Na nossa última viagem a Barcelona escolhemos aquele que viria a transformar-se num dos nossos hotéis favoritos na cidade – o Hotel Arts Barcelona.
A caminhada em direção ao hotel é, por si só, uma experiência marcada pelo deslumbramento. O seu imponente exterior de aço e vidro destaca-se no horizonte da cidade, proporcionando uma visão única. O hotel tem uma conjugação perfeita – é um hotel de praia luxuoso e ao mesmo tempo consegue ser um destino sofisticado no centro da cidade.
Built from 1991 onwards for the ’92 Olympic Games, the Hotel Arts Barcelona became famous for its unique architecture that redefined the surroundings completely. It is a perfect combination of contemporary design and traditional luxury, with 44 floors designed by renowned architecture studio Skidmore Owings Merrill under the direction of Bruce Graham.
The building only began operating as Hotel Arts Barcelona under the Ritz-Carlton acronym in 1994, and since then, it has truly lived up to its name; the hotel is truly an art gallery in itself! The iconic El Peix water sculpture stands out, designed by Frank Gehry, one of the most notable among the more than 500 pieces of art distributed throughout the hotel, including collaborations with art galleries that use contemporary pieces specially selected just for the space.
This was our first trip with Franciscam when she was only 7 months old. I can’t say that the choice of hotel was based on this fact, but the truth is that the location and comfort of the hotel significantly improved the experience of traveling with such a tiny and demanding baby.
Rooms
With every room offering stunning views over the city and the Mediterranean, our Executive Suite was no exception. It is decorated with a more neutral design, which meets the usual standard of Ritz-Carlton hotels, with discreet furniture, a large bed, and simple but exquisite decor.
Restaurants
Another of the highlights of Arts Barcelona is the array of restaurants and bars.
Seven restaurants and bars within Arts Barcelona create a diverse culinary experience, from cocktails at the cosmopolitan P41 Bar & Coctelarium to the prestigious Enoteca Paco Pérez, with two Michelin stars.

In between, the acclaimed Roka, with Japanese cuisine, is open only in the summer. Marina Coastal Food with Mediterranean cuisine, The Pantry with its more intimate atmosphere for a late afternoon or lighter dinner, Bites, the ideal place for a snack throughout the day, a wine mid-afternoon or just a work meeting, and Lokal that presents us with the first meal of the day.
Services
Here, we must highlight a remarkable versatility, one of the key elements of Arts Barcelona – 43 The Spa. A refuge that almost allows us to touch the clouds.
The Spa is basically a duplex at the top of the hotel and has several relaxation areas, massage rooms, a Turkish bath, a swimming pool, and a sauna with probably one of the best views in the world!
There is only one drawback I need help understanding – the Spa does not have free access for guests. And I’m not talking about carrying out some type of therapy, which would obviously have to be paid for. I’m talking about just using the facilities and the water circuit. I understand the need to make an appointment to ensure greater privacy and leisure time, but I cannot comprehend that guests must pay to use the facilities.
Returning to Arts Barcelona services. In addition to the beautiful gardens where we can get lost, the hotel has two swimming pools, an outdoor one more oriented towards families and an infinity pool just for adults. This excellent rule allows those traveling without children to enjoy moments of relaxation.
Regarding wellness areas, the hotel also has a perfectly complete gym for the most demanding of athletes.
For those who travel for work and decide to stay in one of the best hotels in the city, know that Arts Barcelona has 14 rooms for events such as conferences, meetings, or lectures, as well as a ballroom that can accommodate more than 1000 guests.
It should be noted that each room can be perfectly customizable according to the event itself.
For those who use exclusivity as the theme of their travels, the hotel has the Club Floor and the Executive Club Lounge, a kind of usual Ritz-Carlton staple. A little paradise for Premium guests, with private check-in and complimentary meals throughout the day.

In conclusion, Hotel Arts Barcelona has the perfect symbiosis between the sea, the city, and art. After 30 years, it has not only kept up with the changes but also known how to reinvent itself to remain one of the most unmissable hotels in the city.
Rooms from 275€
Carrer de la Marina, 19-21, 08005 Barcelona, Spain