Top 10 Hotels in Barcelona for an Authentic Local Experience

Barcelona offers an abundance of attractions: stunning architecture, exceptional museums, and a cutting-edge dining scene. The tourist numbers reflect this, with around 8.5 million visitors annually before the pandemic. In response to this influx, hotels have emerged throughout the city, ranging from stylish accommodations in the historic center to modern options on the quieter outskirts, alongside enduring luxury hotels that have withstood the test of time.

While Barcelona is very walkable, selecting a hotel that aligns with your itinerary is wise. The extensive Eixample district is centrally situated, housing many iconic landmarks, including Gaudí’s masterpieces: Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló, and La Pedrera. The city’s medieval core, the Gothic Quarter, boasts a charming, atmospheric vibe but is also bustling with bars and restaurants, making it a popular tourist area. To escape the crowds, consider staying in more residential neighborhoods like Gràcia or Poblenou. For beach lovers, the coastal district of Barceloneta is ideal.

We’ve curated a selection of the 10 best hotels in Barcelona—ranging from luxurious five-star establishments to stylish boutiques and tranquil urban retreats—all embodying the essence of the Catalan capital and its diverse offerings.

Casa Bonay

Housed in a grand neoclassical building from 1869 on Gran Via, this independently operated boutique hotel blends charming original features with modern design. Its 67 rooms boast high ceilings and tall windows, alongside beautifully restored mosaic-tiled floors; the standout accommodations are the Courtyard Terrace rooms, which include spacious patios outfitted with outdoor showers and loungers for glimpses into neighboring gardens.

Most of the furnishings in the hotel are crafted by local artisans, featuring custom wooden pieces and vibrant bedspreads made from sustainable natural fabrics. However, it’s in the lively public areas where Casa Bonay truly excels, offering a buzz that locals adore. Relax at the chic Libertine cocktail bar, enjoy tapas at the intimate Bodega Bonay, grab a flat white at Satan’s Coffee Corner, or indulge in grilled dishes at the Chiringuito rooftop.

Sir Victor Hotel

Sir Victor features a striking modern façade, with its curving white balconies resembling the turning pages of a book, offering a bold contrast to the refined 19th-century architecture prevalent in the Eixample district. Originally opened as the Hotel Omm in 2003, it was one of the city’s pioneering design hotels; in 2019, the Amsterdam-based Sir Hotels took the helm, refreshing the interiors for a more polished atmosphere. While the expansive circular bar at the trendy Mr. Porter restaurant invites socializing, many guests head straight to the rooftop terrace for breathtaking views of Gaudí’s La Pedrera and Sagrada Familia, along with some excellent cocktails.

The Sir brand takes pride in delivering imaginative, locally inspired experiences for guests, offering six unique excursions, such as vinyl shopping with a Barcelona DJ or a neighborhood wine tour guided by a local sommelier. Don’t miss the mezzanine library, filled with books by or about women, honoring Caterina Albert i Paradís, whose pen name, Víctor Català, inspired the hotel’s name.

Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection

Once a gathering place for affluent merchants, this 19th-century neoclassical palace served as the headquarters of the Catalan Cotton Textile Foundation until its transformation into an 83-room luxury hotel in 2015. A careful renovation preserved its historic charm, featuring the grand marble staircase, detailed wood-coffered ceilings, and parquet floors, while integrating modern design elements and contemporary art, curated by Barcelona interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán.

The blend of old and new is evident throughout the hotel, particularly in the first-floor suites, where chic black and white furnishings offer a striking contrast to the original marquetry floors, frescoed ceilings, and elaborate moldings. Larger rooms and suites come equipped with pull-out sofas for families, while the expansive duplex Vichy Suite accommodates up to six guests with two sofa beds. In homage to the building’s history, an in-house bespoke shirt-tailoring service is available at L’Atelier, allowing guests to select their fabric while professionals take precise measurements. On the culinary side, Batuar presents delightful Mediterranean-inspired tapas and main courses, available in both the brasserie-style dining room and the spacious, shaded terrace. Unlike many eateries in Barcelona, it provides continuous service from morning until midnight.

Seventy Barcelona

Nestled on the edge of Eixample and Gràcia, this chic 152-room hotel is conveniently close to major attractions like Gaudí’s La Pedrera and just across from the vibrant, village-like Gràcia, known for its leafy squares and local dining and drinking spots. Guests can enjoy a complimentary weekly tour that explores the bohemian charm of the neighborhood, featuring stops at a traditional tapas bar, a cutting-edge art gallery, and the cocktail lounge Old Fashioned.

There’s no shortage of activities within the hotel, whether you prefer a trendy central bar, a bustling rooftop complete with a pool, bar, and sun deck, or a serene retreat in the courtyard patio adorned with native olive trees and Mediterranean-inspired tapas. Relax at the Seventy Spa, featuring an indoor pool, several saunas, and a selection of treatments using entirely natural, vegan products. The eco-friendly hotel was built with sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies, including insulated windows, solar panels, and automated climate control and lighting systems.

