Posted: 2/19/24 | February 19th, 2024
With its world-class food scene, rambunctious nightlife, sunny weather, and laid-back 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, admire its art and architecture (Gaudi has tons of works here), and eat all the tapas they can.
I love the energy of the city and never get tired of visiting.
While there are lots of neighborhoods to stay in, almost everything you’ll want to see or do is in just a handful of areas. I’ve been coming to the city since 2006 and have stayed at a ton of accommodations over the years.
To help you wade through the endless accommodation options, here’s my list of the best hotels in Barcelona:
1. Hotel 54
Located in La Barceloneta, a seaside area known for its bars and clubs, this stylish three-star hotel offers terrace views over the beach. The rooms have a lot of natural light and minimalist décor. They’re simple but functional, with pops of color that brighten the space and give the rooms a more vibrant look. There aren’t a lot of in-room amenities (no coffee/tea maker, no desk), but there is free Wi-Fi and a flatscreen TV in each room. The beds are large and comfortable though. The bathrooms are spacious and the showers have good pressure, but just 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 can be included in the price) that has a lot 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 just off from the main tourist areas. The rooms here are funky and unique, with large photographs on the walls (most of which are of famous sights around the city). The rooms are on the smaller size, without a ton of natural light, but they are comfortable and affordable. Basic amenities include free Wi-Fi, a small desk, and a flatscreen TV. The bathrooms aren’t super spacious but they are well maintained and have good water pressure. There’s no breakfast available but there are lots of cafes nearby if you want to grab a coffee. Overall, it’s a comfortable, no-frills spot perfect for budget travelers.
3. Hotel Casa Fuster G.L Monumento
Housed in a UNESCO-listed Modernist building right on Passeig de Gràcia, this upscale hotel makes you feel like you’re in old Europe. It has a posh jazz bar that’s lined by massive, ornate pillars that give the space a palatial feel. There’s also a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site that serves up incredible Mediterranean eats. There are plenty of other luxurious amenities here too, including a rooftop terrace with a pool, a sauna, and several other restaurants.
The rooms here are huge, airy, and let in a lot of natural light. The beds are large and comfortable and the décor is stylish and regal, with wooden accenting and hardwood floors. The bathrooms are also large and well-lit, with lots of space and great water pressure. Rooms also include a minibar, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, desk, coffee maker, and plush bathrobes. There’s a huge included breakfast too.
4. Saint Antoni Market
Located in Sant Antoni, a relatively off-the-radar neighborhood popular with foodies, Sant Antoni Market is a sleek four-star hotel. The rooms here are all apartment-style, so they’re super spacious with lots of natural light. The ceilings feature exposed beams and the rooms have hardwood floors. The overall ambiance is modern meets minimalist.
All the apartments have a kitchen, large bedrooms, a washer and dryer, tables, a couch, and both Wi-Fi and AC. (Since they’re full-service apartments, there’s no breakfast available on-site, though there are plenty of great spots nearby.) The bathrooms are roomy and feature large showers and magnifying mirrors. The staff here are super friendly and full of excellent recommendations to help you explore the neighborhood. I think it’s the best value hotel in the area. Note: During high season, there’s a minimum four-night stay.
5. Serras
This gorgeous five-star hotel is situated right in the heart of the city’s Gothic Quarter. The exterior of the hotel makes it look almost like a small castle or palace. The lobby is equally opulent, there’s an infinity pool on the roof, and there’s even a restaurant run by a Michelin-starred chef. There’s a bar and fitness center on-site too.
The rooms here are simple, elegant, and minimally designed. They’re also well-soundproofed, large with lots of natural light, and even have a small balcony where you can take in the view. There’s a nightly turndown service, rain showers in the bathroom, and complimentary newspapers and bottled water too. The breakfast (not included) has a ton of variety, including lots of fresh fruit. It’s the best non-chain luxury hotel in the area.
6. Hotel Colón
Located across from centuries-old Barcelona Cathedral, this elegant property features chic rooms with a lot of natural light from the large windows, marble floors, and beautiful minimalist decor. The beds are super comfortable and rooms include a flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, desk, and coffee/tea maker. The bathrooms are large too and the showers have excellent pressure.
The rooms have a light, airy ambiance 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 view, and the on-site restaurant serves up delicious Catalan fare (breakfast can be included too).
7. Hotel Praktik Vinoteca
This hotel is located in Eixample, a neighborhood where you’ll find lots of upscale shopping (as well as lots of works by Gaudi). Beautifully designed, the style of this three-star hotel is centered around wood. There’s a lot of wooden furniture and wooden touches decorating the rooms, which feature a lot of natural light (a nice contrast to the dark wooden decor). While they can be on the smaller size, rooms include a desk, free Wi-Fi, and a flatscreen TV. The bathrooms are a bit oddly set up too, and don’t offer a ton of privacy, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with someone.
Breakfast, while not included, is delicious (it doesn’t have a lot of variety but what is there is tasty and fresh). There’s also a beautiful courtyard with a lot of trees where you can enjoy one of the hotel’s famous wine tastings. I think this 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. By choosing one of the hotels above, you’ll ensure you stay in a fun, safe, and affordable place to stay when you visit.
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Book Your Trip to Barcelona: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide?
Barcelona has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. This day tour company will give you inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock too!
If you want to do a bike tour, check out Fat Tire Tours. They offer tours that are fun and informative. They’re my favorite company to go with. They even have some food-themed tours too.
Want More Information on Barcelona?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Barcelona for even more planning tips!
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