More Than a Place to Rest Your Head: 7 of the Best Hotels in Barcelona

Hotels That Are Sure to PleaseOne of the world’s most beautiful cities, it’s not a question of whether to go to Barcelona, but perhaps where to stay once you’ve arrived. Whether you’re looking to book one of the very best hotels in Barcelona, complete with all the luxuries, a boutique hotel for a more unique experience, a budget-friendly room, or perhaps something near the Gothic Quarter or the airport, we’ve got you covered.Check out these excellent accommodation options for your trip to Barcelona.Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: Hotel MarketIdeally located in a renovated building just north of the old Sant Antoni market, this hip spot has a vibrant, chic atmosphere and funky meets elegant-style design. Rates at the Hotel Market start at just over $100 a night and it offers some wonderful little touches throughout, making it one of the best cheap hotels in Barcelona.Pick up a fresh apple and complimentary mineral water at reception, and then head to your room with its black-and-white theme, over-sized armoire, bold prints and wide-plank floors. Bathrooms come with rain showers, and some rooms include a small balcony. Book a suite and you’ll get a spacious private terrace to relax on too.The restaurant and bar located on the main floor offers outdoor seating for dining al fresco on a pleasant day, and serves a breakfast buffet with items like breads, cheeses, fruit, ham, pastries and cereal. Later in the day look forward to tasty, simple dishes like grilled fish, risotto, pasta and salads, best paired with a bottle of the red Bancal del Bosc.Best Luxury Hotel: Mandarin OrientalWhile there is no shortage of grand hotels in Barcelona, the Mandarin Oriental is a standout when it comes to luxuries. This ultra-luxe option sits within a converted 19th-century bank building and impresses from the start with friendly doormen, a cream-and-gold colored lobby and a towering white atrium.Every detail is flawless, with light-filled rooms in ivory featuring hardwood floors and minimalist lines, along with upscale perks like Apple docking stations, leather-bound notebooks, high-end toiletries, yoga mats and hair straighteners. There’s a gym and a lavish spa with a pool, as well as a rooftop terrace with a plunge pool and multiple dining options.Sip creative cocktails at the Bankers’ Bar or drinks alongside Peruvian gastronomic delights on the rooftop Terrat. Blanc offers a fabulous tasting menu, and on Sundays, enjoy a spectacular brunch buffet.Best Boutique Hotel: Hotel BaguésThe Hotel Bagués is set within the historic El Regulador palace, the former home of the Bagués-Masriera family's jewelry workshop. You'll see evidence of the building's past throughout the five-star, boutique hotel, including an exhibit featuring items from the original collection. Additionally, every room is like its own little museum with jewelry dating from the 19th century encased in glass.Beyond that are dark wood and concrete walls, rich leather day beds and light wood floors. Each room includes a Nespresso machine, and some suites even come with an outdoor Jacuzzi. There’s also a gym and rooftop plunge pool.Best Bed and Breakfast: Barcino 147One of the most popular B&Bs in Barcelona, the Barcino 147 is just a five-minute walk from famous La Rambla street along with a host of restaurants and bars. It has a comfortable, modern-meets-historic vibe, and is owned by a Barcelona-native artist and collector who studied at the same school as Picasso and who happily provides a wealth of information about the city and its art.Elegant rooms feature antique furnishings, original oil paintings, and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs. Some include a private balcony, while suites add a living area. There are also one- and two-bedroom apartments that come with kitchens for those occasional nights you want to dine in.Best City Center Hotel: Hotel 1898Set right along La Rambla, it doesn’t get more central than Hotel 1898. Only a minute’s walk from the major transport hub of Placa Catalunya, it features a fabulous mix of grand architecture with a colonial feel and colorful, quirky decor. It has a popular rooftop pool with an alfresco bar that’s ideal for hanging out in the summer, and an indoor pool for swimming during the chillier months of the year.Classic movies are shown in the lobby (or on the roof when weather permits) and there’s also a gym and spa. Select from a range of rooms, with smaller options facing an interior patio. Head up another level and you’ll get a view of La Rambla, while the most luxurious rooms come with their own private terrace.Hotel 1898 also hosts the El Indo restaurant, which services Mediterranean-fusion fare, and an excellent cocktail bar in the lobby, complete with live music on weekends.Best Hotel Near the Gothic Quarter: Mercer Hotel BarcelonaNestled along the winding, narrow alleyways of the Gothic Quarter, the Mercer Hotel Barcelona provides a blend of historic and modern, set in a restored heritage building with origins dating to the first century. The ancient walls house lots of luxuries and stylish decor, with suites on the highest floor providing views of the Gothic streets and 14th-century archaeological ruins.There’s also an impressive plunge pool where one can admire the city’s rooftops while enjoying a refreshing swim. Enjoy casual dining at Le Bouchon on tapas and local specialties, or fine dining at the Mercer Restaurant.Best Hotel Near Barcelona Airport: Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto BarcelonaWhile it may be part of the international hotel chain Best Western, the Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto Barcelona is generally the highest-rated hotel a short drive from the airport. The concrete exterior can be a bit off-putting, but it holds plenty of upscale perks inside, as well as being conveniently located for catching an early morning flight.If you want to relax beforehand, or perhaps after that long-haul flight in, you’ll find a heated pool and sauna on the ground floor. Enjoy fresh market fare in its Gran Mercat restaurant, and comfortable rooms complete with free WiFi.

More Than a Place to Rest Your Head: 7 of the Best Hotels in Barcelona

Best Hotel Near Barcelona Airport: Hotel Alfa Aeropuerto Barcelona

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