Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Barcelona 2023

A fabulous travel destination, especially for arty types, the Catalonian capital has been at the forefront of many design movement – such as Modernism and Avant-Garde – over the centuries.

With its tireless commitment to creativity, Barcelona now has some of the most interesting and innovative architecture in Europe – not forgetting its eye-watering collection of hip bars, designer boutiques, and world-famous nightlife.

Mindful of its high proportion of youthful visitors, many of Barcelona’s hotels are unique, ultra-cool, and can also be surprisingly affordable.

From intimate chic boutiques to grand, ultra-modern, and wow-inducing, here are our favorite cool, hip, and unusual hotels in Barcelona, Spain (in no particular order)...

Best For Instagrammable Design

Hotel SB Glow

Hotel SB Glow in Barcelona

A screen shot of a living room at Hotel SB Glow in Barcelona

Hip hotels in Barcelona

A large room at Hotel SB Glow in Barcelona

Gorgeously chic and modern, the 4-star exceptionally rated SB Glow Hotel is all the Mediterranean magic you’ve ever wanted! Located in the heart of Barcelona just an 18-minute walk to the beach, Hotel SB Glow is the perfect place for visitors to discover the city’s top attractions, including La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the colorful Gothic Quarter.

The hotel’s design is contemporary and refined. Each room is meticulously constructed and furnished to give a calm and pleasant ambience. Guests may unwind on a beautiful bed with high-quality linens and plush cushions. 

The rooms have cutting-edge equipment, such as a flat-screen TV with many entertainment channels and complimentary high-speed internet access. Business travelers may start and conclude the day with the minibar, modern workstation, and coffee/tea maker in the rooms. The en-suite bathrooms have elegant fixtures, a rejuvenating rain shower, comfortable towels and premium items. 

The hotel offers breakfast options, including a buffet, continental, and vegetarian spread. A restaurant on site specializes in Mediterranean and Grill BBQ fare, but vegan and dairy-free alternatives are available upon request.

The hotel’s design extends to its appealing public areas, which include a sophisticated lounge area with plush seating, a colorful bar offering masterfully made drinks, and a rooftop terrace with elegant furniture and lush foliage. 

Other hotel highlights include a spectacular rooftop infinity pool, a contemporary and well-equipped fitness facility, a sauna, hammam and spa that offers various revitalizing treatments and therapies. 

If you’re planning for any event, the hotel boasts meeting and event facilities with current technology and amenities that make the hotel suitable for corporate conventions, weddings, and other special events. Concierge services, laundry, and secure parking are also available. 

This trendy Barcelona abode is one of the most popular hotels in the city and with good reason!

Pros

Uniquely designed rooms

Colorful bar

Mediterranean grill restaurant

Rooftop infinity pool

Cons

Can get booked up

Cocktails can be pricey

Lack of sunbeds

Best For Boutique Accomodations

Hotel Neri

Hotel Neri In Bacelona

A dining room table view at Hotel Neri In Bacelona

Housed in a beautifully renovated 12th-century building, the gorgeous and exceptionally rated 5-star  Neri Hotel Barcelona is located in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, the hub of the Old City.

The hotel is conveniently located in the most popular tourist areas, with dozens of restaurants, and specialty shops selling local favorites like fans and espadrilles. The Barcelona airport is a 20-minute away, and several public transit alternatives are nearby. 

The hotel is tastefully designed, including a velvet sofa, a funky wire lamp fixture, and bright artwork. Each room is spacious and nicely decorated with Victorian plush chairs, heavy colored drapes, and wood floors. The beds are comfy, with soft white sheets and a grey blanket. 

The rooms come with wooden desks, filled minibars, and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms are decorated with beautiful granite stones and have a large walk-in glass shower, cozy robes, and high-end items. Deluxe rooms and suites have both a tub and a shower. For extra seats, consider upgrading to a junior suite.

Some rooms have balconies of varied sizes, and those facing the courtyard will encounter the greatest noise since many local musicians perform there at night. When it comes to dining, the hotel features an onsite Neri Restaurant, which provides Mediterranean-inspired food in a contemporary setting for all three meals. Guests and non-guests may buy coffee, beverages, and snacks at the adjoining Lounge Bar, open from morning until roughly 1 a.m. 

Other hotel’s highlights includes an outside terrace in the courtyard, providing beverages and light nibbles, However, this modest boutique hotel has no gym, pool, or spa, but in-room massages are provided. 

Pros

Upscale boutique hotel

Well-equipped spacious rooms

Victorian plush chairs

Popular tourist area

Cons

Slow breakfast service

Noisy street side room

No gym

Best For Couples

Hotel 1898

Hotel 1898 in Barcelona

An Inside Swimming Pool View at Hotel 1898 in Barcelona

Hotel 1898 Barcelona

Nestled in a great position overlooking La Rambla promenade, the 4-star exceptionally rated Hotel 1898 has a bright and airy colonial-style lobby, stunningly renovated by Núñez i Navarro.

