Looking to read a detailed Ritz-Carlton Hotel Arts Barcelona review before booking your next trip to Spain? You’ve come to the right place!
Hotel Arts Barcelona boasts one of the city’s most enviable addresses, a sky-scraper perched over Port Olimpic, which is conveniently next door to the marina and the city’s best beaches.
I spent 3 nights in a luxurious suite at the sky-high urban resort. My review of Hotel Arts Barcelona by Ritz-Carlton features info on the award-winning hotel’s accommodation options, spa services, restaurants, and unique on-site amenities.
Book A Luxurious Holiday at Hotel Arts Barcelona
Hotel Arts Barcelona was the first luxury hotel built to perch over the city’s sprawling soft sandy beaches. The pioneer in 5 star service is now a landmark sought after by well-heeled travelers.
Barcelona’s Ritz-Carlton is conveniently located between the neighbourhoods Ciutat Vella and Poblenou. The enclaves offer guests a perfect mix: Ciutat Vella’s old town features must-see cathedrals and historic monuments, while Poblenou is considered the hippest place to be, home to start-ups are trendy young families.
The sky-high luxury hotel is conveniently located a short 20 minute drive from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport.
Ranked as one of the best luxury hotels in Barcelona, the construction of the hotel was part of the big changes in the city to prepare for the 1992 Olympic Games.
The hotel officially opened its doors in 1994, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with the award-winning architect Bruce Graham, famed for his work on the John Hancock Centre in Chicago.
Graham always had a heart for Barcelona, especially since he became friends with the artist Joan Miró, and later with Barcelona’s mayor Pasqual Maragall.
With 44 stories of exposed glass encased by an exposed steel exoskeleton, Hotel Arts Barcelona is the tallest building in the city, a soaring 154 metres tall.
The architectural design consists of a tower that houses the rooms and public areas, distributed in a U-shaped base that ensures panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean coast from all rooms. The hotel’s architect designed the external steel structure that covers the glass tower to ensure the stability of the building and to reduce the impact of wind. This also allows for more diaphanous interiors, with fewer columns blocking the hotel’s jaw-dropping panoramic views.
The interior design of the hotel was carried out by local firm GCA architects. Hotel Arts Barcelona encompasses the artistic persona of its location. The landscape is accented by the striking Frank Gehry fish sculpture that shifts in colour and appearance as the sun moves across the horizon throughout the day.
Over 500 pieces of original art by Spanish artists add to the hotel’s curatorial legacy, creating unforgettable moments for visiting creatives. Each of the thirty-three floors of the hotel features a different artist, with two original pieces located in each side of the lobby. All of the 58 suites of the hotel feature the original works of one of the 90 artists featured in the hotel.
Checking In At Ritz-Carlton Hotel Arts Barcelona
The hotel’s main entrance is located on the ground floor and is called Porte Cochère, however the luminous lobby is separated from this area, located on the 1st floor. The purpose of this physical separation was to create an intimate, warm and welcoming space for a more personalized guest experience as if you were arriving into your home away form home.
Both areas are presided over by curated flower designs by a talented in-house floral artist. Fresh blooms punctuate areas throughout the hotel, from public nooks to in-room accents. Orchids are everywhere!
Every Thursday, the florist team changes the design according to their inspiration and the season, and every day the flower team refreshes the arrangements.
If you’re splurging on a Club Level or Penthouse suite guests enjoy a pampered check-in process at the Club Lounge on the 33rd floor. While waiting to check in guests can enjoy sipping flutes of Cava, Spain’s take on dry sparkling wine.
A dedicated team assists guests staying in these top drawer accommodations, including a parade of handsome butlers who assist with your every in-room need or concierge request in the city.
Hotel Arts Barcelona Review Highlights
Barcelona offers a slice of chic cosmopolitan flare similar to Rome, Berlin and Istanbul, offering an endless array of luxury accommodations. The city is a popular destination for freshly married couples looking to book a romantic honeymoon.
