVE from Plaça Catalunya, one block from Platja del Somorrostro.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Highest building in Barcelona, Michelin restaurant, garden pool, drink bar, spa, gym.
17
Hotel Skipper
Almost next door to the Ritz Carlton, the Skipper belongs to the Sofitel French hotel chain and it’s a great alternative to its more exclusive neighbour. It may not have a spa but… it’s got two pools that beat the one at the Ritz Carlton! Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star
LOCATION: 13 minutes DRIVE from Plaça Catalunya, one block from Platja del Somorrostro.
SPECIAL FEATURES: 2 pools (one of them salt-water heated pool, the other an infinity pool), bar, pet-friendly, wheelchair-accessible, parking, fitness room, rooftop bar, cocktail bar, restaurants.
18
W Hotel (Hotel Vela)
Maybe one of the most expensive hotels in Barcelona, but if you worship design and you leave a trendy lifestyle, this is definitely the hotel for you in Barcelona. You will love it’s cocktail bar with amazing views of the city, and its location by the beach (although you will need to be open-minded here: many people frequenting this part of the local beach are naked gay). Book your room here >>.
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 17 minutes DRIVE from Plaça Catalunya, one block from Platja de Sant Sebastia.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Pool, drink bar, restaurants, spa, night club.
Barcelona 5 star hotels near the cruise port
19
Hotel Eurostars Grand Marina
The Grand Marina is the only hotel located right next to the Moll de Barcelona terminals, where small ships and boutique sailing cruises dock. From here you can easily walk to the beginning of La Rambla (Columbus statue), and the hotel has views over the Port Vell marina with sailing boats are. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 14 minutes DRIVE from Plaça Catalunya, 9 minutes walk from Columbus statue, 1 minute walk from Moll de Barcelona, 11 minutes drive from Moll Adossat.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Restaurant, rooftop cocktail bar and pool, parking, fitness center.
20
Soho House
The Soho House is owned by a British private club and located in a historical building from the 1700’s facing the Port Vell and with the Gothic Quarter extending at its back. While it’s a space designed for the club members to stay on their trips, the rooms can also be booked by non-members but you are requested to respect the privacy of the VIPs staying there. Children have to follow special rules – check before you book. Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star
LOCATION: 13 minutes DRIVE from Plaça Catalunya, 6 minutes walk from Columbus statue, 6 minutes drive from Moll de Barcelona, 14 minutes drive from Moll Adossat.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Restaurant, drink bar, pool, gym, spa, art collection.
21
The Serras
Only one block away from the Soho House, the Serras is a great option, too. According to the jury of Boutique Hotel Awards, “If God ordered a boutique hotel in this city, it’d be The Serras”. Spectacular rooftop, tasteful contemporary design, too bad it doesn’t have a spa! Book your room here >>
CATEGORY: 5-star GL
LOCATION: 13 minutes DRIVE from Plaça Catalunya, 8 minutes walk from Columbus statue, 6 minutes drive from Moll de Barcelona, 14 minutes drive from Moll Adossat.
SPECIAL FEATURES: Restaurant, drink bar, rooftop pool and bar, family-friendly.
Barcelona five star hotels off the beaten path
In the Hill of Montjuic:
- Hotel Intercontinental (5*)
- Hotel Miramar (5*GL)
Near Sants train station:
- Nobu (5*)
Near the FC Barcelona Stadium:
- Sofia (5*GL)
- Melia Sarria (5*)
Uptown districts – Sarria St. Gervasi:
- Abac (5*GL)
- Gran Hotel La Florida (5*GL)
- Primero Primera (5*)
- Hotel Boutique Mirlo (5*)
- The Level by Melia Barcelona Sky (5*)
Near the Airport:
- Regency Tower (5*)
What is your top choice for a 5 star hotel in Barcelona?
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
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