This luxurious boutique is conveniently located near popular attractions like the Liceu Metro station, the bustling Boqueria, The Passeig de Gracia, the Gaudi structures Casa Mila and Casa Batllo . If you drive northeast from the airport, it will take you around 20 minutes to get to the hotel.

The hotel’s opulent interiors blend modern and Spanish colonial elements with exposed brick, sisal carpeting, sumptuous leather furniture, an abundance of stripes, and vibrant artwork. 

The hotel features 169 premium, subtle rooms divided into five categories. Each room is exquisitely furnished and designed with hardwood flooring, dark wood furniture, tufted leather seats, soft white linen, bright, green, red, grey, or white walls, colonial-era maps, and marble-clad bathrooms. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, large plasma-screen TVs, a pillow menu, bathrobe, slippers and premium toiletries. 

This hotel also has more good things: an onsite bar and a restaurant, an outdoor pool, terrace, steam room, sauna, and spa tub, Tv in the lobby,  fitness area and library. If one pool isn’t enough, visitors may enjoy a second one inside, in an ambient lighted grotto with a vaulted ceiling. 

Pros

Modern Spanish elements

Stylish furnishing

Marble-clad bathrooms

Steam room and sauna

Cons

Small elevators

Small showers

Small gym

Best For Partying

W Barcelona

W Hotel Barcelona

Party hotel in Barcelona

Fun hotel in Barcelona

Coolest Hotels in Barcelona

W Barcelona is a modern luxury sanctuary and the ideal place for anyone looking for an unforgettable stay in the dynamic city of Barcelona.

Located on the right beach, approximately 10 minutes walk to Barceloneta, W Barcelona is conveniently located close to important landmarks, restaurants and cafés. The nearest metro station is approximately 20 minutes away. 

The rooms range from comfortable to wonderful to extreme wow, with the latter being the pinnacle of luxury and positioned at the top of the 26-story building overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  The windows banquette brings guests even closer to the breathtaking vista. The furniture is contemporary, with curved edges, and the headboard and nightstands are leather-covered. The color design is neutral, with a pop of eggplant for pops of color.

Each room includes modern amenities such as well-stocked minibars, the Munchie Box, flat-screen TVs, an iPod dock, and a radio alarm clock. The bathrooms are similarly ultra-modern, featuring rainfall showerheads and Bliss Spa amenities. Sinks are located off the side of the sleeping space in Cozy Rooms. Views from upper levels will be awarded to those that create fantastic rooms. 

Mega accommodations provide greater space with corner views of the port and sea, while fantastic accommodations have views of both the sea and the city. Suites are bigger and may accommodate families or parties of three or four people, while an extreme wow suite can sleep six people and has a patio with lounge chairs and a hot tub. Remember that certain rooms may pick up music from the onsite all-night entertainment. 

Other hotel highlights include an onsite spa with no less than seven treatment rooms (and a hot tub, sauna and steam room), two swimming pools (one an infinity pool) a SUN Deck and a WET Deck, a rooftop bar, a fabulous entertainment and relaxation space, well-equipped 24/7 fitness center with bright space, a business center, a Gaudí-inspired bar serving up fabulous cocktails, stylish restaurants, direct beach access, a foosball table and 65-inch curved-screen TVs.

If you’re planning to hold any event, the hotel’s events space can be configured in various ways to accommodate groups of up to 1,000 people. 

You’ll never want to leave! 

Pros

Modern luxurious interior

Neutral colors

Contemporary furniture

Gaudí-inspired bar

Cons

Few rooms are noisy

Some weak Wi-Fi signals

Some bathrooms need an update

Best For Trendy Design

The Hoxton Poblenou

The Hoxton Poblenou - a cool and trendy hotel2

The Hoxton Poblenou - a cool and trendy hotel The Hoxton Poblenou - a cool and trendy hotel1

The Hoxton Poblenou is a perfect alternative for leisure and business visitors looking for a memorable stay in Barcelona, blending contemporary design with a relaxing environment.

The hotel is located between the city and the sea in the creative district of El Poblenou, a short walk from popular sights such as La Sagrada Familia.

This luxurious hotel features 240 rooms spread over nine levels, and the halls are painted in a typical pink Hoxton color, with wavy walls welcoming you in. The rooms are spacious with a separate lounge, kitchenette, and a large bathtub, making them perfect for extended visits or those seeking more room.

The rooms are well designed with  a trademark Hoxton headboard and locally commissioned artwork, such as a tapestry behind the bed and framed pictures on the wall. The bathrooms are tiled white and green. There’s  also a great textural play throughout, from the corrugated wood bedside tables to the stone lamps and the terracotta flooring, which has a distinctly Mediterranean flavor to remind you that you’re no longer in the UK.

The hotel also features dining options at Bodega selling regional dishes and Four Corners, a pizza joint with an outside terrace that offers mozzarella sticks with handmade arrabbiata sauce and deep dish pizza that is so thick and creamy that you only need one piece before returning to your hotel for a nightcap.

Other hotel highlights include; a rooftop with a pool and lounge area. You can see the sea from the collection, and from the other end of the rooftop, you can see La Sagrada Familia. Tope, the rooftop’s Mexican taqueria, comes highly recommended; allow enough time to savor some excellent drinks with the delectable chicken tinga tacos.