The Hoxton Poblenou

It’s no surprise that the city’s trendiest new hotel is situated in one of its coolest neighborhoods: Poblenou, a former industrial area now transformed into a hipster hotspot, complete with converted warehouses housing co-working spaces, artisanal coffee shops, and slow-food eateries. With its Detroit-style pizza place and rooftop taqueria, the Hoxton blends seamlessly into the scene, and you’ll likely find yourself vying for a table alongside locals, especially at sunset. The nine-story, 240-room hotel is larger than most, yet feels cozy due to homey design elements like terra-cotta floors, handcrafted tapestries, and locally sourced artwork. Designed with families, small groups, or extended stays in mind, the new “Homey Up” room category offers ample privacy and space, featuring two separate bedrooms, along with a kitchenette and dining area. A retail section showcases products from some of Barcelona’s finest artisans, including sustainable clothing from Brava Fabrics, organic cosmetics from Rowse, and ethical chocolate from Lot Roasters.

Mercer Hotel Barcelona

Few neighborhoods worldwide can rival the charm of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, characterized by its winding cobblestone streets flanked by medieval structures and sprinkled with Roman-era artifacts. The Mercer is situated right in the midst of it, tucked away down one of these narrow alleys and literally built into the ancient Roman defense walls. A former watchtower has been transformed into a cozy library, while the original stone walls have been integrated into the modern cocktail bar and sleek Catalan haute-cuisine restaurant.

Historical features are present throughout the 28 rooms, especially in the third-floor suite, which boasts sloping 18th-century wooden ceilings and pointed archways from the Middle Ages. A calm, sophisticated atmosphere permeates the hotel—this is not a party venue—and it is particularly noticeable on the rooftop terrace, an exclusive space for guests that includes a plunge pool, bar, and beautiful views of the nearby church spires.

Kimpton Vividora Barcelona

New hotels are a rarity in the historic Gothic Quarter, making the debut of this 156-room Kimpton property in summer 2020 quite a sensation. The brand collaborated with Barcelona-based design firm El Equipo Creativo to craft Vividora’s distinctive aesthetic, merging modern design with traditional Catalan elements, such as vibrant geometric ceramic tiles and local artwork. Rooms are inspired by the surroundings, featuring earthy terracotta hues reminiscent of the mountains and cool blues that evoke the Mediterranean Sea. The rooftop Terraza de Vivi draws both guests and locals, offering stunning views of the Barcelona Cathedral and a daily brunch featuring bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys. Additionally, Kimpton’s renowned evening Social Hour allows guests to connect over complimentary local wine and vermouth, along with perks like free bike and skateboard rentals.

Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona

Situated on the prestigious Passeig de Gràcia shopping avenue, this grande dame has been a benchmark of luxury since its opening in 1918. Affluent guests and locals mingle amidst the neoclassical stone columns of the sophisticated lobby bar and at the rooftop restaurant La Dolce Vitae, which offers breathtaking views of the Sagrada Familia. The 272 classic rooms are adorned in a calming palette of creams and beiges; some provide views of Passeig de Gràcia and Gaudí’s iconic Casa Batlló, while the ninth-floor penthouse suites boast expansive terraces with outdoor Jacuzzis and stunning city vistas. (All guests can admire the fabulous art collection displayed along the hallways of the penthouse level.) This family-friendly hotel features rooms and suites with sofa beds, along with connecting room options. Among the Majestic’s exclusive offerings is “Remarkable Residences,” providing access to lesser-known Modernista mansions like Casa Rocamora or Casa Amatller, where guests can enjoy a private dinner surrounded by breathtaking Catalan architecture.

Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona

At this stylish, family-owned boutique hotel, conveniently located just off the bustling Plaza Catalunya, you’re just as likely to encounter a Barcelonian as another guest. The popular menú del día (lunch menu) is served in the charming, plant-filled Greenhouse Restaurant, but the newly updated rooftop terrace is what truly attracts visitors, featuring local DJs and live bands from Wednesday to Sunday. Its casual street-food menu stands out with elevated versions of Catalan tapas, such as Russian salad prepared with fresh seared tuna instead of the usual canned variety. Out of the hotel’s 91 rooms, over half include balconies; recent renovations have introduced light-wood flooring and Instagram-friendly turquoise-tiled bathrooms. For a luxurious experience, consider booking the top-floor Terrace Suite, complete with original artwork and a spacious wooden patio enveloped in greenery.

W Barcelona

A striking addition to the city's skyline, this glassy, sail-shaped structure rises 27 stories above the Barcelona coast, providing breathtaking views of the city, beach, marina, and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. Almost every area in this 473-room urban sanctuary is designed with a sea-facing orientation, including the outdoor pools, restaurant terraces, and seasonal beach club; even the gym and spa offer stunning water views. This is the go-to destination for Barcelona’s trendy youth, featuring DJs on the pool deck during summer and the chic Eclipse bar serving lively music, exquisite cocktails, and sweeping views from 26 stories high all year round. However, upon entering the sleek, modern rooms, tranquility takes over, offering spectacular vistas of the city, sea, or both, framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Leveraging its coastal location, the hotel provides a range of watersport activities, such as Pilates and yoga on stand-up paddleboards.