Hotel Arts Barcelona

This gleaming hotel’s rooms are spacious, many with sea or mountain views, and the large outdoor swimming pool overlooking the sea feels more like a beach resort than a city retreat.

• The view of Frank Gehry’s monumental golden fish sculpture from the hotel’s pool
• Al fresco dining at Enoteca, which was awarded two Michelin stars in 2013
• 33rd floor Club Lounge features a “cava concierge” who pours complimentary tasting flights every afternoon (Club-level only)

American travelers tend to complain that it’s difficult to find top service in Spain. It’s usually true that many of the country’s five-star hotels are not on par with those we’re accustomed to in the U.S. A real exception in Barcelona is the Hotel Arts, a Ritz-Carlton property, which has 483 rooms and is located in the Olympic Port by the sea. It’s the hotel of choice for international business people as well as famous visitors like Pierce Brosnan who usually book one of the VIP Apartments (these duplex suites on the top floors of the hotel offer twenty-four-hour butlers and amazing views of the city). There is also 43 The Spa, located on the forty-second and forty-third floors. Another perk: the outdoor pool has a great view of Frank Gehry’s steel fish sculpture.

Although the Mandarin Oriental lures many luxury travelers, the Hotel Arts remains a fantastic choice for visitors, particularly those with children, who want more of a resort experience. The hotel’s rooms are spacious, many with sea or mountain views, and stylish and comfortable with a soft color palate. The hotel is huge, so it’s worth upgrading to the Club Level or one of the recently renovated apartments, both of which have their own concierge and more personalized service. (A member who recently stayed in one of the apartments called them “spectacular.”) Families will also appreciate the ability to feed tired kids in the club lounge at an earlier dinner hour than Spaniards keep. The pool and the outdoor spaces—large, green grounds ideal for children to run around on and great outdoor dining areas—are fabulous. There are even hammocks scattered around for those looking to curl up with a book. Although the location isn’t as convenient as some of the properties on the Passeig de Gracia, taxis are available at all hours, and guests can be anywhere in the city in under ten minutes.

Families with younger children as well as groups looking for five-star service in a luxurious (and large—there are almost 500 rooms) beachfront hotel.