Pros

Boho chic rooms

Terracotta flooring

Pink hoxton colored halls

Rooftop’s Mexican Taqueria

Cons

Small pool

Breakfast needs more variety

Short on closet space

Best For Panoramic Views

Kimpton Vividora

Kimpton Vividora - an ultra-chic and swanky hotel Kimpton Vividora - an ultra-chic and swanky hotel1 Kimpton Vividora - an ultra-chic and swanky hotel2

Kimpton Vividora is a world where comfort, refinement, and the city’s vitality merge to create a fantastic experience that will leave you wanting more.

Located in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter,  Kimpton Vividora is close to major attractions like Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Picasso Museum, Plaza Catalunya, and the historic architecture and trendy restaurants in the area.

The hotel takes its design inspiration from its neighborhood and surroundings, and you’ll find warm colors. Mediterranean blues and local furniture create the ambience of upscale Barcelona city life.

The hotel offers standard rooms and suites, with the main difference being the private patio or balcony size. Upper-level guest rooms have Juliet balconies, while Suites have spacious outdoor living areas. The corner patio of the executive suite encircled the room and provided a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding region.

Back inside the room, it accomplishes everything right in terms of design. The color scheme is inspired by the sunset: tan leathers, a mustard chair, ochre bathrobes, and 50 tones of clay. It has a premium feel and fragrance to it. An unexpected bonus: a massive bathtub, beer from local microbrewery Ocean Beer, and sun cream sachets, in case you forgot it.

Other hotel highlights include a rooftop pool, gym, and wellness room with soothing treatments and yoga classes.  Guests can also relax at the Terraza de Vivi rooftop terrace bar and take in sweeping views of the city, stop for coffee, cheese-and-charcuterie, and cocktails at the GOT bar, and enjoy Mediterranean-style meals at the Fauna restaurant.

Pros

Warm colors and patterns

Local furnishing

Mediterranean-style meals

Close to major attractions

City Views

Cons

Compact rooms

Small pool

Expensive minibar

Best For Midrange Accomodation

Chic & Basic Hotel

Unique places to stay in Barcelona

A glass shower door view at Chic at Basic Hotel in Barcelona

Chic & Basic Hotel

Chic & Basic Hotel is the ideal combination of elegance, simplicity, and comfort to inspire, refresh, and leave you with unforgettable memories. 

The Chic & Basic Hotel is centrally located in Barcelona, close to the city’s many museums, the Gothic Quarter, and popular tourist destinations including the nearby Apollo, Condal, and Victoria theaters on Parallel Avenue. 

 Cabs and public buses are readily located nearby, and the Drassanes Metro station, with its eye-catching architecture and artwork, is three blocks distant. Beautiful harbor views may be from the L’Aquarium de Barcelona, a 15-minute walk away. The hotel is 17 minutes by car from Barcelona El Prat Airport.

The rooms are simple, with no photos or artwork on the walls, save from the enormous images and slogans painted on the bright room doors and in parts of the halls. The modern bathroom has hilarious phrases such as ”rescue the whales, (but first) save your head!” written on the shower door.

Each room features fully equipped kitchens, patios, and balconies with colorful fake grass and trendy furnishings. A few guests have complained about rowdy partygoers in rooms near the restaurant’s terrace and the usual restaurant noises of dragging outside chairs.  

 The onsite restaurant at the hotel, El 600 de la Peppy, delivers a daily breakfast buffet and a weekend brunch for a standard price. Bicycle rentals and WiFi are provided for free, but there is no gym or spa.  The hotel provides the trip, including information on the area’s nightlife, for a one-time cost. 

Pros

Simple minimal rooms

Fake grass in balconies

Free bicycle rental

Central location

Cons

No gym

Few rooms are noisy

Some rooms are compact

Best For Rooftop Bar

Room Mate Anna

Room Mate Anna - an ultra-creative hotel Room Mate Anna - an ultra-creative hotel1 Room Mate Anna - an ultra-creative hotel2

Welcome to Room Mate Anna , a haven of luxury, comfort, and hospitality.  This boutique hotel is situated on Carrer d’Arago, only two minutes from Gaudi’s stunning Casa Batilo and Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s most popular shopping streets.

The hotel has a historic design with iron balconies, yet through the glass doors, the deep blue velvet drapes and marble pillars hint at what’s to come, and going inside the hotel lobby, the spectacular design envelops you entirely, Dark walls, port-hole mirrors, and red geometric seats create an underground club-like atmosphere.

The hotel features 81 rooms with bold decor that covers every surface, including the ceiling. Each room features a single color scheme in its stripes, patterns, and painted furniture, making a sharp and whimsical statement with a combination of sleek contemporary pieces, kitschy details, and retre flair.

All include air conditioning, safes, flat-screen televisions, minibars, free WiFi, slippers, and, rare for Spain, tea/coffee amenities. Single rooms, connected family rooms, and completely accessible rooms are available in various combinations. All rooms are modest, but upgrading to a Deluxe Room for a bit more space and French windows, many of which open onto little balconies, is worthwhile. 

