Where to Stay & Best Hotels // Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona’s allure lies in its mix of history and modernity, drawing travelers to its vibrant streets and diverse neighborhoods. The question of where to stay is pivotal, shaping your experience of the city. In this guide, I’ve combed through Barcelona’s hundreds of hotels and narrowed them down to a few great properties, organized by neighborhood and budget.
The hotels selected below are all very highly related. They are almost all 8.5+ stars on Booking.com, and most of them are 9+ stars. When we select a hotel to stay, we almost only stay at 9+ stars, so these are all properties I considered (or would consider) when going to Barcelona.
If you want a tl;dr of where to stay, jump to the end, where I give top recommendations based on your preferred type of stay.
The hotels listed here are listed as:
Luxury: 5-star
Upscale: 4-star
Mid-Range: 3-star
Budget: 1 or 2-star, or a hostel
How Expensive is Accommodation?
As you’ll see from the list, Barcelona is not super cheap, even at the budget end. In general, here is what you can expect to spend in Barcelona:
2-star hotel: €50 - €125 per night
3-star hotel: €125 - €250 per night
4-star hotel: €250 to €400 per night
5-star hotel: €400+ per night
Of course, these cost can go up or down based on the time of year and demand (eg. off-season might be cheaper), and you can always try to find discounts on Booking.com or on the hotel website directly. These prices are also based on a standard room at this level — each hotel can offer deluxe rooms or rooms with a view that may be (well) outside these price ranges.
Now, let’s help you find a hotel you’ll love.
The Gothic Quarter (Barri Gòtic)
Exploring the Gothic Quarter, the old city center of Barcelona, is a must do while in Barcelona. The Gothic Quarter also has so much historical charm: its narrow medieval streets are filled with cafes, boutiques, and historic landmarks. It’s a central location close to many attractions.
Pros:
Historical charm with narrow streets and medieval buildings.
Proximity to many attractions like the Barcelona Cathedral.
Wide range of cafes, bars, and boutiques.
Cons:
Can get crowded, especially in peak tourist season.
Limited modern amenities compared to newer neighborhoods.
Recommended Hotels:
Luxury: Hotel Neri Relais & Châteaux
This boutique hotel is nestled in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, offering a luxurious and historical atmosphere. Its unique character and top-notch service make it a memorable choice.
Upscale: Aparthotel Arai 4* Superior
Beautiful on the outside, this hotel offers rooms that are spacious and tastefully decorated, while preserving the Barcelona charm. They also offer a room for up to 4 (including the use of 2 sofa beds).
Mid: H10 Raco del Pi
The H10 hotel chain provides cute stays with affordable prices. This hotel also offers Triple Rooms, if you’re traveling in a group of 3.
Budget: Hostal Fernando
Hostal Fernando offers basic accommodations at an affordable price, perfect for travelers who are looking to spend more time exploring the neighborhood than in their rooms.
El Born
Sandwiched between the Gothic Quarter and Parc de la Ciutadella, El Born is a small neighborhood known for its artistic vibe, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. It’s where you’ll find the Picasso Museum, Santa Maria del Mar Basilica, and the world’s best bar, Paradiso.
Pros:
Artistic and trendy vibe with local boutiques and galleries.
Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.
Proximity to the beach, Gothic Quarter, and Parc de la Ciutadella.
Cons:
Can be noisy at night due to the nightlife.
Narrow streets and limited parking options.
Recommended Hotels:
Upscale: Decô Apartments Barcelona-Born
This hotel can sleep between 3 and 8 people. The building is historic and recently renovated, and the rooms are luxurious and spacious, with kitchenettes. This would be great choice for a family, or a large group of friends.
Mid-Range: Pension Ciudadela
The rooms here are fairly spacious and many come with balconies for you to see Barcelona from. There’s also a balcony on the roof people seem to enjoy.
Budget: Hostal Orleans
People love the location, cleanliness, and friendly staff, but there’s no elevator, so don’t stay here if that’s a dealbreaker.
