A room with a view: Barcelona
Wake up to panoramic views stretching from the shimmering Mediterranean to the crinkled peaks of the Serra de Collserola.
Not all hotels are equal, and in Barcelona, a room with a view of the Catalan rooftops and spires are the most in-demand. From gleaming structures that pierce the skyline, to well-established art deco retreats, we check into four properties that’ll let you cast your eyes across the capital of Catalonia.
Contemporary cool and rooftop calm at Almanac Barcelona
Just steps from the ritzy boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia, this art deco-style boutique hotel is well connected to all of Barcelona’s cultural charms, including many of Gaudi’s modernist gems that dot the surrounding Eixample district. Designed by the award-winning Jaime Beriestain Studio, the suites at Almanac Barcelona scale the hotel’s facade have clever, cantilevered glass box bay windows that allow you to view the bustling intersection below.
However, it’s up on the tiered roof terrace that the panoramas really unfold. The curved seating area of Azimuth Rooftop Bar offers an unobstructed view of the Edificio Generali building. Turn your gaze to the northeast and you’ll spot the incomplete but nonetheless iconic Sagrada Familia.
Insider tip: The rooftop pool is beautiful but small and can become a bit crowded later in the day. Early risers will be treated to not only to a quieter atmosphere, but a beautiful sunrise, as well.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes; almanachotels.com/barcelona
Seascapes and serenity at Hotel Arts
Frank Gehry’s famous fish sculpture, El Peix, announces your arrival at the seafront Hotel Arts. Just like the architect’s piece, pared back minimalism is at the heart of this establishment’s design, with an elegant mood board of earthy neutrals and restrained furnishings. Rising 44 stories above sea level, the simple interior lets the unparalleled vistas of Barcelona and its shoreline do the talking.
Guests enjoy city views with double-width windows, and the aptly named Barcelona Panoramic Room allows you to pinpoint all the major landmarks from your bed. Other highlights include a generous-sized swimming pool that sits next to the garden, complete with a children’s splash pool and quiet corners for relaxation. The spa further enhances the overall tranquility levels with its expansive treatment list and sea view sauna.
Insider tip: Step out towards Nova Icària and follow the Passeig Marítim east, away from Port Olímpic. This stretch quickly quietens, revealing a wide, open promenade used mostly by locals for walking and cycling. It’s an easy way to experience Barcelona’s shoreline at its most relaxed, with uninterrupted sea views and the twin towers of Hotel Arts and Torre Mapfre receding behind you.
Carrer de la Marina; hotelartsbarcelona.com
Modern art and garden life at Hotel Miramar
Designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, the shimmering sail-shaped W Barcelona makes a striking addition to the city skyline. The beachfront location means guests can step straight onto the sand, and every room has sea and city views through walls made entirely of glass. The interior design is as forward-thinking as the architecture, and bold splashes of color draw attention to pieces of designer furniture and pop art. The hotel encourages a buzzy, vibrant atmosphere at the beautiful outdoor pool, which is surrounded by daybeds, where guests sip cocktails to electronic beats played by resident DJs.
Insider tip: Walk out along the stone breakwater at the far end of Sant Sebastià beach, just beyond the hotel. It stretches quietly into the sea and is largely overlooked by visitors, offering uninterrupted views back to the city, Montjuïc and the sail-shaped curve of the W itself. Go early morning or at sunset for the best light and a rare sense of space right on Barcelona’s busiest shoreline.
Plaça de Carlos Ibáñez, 3; hotelmiramarbarcelona.com/en
Mountain air and a fresh perspective from Gran Hotel La Florida
This former bank has been completely modernized, with standout additions including world-renowned Catalan restaurant Moments, and a designer cocktail bar. The minimalist interior at the Mandarin Oriental melds blonde wood surfaces and a creamy pastel color scheme to calming effect, and finishing touches such as good-quality aromatherapy toiletries and leather-bound notebooks highlight the hotel's attention to detail. If shopping and art are high on the agenda, this is the ideal location, as the hotel is flanked by international luxury brands.
Insider tip: Guests can get their bearings from the wonderful rooftop swimming pool where light Peruvian-Japanese fusion is served on the terrace (open in spring and summer), meaning there's no need to abandon the comfortable daybeds for lunch. Other dining options range from all-day cuisine at stylish Blanc to summery Mediterranean cooking served among the foliage of Mimosa Garden.
Carretera de Vallvidrera al Tibidabo, 83; hotelfloridabarcelona.com/
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