Junior Suites have more oversized balconies and living areas. The modern bathrooms are monochrome, with black brick-effect elements in the rainfall showers, amenities, and hairdryers. Some entry-level rooms need separate facilities, providing basins inside the room and access to showers and toilets via hallways.

Other hotel highlights include a rooftop patio with bean bag loungers and spectacular city views; however, it needs a bar and vibe.  A circular rooftop plunge pool is surrounded by couches and pillows with assisted access that shuts for the winter. 

The restaurant delivers a well-received breakfast buffet with hot and cold selections until late in the day, when it transitions to a menu of light snacks for room service. A sophisticated event space for private parties or gatherings and lobby internet access exists. Iced lemon water is also available in the lobby, and WI-FI is free.

Pros

Luxurious boutique hotel

Historic design

Boldly decorated rooms

Breakfast buffet

Cons

Noisy rooftop bar

Small pool

Narrow toilet room

Best For Unique Stay

Occidental Diagonal 414

Occidental Diagonal 414 - an exquisite and refined hotel2

Occidental Diagonal 414 - an exquisite and refined hotel Occidental Diagonal 414 - an exquisite and refined hotel1

Occidental Diagonal 414 provides a handy and pleasant base for your stay in Barcelona, whether you’re touring the city or attending to business affairs.

This stylish design hotel is set right on the Avenida de la Diagonal, one of the main thoroughfares in Barcelona, within walking distance to the city’s iconic attractions like Sagrada Familia, La Casa de les Punxes, Paseo de Gracia, La Ramblas, Barri Gotti, Park Guell, and La Perdrea. It’s also well-connected to public transit.

The hotel features modern and pleasant rooms to fulfil various guests’ demands. Air conditioning, WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms are among the facilities provided in the rooms.

The hotel offers a variety of food alternatives to accommodate visitors’ dietary needs. There is a restaurant onsite where visitors can enjoy various local and foreign cuisine delicacies. The hotel also features a bar where guests may rest and unwind.

A 24-hour front desk, concierge services, baggage storage, a rooftop terrace and a business center are all available. The hotel also includes a fitness facility, so guests may keep active while visiting.

The hotel is well-connected to public transit networks, allowing guests to explore the city easily. Metro stations and bus stops nearby allow convenient access to many sections of Barcelona, including the airport and important transit hubs.

Pros

Stylish design

Modern accommodations

24-hour desk

Central location

Cons

Slow elevator

Less storage space

Faulty gym equipment

Best For Rooftop Swimming Pool

Ohla Hotel

Ohla Hotel in Barcelona

A dining room table at Ohla Hotel in Barcelona

Contemporary hotel in Barcelona

Ohla Hotel is more than simply a place to lay your head, thanks to its outstanding service, luxurious facilities, and whimsical touches. 

Located in the highly prized historic center near the metro and Las Ramblas, this gorgeously hip Barcelona hotel provide a personalized service to each of its guests, providing expert advice on nearby tourist activities while also offering unrivaled gastronomy founded on locally sourced produce and recipes.

The hotel features 74 stylishly designed rooms and suites, all painstakingly adorned with a minimalist but classy touch. The rooms are designed with elegant furniture, high-quality linens, and cutting-edge technology to provide guests with a pleasant and fashionable refuge.

The hotel’s superb food offerings are one of its most notable aspects. It has various eating alternatives to suit a wide range of preferences. The Michelin-starred chef, Fran López of Xerta Restaurant, serves classic Catalan food with a contemporary touch. 

The panoramic terrace of the Saüc Restaurant provides a wonderful dining experience with Mediterranean cuisine. Guests may also enjoy casual meals and beverages at the contemporary Vistro49 or chill with a refreshing cocktail on the elegant rooftop patio.

The hotel places a premium on health and relaxation. It has a rooftop swimming pool with views of the city skyline, a fitness center with cutting-edge training equipment, and a spa with various sumptuous treatments and therapies.

The Ohla Hotel is well-known for its great location, in addition to its exquisite rooms and services. Popular sights such as the Barcelona Cathedral, Picasso Museum, and Las Ramblas are all within walking distance. The hotel also has excellent access to public transit, so visitors can easily experience the city’s lively culture, historic buildings, and busy streets.

Pros

Neoclassical-inspired design

Elegant furnishing

Panoramic terrace

Classic Catalan food

Cons

Breakfast menu is a little limited

Rooms not soundproofed

Bit small gym

Best For Art Nouveau Design

Praktik Rambla

Praktik Rambla Barcelona

Modernist hotel in Barcelona

Historic hotel in Barcelona

Praktik Rambla exemplifies a new boutique hotel idea, offering an amazing blend of elegant design, sophisticated comfort, and original local architecture. The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the area, only a few blocks from the central Place de Catalanya, where the Gothic Quarter and the city’s 19th-century architecture meet. It takes an hour and a half on the city bus or 20 minutes in a taxi to get to the airport from downtown.