Before booking your trip, here are a list of highlights that make Hotel Arts Barcelona stand out from the rest:
- Hotel Arts Barcelona is one of the most luxurious 5 star hotels in the city, sitting perched over the beachfront and Mediterranean Sea. If you plan to spend any time on the beach during your holiday in Barcelona this location can’t be beat!
- The 483-room property features unparalleled service, award-winning restaurants, destination spa and trendy rooftop pool. It’s also a popular business hotel due to its conference facilities downstairs.
- Visiting creatives can hop on a complimentary art tour of the hotel’s sublime Spanish collection each day at 5pm.
- If you’re a fitness fan looking to workout on holiday visit the hotel’s state-of-the-art gym, which features a choir of cardio machines and free weights. Runners love jogging along the beach in the morning.
- On a hot day guests can be found relaxing on sun loungers around the hotel’s two outdoor pools. The Marina Pool is open in the morning only for hotel guests, while the Marina Infinity Pool is the perfect spot to soak up the sunset.
- The hotel’s spa is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing morning or afternoon of pampering, from soothing massage to invigorating facials. We suggest planning a few hours here as there are world-class sauna, steam room and plunge pool facilities. Bring your camera as you’ll want to take a picture of the jaw-dropping views from the outdoor terrace, which is connected to the relaxation lounge.
- The hotel is a food lovers paradise, featuring 7 food & beverage concepts including a few Michelin Stars.
- The hotel’s concierge team truly offers a plethora of unique experiences to make anyones first visit to Barcelona extra special. Guests can book a luxury yacht cruise, drive in a Supercar with a pro racer, Michelin star wine pairings and a helicopter flight over the Catalan mountains.
Accommodations
The most important question you have to ask yourself when reading a Hotel Arts Barcelona review is, “what type of accommodation would I like to book for my holiday.”
The luxury hotel in Barcelona boasts 483 well-appointed rooms, suites and penthouses. In each room, guests can tour the city with a birds-eye view. Due to the hotel being located within the tallest building of Catalunya, eye-popping views are offered in abundance at no extra charge!
Guests can book a city-view room to enjoy iconic views of Sagrada Familia, with the distant mountains as a natural backdrop, or sea-view accommodations that sit perched over the beach and Mediterranean Sea.
My spacious sea-view suite featured a living room with comfy couches, white marble lined bathroom with separate shower and soaker tub, luxurious bath amenities by Philosykos, comfy king sized bed, mini bar, Nesprsso and tea station and reading nook.
The hotel’s over-the-top 2-story Penthouses boast spacious kitchens with edible amenities like fine wine and sweet and salty snacks. Exclusive services also include a Mini Cooper to travel around the city.
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The Club
The exclusive Club Lounge is located on the hotel’s 33rd floor and only premium room categories have access.
The elegant space combines the comfort of a private lounge with an exclusive dining area, serving 5 mouth-watering gourmet buffets throughout the day.
The Club has wrap-around windows that allow guests to take in views across both city and sea. Its expansive floor plan and contemporary, smart design make it an extra special space to linger when holidaying at the Hotel Arts Barcelona.
The Club services include:
- Transfer service on arrival from the airport to the hotel
- Reception and private concierge
- Complimentary culinary offerings refreshed throughout the day including continental breakfast, snack selection, tea time, evening hors d’oeuvres and sweets & desserts.
- Housekeeping service is timed to suit individual guests’ needs
- Two complimentary pieces of ironing
43 The Spa
Ranked as one of the best spas in Barcelona, 43 The Spa at Hotel Arts is the best place to pamper yourself with a massage after marching through the city’s famous cathedrals and art museums.
Floating high above the city, 43 The Spa is an extraordinary setting where organic luxury is paired with unparalleled views of the sea and city.
Zoom up the elevator to the 43rd floor and you’ll find 8 well-appointed treatment rooms, open-air relaxation terrace, two aquatic areas, both with a hydrotherapy pool, ice fountain, Klafs colour therapy steam rooms, dry saunas, relaxation zones, and showers.
The spa offers wellness enthusiasts an extensive menu of treatments by Alqvimia and Swiss Perfection, featuring massages, facials, and nail work.
