A WEEKEND AT HOTEL ARTS BARCELONA

Barcelona’s relationship with the Mediterranean is at the heart of Hotel Arts. Set in Port Olímpic, the hotel rises 44 floors above the waterfront, with huge views across Barcelona and the Mediterranean. Following its 2025 reimagination by Meyer Davis and GCA Architects, the 432 rooms and suites are a mixture of contemporary Catalan design, natural materials and details from local artists and designers.

We stayed during a very packed Primavera weekend, so having a place away from everything was especially nice. As soon as we opened the door to our room, we were met by huge windows with a view towards the Sagrada Família. At night, the highway lights glowing outside gave the room a very Lost in Translation energy, with the city still living outside while everything was completely peaceful inside. It was in fact the dream suite.

There was a storm while we were there, which somehow made the room feel even more charming and cosy. We could sit inside and watch the weather move across the city, without feeling too much FOMO. And then, when the sun came out, the whole atmosphere changed. We were just a few steps from the beach, with the Mediterranean stretching out in front of us. It is easy to imagine Hotel Arts working just as well on a sunny summer weekend as it does on a rainy afternoon.

The rooms themselves have a very Barcelona feeling. There are deep Mediterranean blues, earthy sandstone tones, marble, brass and natural fibres, mixed with bespoke pieces by local creatives including Lorena Canals, Rosa Cortiella and Nani Marquina. I particularly loved all of the small details – the ceramic-glazed mirror, the textures of the headboard and the sculptural lighting. Outside the room, the hotel has landscaped gardens, two pools, Arts Wellness and a strong food offering, including the two-Michelin-starred Enoteca Paco Pérez. Art is also part of the experience, with contemporary Catalan and Spanish works throughout the hotel.

There is a real feeling of space throughout the property, something that becomes particularly noticeable after spending time in the centre of Barcelona. You can spend the morning walking through the city, come back for a swim, have lunch overlooking the Mediterranean and end the day watching the lights come on across the skyline. You can have the energy of the city, the beach, the views and the feeling of retreat all in the same place. And after a busy weekend, having the option to step away from everything without really going anywhere, was exactly what we needed.