The hotel’s design is beautiful, with brilliantly colored geometric tiles, and they also have spectacular lighting, the occasional view of the city, and framed artwork. Some rooms are rather tiny, however visitors have praised the imaginative use of storage space in these circumstances. Minimalist design complements the historic appeal of  mirrored doors and  ceiling moldings. Bathrooms, which may be softly lighted, include rain-style showers, high ceilings, and deep green tile. Street noise, especially in apartments facing the street, may be a reason to bring earplugs.

Breakfast service at the restaurant next door may be a little haphazard; customers have suggested foregoing it and going directly to one of the numerous neighboring cafés. The hotel’s real elegance is in its many comfortable places to unwind, such the wood terrace with its stone fountain and the reading area with its covered couch and coffee making machine.

Pros

Original local architecture

Elegantly sophisticated ambiance

Colored geometric tiles

Framed artwork

Cons

Weak Wi-Fi in some rooms

Compact rooms

No in-room refrigerator

Best For Millennials and Gen Zs

Room Mate Gerard

Room Mate Gerard - a sophisticated boutique hotel Room Mate Gerard - a sophisticated boutique hotel2

Room Mate Gerard, situated in the center of Barcelona, will make you feel more like a local than a tourist. The freshly refurbished Eixample district building is constructed in the traditional style around a courtyard and has a traditional front with balconies.

Its located is conveniently close  to Passeig de Gràcia, Plaça Catalunya and Diagonal Avenue with exclusive shops, restaurants, bars and some of the city’s most iconic attractions.

The hotel features bold design elements with materials like concrete, terrazzo and wood and curated artwork. Guest rooms have an artistic atmosphere thanks to white, swiss cheese-like headboards and large, bold paintings of enormous hands.

The rooms are contemporary, with striped carpets and wood-paneled bathrooms. Consumer magazines, minibars, air conditioning, and free WIFI are available in all rooms. HDMI,VGA and USB ports on the desktop enable a laptop connection to flat-screen TVs with satellite channels.

The bath gel and shampoo’s stylish packaging is superior to the standard little bottles in other hotels. Suites offer wooden terraces with pod-like seats, sofas, outdoor hot tubs, and fun, bountiful amenity packages such as a “Comb for Sexy Hair” and a “Shower Cap for Brilliant Minds.”

Breakfast is a serious business in Barcelona and there is a daily buffet spread with the obligatory pan tumaca plus pastries, fruit and more. The lobby bar serves cocktails, and there’s a wide choice of restaurants nearby. Other hotel highlights include  a gym, rooftop pool, sun deck, and a spa with wellness therapy and yoga.

Pros

Artistic guestrooms

Terraces with pod-like seats

Daily buffet spread

Central location

Cons

Small pool

Bit slow Wi-Fi

Best For Spa Services

Hotel DO Placa Reial

Five star hotel in Barcelona

Best hotels in Barcelona

Hotel DO Placa Reial

Barcelona’s rhythm invites you to discover its vivid essence, one enthralling moment at a time at Hotel DO Plaça Reial.

The hotel is located between Placa Reial and Las Ramblas, near the Liceu opera theater and the Boqueria market, and a short walk from the Gothic Quarter. It’s a good starting point for exploring Barcelona. Several shops, restaurants, and pubs are outside the hotel’s door. Liceu metro station, online L3, is one stop from Placa Catalunya.

The hotel features 18 luxurious rooms: They have high ceilings, are spacious, and are well-lit. Most have kept their original wooden beams and French windows with views of Barcelona. The walls are covered with contemporary art, and whimsical headboards frame large, comfortable beds covered in Egyptian cotton linen.

Hardwood flooring is elegant and beautiful, and some areas have leather Mies van der Rohe chairs. Free WiFi and Loewe television are included, as is 24-hour room service. Lower-category rooms might be tight. Other delights include mini-fridges loaded with complimentary soft drinks, massive closets full of wooden hangers and umbrellas, chocolate-covered strawberries upon check-in, and truffles at night. 

Bathrooms have oak flooring, walk-in showers (some rooms also have tubs), Molton Brown products, soft robes, and slippers. Because of the thin walls, noise from nearby rooms and passageways may occasionally be heard.

The hotel’s three restaurants, La Cuina, La Terrassa, and El Terrat, all concentrate on local products and are superb. La Cuina provides classic, expertly prepared Catalan food, whilst La Terrassa and El Terrat are more informal locations for tapas and nibbles.

Other hotels DO Placa Reial attractions include a rooftop patio, free WiFi, and 24-hour concierge and room service.

Pros

Well-lit spacious rooms

A spa and rooftop pool

Catalan food

Central location

Cons

Fewer breakfast options

Bit noisy at night

Low-quality toilet paper

Best For Historic Building

Hotel España Ramblas

Crazy hotel in Barcelona

Creative hotel in Barcelona

Coolest hotels in Barcelona

The 4-star outstanding rated Hotel Espana Ramblas is a lovely Barcelona hotel built in an 1859 structure. The hotel is strategically positioned in El Raval, near to various restaurants and shops: On the opposite side of La Rambla stands the lovely Gothic Quarter.

