Stay

Six hot classic and new hotels.

Hotel Ohla

The room design feels Scandinavian (blond wood; clean lines), as does the in-house Finnish sauna. But Xavier Franco’s Michelin-starred, modern Catalan restaurant, Sauc, is a love song to the city. $$
Best For: Boutique cool in a central location.

Hotel Arts

La Barceloneta isn’t exactly remote, but this beachfront skyscraper still manages to feel far away from it all. The ace in the hole is the Arola restaurant, run by experimental-tapas whiz Sergi Arola. $$$
Best For: Luxury seekers who favor jaw-dropping views.

Hotel El Palace

A recent makeover of this grande dame added 42 suites accented with patterned wallpaper. If it’s a glass of Veterano (Spanish brandy) you’re after, don’t miss the clubby Rien de Rien bar. $$
Best For: Lovers of the classics.

Renaissance Barcelona Fira Hotel

Jean Nouvel continues to make his mark on the city. This newcomer is all about shimmering glass, white-on-white rooms, and a chic rooftop pool. $
Best For: Design junkies.

Mandarin Oriental

The first hotel by designer Patricia Urquiola, on Passeig de Gràcia, is a mix of cream-colored leather ottomans and chairs, delicate latticework, and pine. Bonus: renowned chef Carme Ruscalleda’s Moments restaurant. $$$
Best For: Sophisticated travelers in search of a little Zen.

Hotel España

Just off La Rambla, the renovated hotel’s sleek but spartan rooms are enhanced with faïence murals in common areas by native modernisme painter Ramon Casas. $
Best For: Budget-minded art buffs.

Hotel Pricing Key
$ Less than $200
$$ $200 to $350
$$$ $350 to $500
$$$$ $500 to $1,000
$$$$$ More than $1,000