Gràcia
The Gràcia neighborhood (Vila de Gràcia) is a charming and distinct district known for its bohemian atmosphere, artistic spirit, and strong sense of community. Bordered by Park Güell and Tibidabo to the north and Eixample to the south, it is a bit further from Barcelona’s main sites (though closer to the ones that, if you stayed closer to the city center, would be a little far!). Gràcia offers a unique and slightly offbeat/more local experience compared to some of the more central areas of the city.
Pros:
Relaxed and local atmosphere. Less touristy.
Independent shops, cafes, and markets.
Quaint squares and parks.
Cons:
Further from the city center and major attractions.
Limited upscale amenities compared to other neighborhoods.
Recommended Hotels:
Luxury: ABaC Restaurant & Hotel
As its name implies, ABaC Restaurant & Hotel is a boutique hotel in Barcelona with a three-Michelin star restaurant by chef Jordi Cruz. The amenities here also include a private spa and wellness center, including a cold plunge pool, steam room, and hammam.
Luxury: Hotel Boutique Mirlo
Another hotel with spa amenities, Hotel Mirlo feels like a retreat, despite its proximity to the city center. The staff here make you feel pampered, and the property and grounds are beautifully relaxing.
Upscale: Seventy Barcelona
A modern escape in the middle of the city, Seventy Barcelona is much closer to downtown than the two previous options. The facilities are gorgeous, and the breakfast is excellent.
Upscale: Be Mate Paseo de Gracia
Historic on the outside and super chic inside, this hotel is perfect, with a location rated 9.8 (at time of writing).
Mid-Range: Boutique Hostemplo Sagrada Familia
Its proximity to the Sagrada Familia is this hotel’s main selling point, but it also has a great breakfast and is close to other attractions in the city.
Budget: Yeah Barcelona Hostel
This hostel has dormitory style rooms or suites (private rooms), so you can choose what works best for you and your budget. They also do group dinners at around 9pm, so if you’re a solo traveler looking to make friends, this is a great option for you!
Barceloneta
If you love the beach, or are traveling as a family, Barceloneta is a neighborhood right by the water. It’s a great choice for those who want easy access to the beach and a laid-back vibe. Keep in mind that it can get quite touristy in the summer.
Pros:
Proximity to the beach and waterfront.
Laid-back and beachy atmosphere.
Fresh seafood restaurants.
Cons:
Can get crowded and touristy in the summer.
Limited green spaces and parks.
Far from all other attractions in Barcelona.
Recommended Hotels:
Luxury: W Barcelona
This iconic hotel, which can be seen from across the port, offers a luxurious stay right on the beachfront. Its modern design and beach views make it a top choice for those who want to experience the vibrant energy of Barceloneta.
Mid-Range: Hotel 54 Barceloneta
There aren’t many hotels in Barceloneta, but Hotel 54 Barceloneta provides a comfortable stay close to the beach at a more affordable price.
L’Eixample
Known for its grid-like layout and wide avenues, Eixample is a central and well-connected district. It’s home to many Modernist buildings, including Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. This area offers a mix of upscale shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Pros:
Centrally located with easy access to major attractions.
Architectural gems like Gaudí’s buildings.
Wide avenues with upscale shops and restaurants.
Cons:
Can be crowded and touristy in certain areas.
Less of a local neighborhood feel compared to others.
Recommended Hotels:
Luxury: Hotel El Palace Barcelona
Since opening its doors in 1919 as the former Ritz of Barcelona, El Palace Barcelona has hosted monarchs, aristocrats, artists, musicians, and more. The hotel also has a Mayan-style spa with a Temazcal Sauna, and serves afternoon tea in its main hall.
Luxury: The One Barcelona GL
Beautiful from the rooftop pool & restaurant down, this hotel features luxurious rooms and a spa. A guest said, “This hotel was probably the best I’ve ever stayed in.”
Upscale: Forget Me Not Barcelona
Centrally located, this hotel offers very stylish, high- ceilinged, bright rooms with staff that are there to serve. People also rave about the breakfast here.
Mid-Range: Hotel Granvia.
Hotel Granvia is a comfortable and well-located option. It’s close to public transportation and within walking distance of many landmarks. It offers a balance between quality and affordability.
Mid-Range: ibis Styles Barcelona Centre
A beautiful, no fuss hotel, with bright colors and design, the ibis Styles Barcelona Centre is very conveniently located, and offers a very good breakfast in the room rate.