The Liceu Opera House is only around the corner, the La Boqueria outdoor market is a few streets away, and Gaudi’s Palau Guell is a five-minute walk away. Placa de Catalunya (10 minutes) is another walking attraction. Most additional sights are easily accessible through neighboring metro stations.

The hotel features 82 peaceful rooms that are exceedingly elegant and done in taupe and grey, with several having large backlit images as headboards. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, complimentary minibars, iPod docks, and safes with laptop storage. 

Deluxe rooms and suites come with robes and slippers, while executive rooms and suites include Nespresso coffee makers. The largest suite has exposed brick walls, a huge sitting room, and small outside sinks.  Guests will get free national and international press on your tablet or smartphone during their stay.

The hotel also has a restaurant, Fonda Espana, which serves lunch and supper and is helmed by renowned Basque chef Martin Barasategui, whose namesake restaurant in the Spanish town of Lasarte-Oria has three Michelin stars.

Bar Arnau is one of Barcelona’s most fashionable cocktail spots. At the same time, the contemporary Alaire Terrace bar, open from May to October beside the pool, provides drinks and sandwiches, salads, and tapas.

Another noteworthy feature is the Sala de las sirenas function room, which has a mural and a big coffered ceiling, making for a stunning event venue.

Pros

Inspired by Catalonian modernism

Alaire Terrace Bar

Central location

Elegantly designed rooms

Cons

Some rooms don’t have great views

Some rooms can be small for big families

Best For Onsite Dining

ABaC Hotel

ABaC Hotel In Barcelona

A bedroom with a large window at ABaC Hotel In Barcelona

ABaC Hotel’s refined elegance and impeccable service make for a memorable stay. Located in Barcelona, ABaC Hotel is close to famous attractions, commercial areas, and cultural sites. Guests may stroll through the city’s lively streets, see historic sights such as the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell, and immerse themselves in Catalan culture.

The hotel’s rooms are elegantly furnished and large, exuding a feeling of modern flair and comfort. The rooms are well-appointed with contemporary furniture, luxurious bedding, and high-quality amenities to ensure visitors have a comfortable and pleasurable stay.

The Michelin-starred restaurant of ABaC Hotel is one of its most notable characteristics. The restaurant, led by famous chef Jordi Cruz, provides an unparalleled gastronomic experience. Guests may enjoy inventive and exquisite cuisine with the greatest ingredients and a wide wine list.

The ABaC Hotel recognizes the significance of well-being and hence offers outstanding wellness facilities to its guests. The hotel has a luxury spa where visitors can relax and unwind with various revitalizing treatments and therapies. There is also a well-equipped fitness facility for people who want to keep up with their workout habits.

The hotel is surrounded by beautiful grounds, creating a tranquil and lovely setting. Guests may go for leisurely walks or locate a peaceful location to unwind and appreciate nature’s splendor.

The ABaC Hotel team is well-known for their professionalism and responsiveness. They go above and beyond to make customers’ stays memorable and comfortable. From customized care to rapid help, the hotel team aims to meet and exceed each guest’s expectations.

Overall a seriously unique, wonderful and stylish hotel!

Pros

Modern interiors

Three-Michelin star restaurant by chef Jordi Cruz

Luxurious spa

Highly professional staff

Cons

No yoga mats in gym

Slippery shower floors

No vegan breakfast option

Best For Great Breakfast

H10 Art Gallery

Hotel with outdoor patio Barcelona

A guest space view at H10 Art Gallery themed hotel In Barcelona

A bedroom view at H10 Art Gallery themed hotel In Barcelona

The H10 Art Gallery hotel offers the ideal blend of artistic grandeur and exquisite hospitality. The hotel is adjacent to popular sights,  stores and restaurants in Barcelona’s Eixample District.

The hotel’s design is modern and trendy, with burnished wood laminate flooring, sleek contemporary dark wood and silver furniture, and white walls to accentuate the artwork. Work comprises framed prints of the aforementioned artist’s work and enormous wall wraps or panels.

The rooms also feature lovely equipped balconies with curtains. Among the amenities are a minibar, flat screen TV, free WiFi, a safe with an electrical outlet, a Nespresso coffee machine, an iPod docking station, and air conditioning. Bathrooms are spotless and contemporary, with floating worktops and sinks, enormous glass walk-in showers, hairdryers, makeup mirrors, and the hotel’s amenities. There’s even art in the bathtub!

Breakfast is served at the contemporary art restaurant, a sleek white and black area with artwork by Pedro Pene on one wall and Antonio Labella on the other. Another wall comprises floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the I’Olivera terrace, which wraps around a century-old olive tree. Guests may also eat either indoors or outside. In another ultra-stylish setting, the Pop Art Cafeteria in the lobby provides beverages and light meals.

Other hotel highlights include; a rooftop pool, In front of a flat-screen TV, a  fitness facility featuring cardio and weight-training equipment, yoga mats, and exercise balls. Guests may utilize PCs and a printer at a business desk in the lobby. WiFi is complimentary throughout the hotel, and the front desk is open 24 hours a day.

