Hotels in Barcelona

Although Barcelona has hundreds of hotels, demand is such that they are still among the most expensive in Spain. Many are perfectly adequate, and some of the big international chains are highly luxurious (and expensive), but frankly they could be anywhere. We have aimed to give you options that could only be in Barcelona.

Hotels on and around La Rambla and Barri Gòtic make a convenient base for the main sights, but your money will go further in upcoming Raval. Those on the waterfront tend to be newer and flashier, and priced accordingly. In L’Eixample, while typically more expensive than the old city, rooms are often more spacious.

Thousands of private apartments and rooms are listed on websites such as AirBnB.com, Booking.com, and VRBO.com, a phenomenon that has caused consternation among local residents and prompted action from the authorities. As we go to press, a law has been enacted requiring rentals to be no fewer than 30 days at a time. This law will go into effect in 2028.  You can still rent an apartment for a short stay for now, and if you do so, we recommend Numa (  +49 30-311-961-17) which has a good selection of centrally located options at prices that compete favorably with hotels. Aspasios (tel. 93-304-14-48) is geared toward larger, longer stay apartments.

 Barcelona is a popular year-round, but demand soars in spring, summer, and early fall. Most hotels and vacation rentals offer lower rates between November and April except around major holidays such as New Year, Kings’ Day (January 6) and Easter.

What To Watch Out For When Booking a Hotel

Attractive changes have taken place in many of the older hotels in Barcelona. Traditionally -- and especially in the heart of the Ciutat Vella quarter -- these old hostales are centered around a well or patio and may have seemed dark, gloomy, and almost claustrophobic in the past. Today, however, many have been renovated and transformed into bright, appealing places to sleep. Some have gardens and patios to look out on. One thing that has not changed, however, is the noise (especially from weekend revelers), though mercifully more rooms are soundproofed these days. The 1920s' moderniste facades and original tiled floors have also been retained in many hotels, and the city's increasing number of boutique establishments are decorated with all the stylistic inventiveness you'd expect in such a famously avant-garde metropolis.

All Barcelona hotels -- including even the most budget-oriented ones -- offer Wi-Fi. All hotels are smoke-free, both in public areas and in all rooms.