Eixample Dreta (Dreta de l’Eixample)
If you want to be in the more upscale and residential area of Eixample, this is the neighborhood for you. It’s quieter than the more central neighborhoods, but still close to attractions and amenities. Besides La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter, we spent most of our time here.
Pros:
Residential and upscale feel.
Quieter than central areas but still well-connected.
Proximity to major attractions.
Cons:
Fewer restaurants and entertainment options compared to other neighborhoods.
Can feel less vibrant at night.
Recommended Hotels:
Luxury: Monument Hotel
“Absolutely the best service I have received at a hotel in my lifetime as a business and leisure world traveler.” That about sums up this hotel, without mentioning its perfect location, fabulous rooftop, and stunning design.
Upscale: Gallery Hotel
The Gallery Hotel is centrally located, with a contemporary and relaxed atmosphere. They also offer a Family Room for up to 4 guests.
Upscale: Hotel Condes
Hotel Condes features contemporary and stylish design throughout. Its rooftop terrace, though, is the highlight, as it provides panoramic views of the city (including views of Casa Mila and Sagrada Familia).
Mid-Range: Europark
Despite its central location, Europark is tucked away on a quiet street, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. They also offer a fabulous breakfast, rooftop pool, and elegant black and white décor.
El Raval
El Raval is a neighborhood that has undergone transformation in recent years. It’s a lively area where traditional markets, historic landmarks, and contemporary art coexist. The neighborhood’s multicultural atmosphere, narrow streets, and diverse dining options create a unique blend of old and new.
Pros:
Great shopping and international restaurants, shops, and art spaces
A hub for contemporary art and cultural events.
Proximity to La Rambla and the Gothic Quarter
Cons:
Has a history of being associated with crime and social issues.
Grittier than other neighborhoods
Recommended Hotels:
Luxury: Hotel Bagués
Hotel Bagués occupies a historic building that was built in 1850, and housed a jewelry workshop for over a century. This hotel also offers a rooftop pool, intimate bar, and a “Stay & Dog” experience, where your canine is welcome to be pampered to the nines.
Upscale: Hotel 1898
Hotel 1898 offers a luxurious stay in the heart of El Raval. It’s housed in a historic building and boasts a rooftop terrace with a pool and panoramic city views. Its central location allows easy access to nearby attractions.
Mid-Range: Andante Hotel
This hotel offers a fabulous breakfast with a gluten-free option upon request. It also offers a gym and a rooftop terrace with a refreshing pool and stunning views of the city.
Budget: Hostal la Palmera
Located next to La Boqueria, the staff are very friendly, and the apartment is clean, with a little fridge and a safe box. A guest said it’s one of the best hostels she’s stayed in.
Suggestions
Even with this abbreviated list of where to stay in Barcelona, there are a lot of options. Here are some recommendations based on travel style and budget.
Budget Traveler: If you’re on a budget, try Yeah Barcelona Hostel, or Hostal la Palmera. If you’re a solo traveler, Yeah Barcelona Hostel is also a good choice for you.
Luxury Traveler: If you, like me, love a good afternoon tea, choose the Hotel El Palace Barcelona. Otherwise, I’d recommend The One Barcelona GL or even the Mandarin Oriental.
Value-Focused: If you love luxury but don’t want to pay 5* prices, consider Seventy Barcelona, or Hotel 1898.
Traveling with Friends: I would do the Decô Apartments, which offers a lot of space, a kitchenette, and private bedrooms. The one recommended in this post is the one in Born, but there is also one in Gràcia, Eixample, and Sants (near Montjuïc).
Families: If you’re a family, I would also recommend the Decô Apartments, or Aparthotel Arai 4* Superior, or the Gallery Hotel, which all have family rooms.
Looking for a retreat: If you’re looking for a spa vacation, I would consider ABaC Restaurant & Hotel or Hotel Boutique Mirlo.
Itinerary
If you’re looking for an itinerary of what to do while you’re in Barcelona, check out my 3-day guide, which compiles many, many, many hours of research, and suggests ways to extend your trip if you’re going for longer.