Pros

Upscale hotel

Breakfast with high-quality natural products

Contemporary art restaurant

Stunning garden setting

Cons

Standard rooms can be small

Shallow pool

No tea making facilities

Best For Great Location

The Mercer Hotel

The Mercer Hotel in Barcelona

Quirky hotel in Barcelona

Bedroom View at The Mercer Hotel In Barcelona

The Mercer Hotel Barcelona guarantees a memorable experience packed with luxury, tranquility, and Catalonia’s undeniable attraction.

The hotel is in the city’s Gothic Quarter, surrounded by pubs, tapas, bars, and restaurants. The Mercer is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the beach at Barcelonese, Las Ramblas, the Boqueria market, Barcelona Cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the Palau de Musica, as well as the fashionable Born District, which starts on the eastern side of Via Laietana. 

The hotel’s rooms have two distinct features: The beds come first: They’re dressed in high-end white linens and are both comfortable and sumptuous. Second, the restrooms get lower ratings than the beds: They’re open concept, which means there needs to be a clear separation between the facilities and the rest area, which is only for some.

The rooms, which include stone walls, beamed ceilings, and sleek, modern decor, are divided into five categories, from excellent to suites, with the size of the rooms being the most notable variation. Wood flooring, huge windows, flat-screen TVs, rain showers, Molton Brown products, slippers, and twice-daily cleaning service with free water supplied upon turn down are standard in all rooms. Balconies are available in certain rooms. All rooms are peaceful, even those overlooking the hotel’s entrance, but if you want complete stillness, request a room facing the courtyard.

Guests may dine and drink on the roof terrace, at the cocktail bar, tapas café Le Bounchon, and Jean Luc Figueras’ Mercer Restaurant JLF. There’s also a patio on the hotel’s fourth level with a plunge pool and views of the Gothic Quarter’s old rooftop. There is also room service 24 hours a day and free WiFi, but no spa or fitness center.

Pros

10 minutes from Las Ramblas

Plunge pool

Molton Brown products

Views of the Gothic Quarter’s

Cons

Dark room lighting

Poor Wi-Fi connection

Can get booked up

Best For Rooms with balconies

Hotel Pulitzer

Design boutique hotel in Barcelona

Hotel Pulitzer

Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona

Hotel Pulitzer welcomes you to engage in a fantastic experience beyond typical lodging, whether you want a memorable holiday, a unique event location, or a refuge for business operations. 

Located  in Carrer de Bergara, the hotel is conveniently close to to popular sites such as  Passeig de Gracia, La Boqueria market and Gaudi’s Casa Batilo. Barcelona-El Prat Airport is nine miles to the southwest.

This five-star hotel boasts 92 luxurious rooms with hardwood flooring, wood and leather furniture, colorful artwork, and marble-and-stone baths. Every room has a plasma TV, free WiFi, a desk, a safe, a minibar, a bathrobe, slippers, and luxurious mattresses with Egyptian cotton sheets.

Superior rooms have leather Chesterfield sofas, Bose stereos, iPod docks, balconies, and picture windows, while suites feature a sun terrace. All rooms are contemporary boutique in design but not in comfort and elegance; smoking rooms are accessible, and some rooms have just a shower.

The hotel aims to create attractive drinking places. The trendy rooftop bar attracts a youthful and sophisticated audience who come for the views, DJs, and live music in the summer. The lobby bar provides inventive drinks and light meals. In contrast, the  dining restaurant offers inspirational Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal menu changes in a glass conservatory area with an outdoor terrace.

There are no leisure facilities onsite, but the hotel provides complimentary tickets to the neighboring Holmes Place, a high-end health club featuring an indoor pool, sauna, spa tub, and workout center. Guests of the Pulitzer Center, as well as complimentary onsite parking.

Pros

Some rooms have balconies

Some rooms have four poster beds

Live music during summer

Mediterranean cuisine

Cons

Weak Wi-Fi connection

Street-facing rooms are bit noisy

Best For Art Lovers

Hotel Brummell

Hotel Brummell Barcelona

Entry View at Hotel Brummell In Barcelona

Hotel Brummel is ideal for those seeking a calm escape or urban explorers seeking an authentic local experience. The hotel is in Poble Sec, five minutes from the Avenida del Parallel, with several theaters, entertainment venues, restaurants, and bars. With hipster cafés and stores, the area is already established.

The hotel features 20 elegant guest rooms which are classified as classic, poolside, suite, or penthouse. The rooms are basic and modern, with soft grey and white décor and light wood flooring. Artwork by young European artists is displayed on the walls. They each have a lightbox with the room number lighted outside, open closets with practical and industrial locks, tile-effect feature walls, and sliding doors leading into the en-suite bathrooms.

Air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, desks, and free WI-FI are standard in all rooms. Rooms in higher categories offer a patio with an outdoor bathtub. Bathrooms are also quite trendy, with either a bathtub/shower combination or a big walk-in shower and toiletries.

