The Lowdown on Barcelona’s Most Stylish Hotel
Overview
Towering 44 floors above the sea, Hotel Arts Barcelona is an arresting structure comprising blue glass and steel, masterfully designed by famed American architect Bruce Graham. The waterfront hotel’s 483 guest rooms and 28 luxury penthouses showcase a stylish, modernistic design accompanied by contemporary works by Catalan and Spanish artists. Coupled with a two-Michelin-star restaurant, a sumptuous rooftop spa and two outdoor pools that soar above the Mediterranean, this glamorous property remains one of Barcelona’s premier hospitality destinations.
Vibe
In summer, the hotel is packed with trendy European families, celebrities and well-heeled individuals who lead a Lucullan lifestyle. Hotel Arts Barcelona has no pretensions to five-star fuss—its ultramodern rooms crafted with a palette of greys and whites, wooden floors, plushy beds and warm lighting, give it a gemütlich atmosphere.
Decor
Boasting a striking Frank Gehry fish sculpture at the foot of the hotel, Hotel Arts Barcelona is impressive from the get-go. While the gardens and grounds are well maintained and manicured, it is the interiors that dazzle. The lobby opens up to a plethora of local art, bringing an art gallery vibe into the property. In total, the sprawling grounds boast over 500 pieces of original art by Spanish artists with different artists on each floor. Adding a botanical touch to the space is in-house florist Donna Stain with her weekly floral arrangements. Luxe urbane interiors radiate in each room with floor-to-ceiling windows that boast sea and skyline views. For a more upscale option, get the penthouse.
Amenities
Floating above the cityscape, 43 The Spa is an idyllic haven where guests are lulled into a blissful state of zen with an extensive menu of treatments by Natura Bissé. Facilities include two aquatic areas, with a hydrotherapy pool, steam baths, dry saunas, ice fountains, relaxation zones, showers, outdoor terraces and eight treatment suites. Book a massage to relieve tension and or get a facial to keep your skin supple and glowing. Once you are done, it’s easy to forget that you’re just a ten-minute drive from the bustle of downtown Barcelona.
Food & Drink
The hotel’s crowning glory is two-Michelin-starred Enoteca. Paco Pérez, Catalonia’s highest awarded chef, who has a total of six Michelin stars under his belt, knows textures, flavours and aromas at the back of his hand Dishes are wonderfully fresh and generously sized with an exceptional wine list of over 700 fine wines to choose from. The tasting menu, available from Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, includes smoked wagyu, lobster salpicón with sustainable chilli crab and sea cucumber fricandó accompanied by stewed tendons.
For a more laid-back experience, head to the al fresco Marina Coastal Club. At lunchtime, the restaurant’s shaded terrace buzzes with diners sharing casual platters from an extensive Mediterranean-influenced menu. Come nightfall, the vibe shifts towards a more intimate setting and the offerings follow suit. Expect meats, grilled fish and a variety of tapas such as gambas al ajillo, croquetas de jamón ibérico and crudos.
Neighbourhood
Top attractions like Las Ramblas and La Sagrada Familia are in the vicinity, while Port de Barcelona, Port Olimpic, Barceloneta Beach and Nova Icaria Beach are all within walking distance from the hotel.
Address: Carrer de la Marina, 19-21, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Prices for Deluxe Guest Rooms are from 400€++, Executive Suites: 600€++, Club: 700€++ and Penthouses: 1,000€++