We suggest booking the spa’s signature treatment, The 43 Experience. This unique 90 minute massage incorporates various chiropractic techniques, pressure, stretching maneuvers and aromatherapy precious oils to stimulate the senses and deeply relax the entire body.
Hotel Arts Barcelona Restaurants
No review of Hotel Arts Barcelona is complete until you’ve had an opportunity to wag your finger down the hotel’s award-winning restaurant menus.
Barcelona’s culinary culture is world renowned, giving it an essential Mediterranean character due to its location overlooking the sea.
The hotel boasts 7 unique culinary concepts, from Michelin star dining at Enoteca Paco Perez to playful al fresco poolside snacks at Marina Coastal Club.
Enoteca Paco Pérez
If you’re looking to splurge on a fine feast while staying at Hotel Arts Barcelona book a reservation at 2 Michelin Star Enoteca Paco Pérez.
Sophisticated and sublime, the intimate dining room is inspired by its coastal setting. A clean white palette fuses with light wood furnishings to create a soothing backdrop. The Enoteca experience is enhanced in the warm summer months when dining can be enjoyed on the seafront terrace.
Chef Paco Pérez drives his philosophy on each fine-dining dish, capturing the freshness of the sea and the essence of farm and mountain produce. The authentic spirit of Spain’s unique Mediterranean cuisine permeates the seasonally-inspired menu.
Paco Pérez, Catalonia’s most awarded chef, has garnered a total of six Michelin stars throughout his career. At Enoteca, he carefully balances avant-garde and traditional culinary techniques to seduce diners with unexpected textures, bursts of flavour, and swoon-worthy aromas. Each dining experience is defined by the three pillars of Mediterranean cuisine: olive oil, wheat and wine.
Marina Coastal Club
Marina Coastal Club is a multi-space outdoor venue that overlooks the famous Frank Gehry sculpture, the Golden Fish.
The perfect summer destination to enjoy al fresco sips and nibbles, Marina Coastal Club is the hotel’s best place to take the plunge.
The rooftop is formed by two state-of-the-art swimming pools (an only-adults pool, a family friendly pool and a Jacuzzi), a lively restaurant and a chilled out sunset bar, which operates from early mornings to late evenings (when live music encourages you to dance).
Roka Barcelona
This seasonal restaurant, open from May to October, offers dinner service for fans of the Japanese robatayaki concept. The Roka menu is offered in the evening at Marina Coastal Club.
The Japanese menu features immaculately presented sushi and sashimi alongside dishes from the robata barbecue grill. Pair those refined raw fish flavours with stellar craft cocktails that pay homage to Japanese ingredients with highlights including the Awa Negroni, Lychee Gimlet and Morí Fashioned.
The Pantry
More than a restaurant, The Pantry is an innovative speakeasy concept where local food and straight forward gastronomy are the primal elements and sharing plates are encouraged.
With intimate décor, soft lighting and viby beats, The Secret Pantry is a seductive setting for a romantic date night in Barcelona.
Wag your finger down the menu and you’ll find a selection of quality preserved seafoods like octopus, razor clams and sardines. Cheese and charcuterie lovers can also pluck from a selection of fabulous fromage and melt-on-your-tongue Jamon Iberico.
Highlights from our dinner at The Pantry include Jamon with Pan Con Tomate, Zucchini Mille-Feuille, and Truffled Creamed Rice.
P41 Bar
Cocktail fans looking to enjoy a lovely libation made with great care and pizzazz should hop up at the P41 Bar to shake hands with a friendly bartender.
It’s one of the swankiest spots in Barcelona to enjoy a vermouth, mid-afternoon glass of champagne or a sophisticated after-dinner cocktail.
The impressive menu features cocktails conceived by the hotel’s mixologist Diego Baud, winner of the Essence Century Cocktail Competition in 2015 as well as the distinctions of Top 7 Negroni and Top 5 Gin and Tonic in Spain.
Diego’s unique creations stand out for their extraordinary and elaborate presentations, which make for an unforgettable experience.
Bites
If you’re keen to grab-and-go pop by Bites, a light and healthy all-day dining restaurant that offers a little something for everyone; from a complete menu to a quick snack, a comforting made-to-order breakfast or one of the best coffees in the city.