The hotel provides a breakfast area in the lobby, although breakfast. There is also a restaurant on site, The Box Social, run by famous chef Damian Bolger. It’s a modern cafe serving fresh, seasonal, and local cuisine and getting excellent customer reviews.

Additional amenities include an indoor courtyard with a fish pond, a sauna, and a store offering local items where visitors may hire bikes. Deck chairs, parasols, and chunky wooden side tables surround a small outdoor swimming pool. It features an adjacent sun terrace with eating tables, seats, and a huge umbrella that provides some shade. Potted plants provide some greenery to the empty area. WiFi is also offered throughout the hotel.

Pros

Modern accommodations

Grey-white decor

Fishpond in indoor courtyard

A modern cafe

Cons

Average breakfast options

No gym available

No room service

Best For Reasonably Priced

Room Mate Emma

Room Mate Emma In Barcelona

Retro hotel in Barcelona

Room Mate Emma

Park Guell, Barcelona on GlobalGrasshopper.com

Room Mate Emma goes beyond being a mere accommodation option with its captivating charm and flawless hospitality. The hotel is located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, three blocks from Avinguda Diagonal. There are numerous stores, pubs, and restaurants nearby, and Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas are 20 minutes away on foot.

The renowned Gaudi structures Casa Mila and Casa Battlo are accessible on foot. The Diagonal metro station is a short distance away, making the Sagrada Familia reachable in 20 minutes by transit. The airport is a twenty-minute journey away. 

The Room Mate Emma’s vibrant rooms are beautiful and unique, with lively fuschia or purple carpets and elegant white furniture. The walls of the rooms are decorated with creative features such as abstract art or design. All rooms have standard flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, and complimentary WiFi.

The Penthouse Deluxe suite has a stone patio with a small pool and an elevated daybed with cushions for sunbathing or stargazing. The stylish packaging for the bath gel and shampoo is much superior to the standard little bottles seen at other hotels.

The eye-catching interior created by Tomas Alia is the hotel’s most notable feature. The modern ambiance makes entering the lobby or dining at the breakfast buffet exceptional. In the common rooms, pod-like seats and a large circular sofa provide visitors with resting spots, and the lobby contains a computer where guests may connect to the internet. Still, a complete restaurant, fitness center, or pool has yet to be.   

Pros

Modern ambiance

Eye-catching interior

Vibrant fuchsia-white combination

Abstract art on walls

Cons

No coffee

Spanish TV channels

No smart TV

Top 20 Unusual Hotels in Barcelona Compared 

The following table compares the Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Barcelona.

Hotel Name LocationPrice Range (per night)Fitness FacilitiesDistance to Attractions (km)Nearby Restaurants
Hotel SB Glow154 Carrer de Badajoz$214-$253No1.53
Hotel NeriSan Sever, 5$522-$811No.953
Hotel 1898La Rambla, 109$327-$579Yes.853
W BarcelonaPlaça Rosa dels Vents$441-$1571Yes1.83
The Hoxton PoblenouAvenida Diagonal, 205$293-$813No1.63
Kimpton VividoraCarrer del Duc, 15$376-$1101No.653
Chic & Basic HotelPrincesa, 50, Ciutat Vella$167-$194No.903
Room Mate AnnaCarrer de Aragó, 271$195-$335No.753
Occidental Diagonal 414414 Avinguda Diagonal$189-$302No1.33
Ohla HotelVia Laietana, 49$419-$593No.703
Praktik RamblaRambla Catalunya, 27, Eixample$145-$161No.753
Room Mate GerardAusiàs Marc, 34$195-$270Yes.753
Hotel DO Placa ReialPlaça Reial, 1$495-$499No.753
Hotel España RamblasSant Pau, 9-11$210-$370No.803
ABaC HotelAvenida Tibidabo, 1$362-$442Yes1.43
H10 Art GalleryEnric Granados, 62-64$227-$299Yes.653
The Mercer HotelDels Lledo, 7, Ciutat Vella$484-$878No.853
Hotel Pulitzerergara, 8,$210-$352No.703
Hotel BrummellNou de la Rambla$211-$246Yes.803
Room Mate EmmaRosselló, 205$210-$334No1.33

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0 thoughts on “Top 16 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Marseille 2023”

  1. Barcelona is a great city and in my opinion has the best hotels in Europe. The majority of the accommodations in Barcelona benefits of an amazing architecture and design. It is a truly amazing city that awaits you in every season of the year.

    Reply
  2. Barcelona has been a location I’ve wanted to visit for quite a while. I am an avid skateboarder, and so many professionals go there and find such unique skate spots and experience the interesting culture and architecture. It’s just very cool all around. The hotels in this city are definitely much more interested than those in the sister city Madrid which you have explored on this website as well. They are very much well rounded and cater to so many different interests.

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  3. Hotel Neri, where have you been all my life? I am very happy my friend told me about your site. Thanks for this post I get to list down hotels I want to try.

    Reply
  4. These are great Becky, thanks! I love Barcelona and have been wanting to make the trip back there this year – this list will totally come in handy!

    Reply

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