If you’re looking for a quick bite in the morning before hitting the streets to museum hop, we suggest ordering a delicious raspberry jam croissant accompanied by a frothy cappuccino.
At lunchtime the Iberian ham with mozzarella and black truffle sandwich or the avocado toast with marinated tomatoes, poached egg, feta and rocket lettuce are sure to please.
If you’ve got a penchant for sweets you’ll love French pastry chef Sylvain Guyez tasty creations. Highlights include a Carrot Cake that swaps butter for mascarpone, as well as eye-popping fruit tarts, muffins, cookies and cakes.
Lokal
If you’re looking to enjoy a proper brunch spread head to Lokal, Hotel Arts Barcelona’s contemporary, breakfast restaurant with sun drenched, garden terrace.
The Barcelona market-inspired concept celebrates the best of the region, showcasing organic, local produce and artisan delicacies.
Freshly brewed coffee, warm homemade pastries, hot dishes and sun-ripened fruits at the juice and smoothie station, are a great way to start the day.
Lokal offers leisurely breakfast, with a buffet that includes Catalan and Spanish specialties, alongside international options and lighter alternatives. There’s also the on-site kitchen ready to conjure up hot meal requests, like homemade pancakes and omelettes. Don’t skip on the chocolate fountain and churros!
Fun Things To Do In Barcelona
Once you’ve check into your home sweet home at Hotel Arts Barcelona strap on your shoes and enjoy exploring the city’s top attractions! Barcelona is very walkable and boasts an affordable and dependable metro as well as Uber taxis.
- Barcelona’s Beaches: Hotel Arts Barcelona is conveniently perched over Port Olimpic Marina. Explore the hustle and bustle of the beach by walking to the W Barcelona as this stretch of sand is the most popular. Enjoy a beach day, dance on the boardwalk as buskers sing a sweet serenade, dine at beachside restaurants or go sopping for souvenirs.
- Parc de la Ciutadella: Our favourite park in Barcelona is a short 10 minute walk north of the hotel. It was created in the late 1800s, and features a zoo, boating lake, ornate museums and lush walking trails.
- Moco Museum: Modern art enthusiasts should visit this museum to explore a wide selection of works by luminaries like Keith Haring, Salvador Dali, Maria Abramovic, Andy Warhol, Basquiat, Kusama, Murakami, and Kaws.
- Banksy Museum: This 3-story museum showcases over 130 recreations by the world’s most famous political street artists. The spaces are dedicated to regions where Banksy’s work has been stencilled and spray painted like the United Kingdom and Palestine.
- Barcelona Cathedral: The city’s must-see Gothic cathedral and seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona was constructed from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries. Wander through the moody dimly lit interior to discover religious relics, glittering gold art and a gaggle of white ducks, which squawk outside.
- Mercado de La Boqueria: is the city’s most famous food market and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city for visiting foodies. It’s ideally located just off La Rambla, not far from the Liceu, Barcelona’s opera house. We suggest planning your visit in the afternoon so you can give your feet a break and nosh on traditional street food. You’ll find cones of jamon, Spanish cheeses, dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruit cups, petite tapas bars and vendors specializing in deep fried treats like croquettes.
- Sagrada Familia: Barcelona’s most photographed building is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, the otherworldly architecture is still a work in progress. Tickets can only be bought online and should be booked weeks in advance if you want the pleasure of touring through the interior. You can also visit the pretty park in front of the church to take a Sagrada Familia selfie for free.
- Casa Vicens: one of Barcelona’s newest attractions is the impressive restoration of Gaudi’s first home Casa Vicens which opened to the public for tours in 2017. Highlights include a gorgeous garden, spider web fountain, papier-mâché painted smoking room and sun-soaked rooftop.
- Hospital de Sant Pau: is a must-see museum that opened 10 years ago after the city’s historic hospital was painstakingly restored. The jaw-dropping art nouveau buildings and underground tunnels make this by far the world’s best hospital museum. It’s appealing to both design nerds and those curious about medical history.
Hotel Arts Barcelona Contact
Carrer de la Marina, 34-932-21-10-00
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