The best hotels in Barcelona's Eixample neighborhood
From hotels with indulgent spas to those housed in in historic buildings, here are the Experts' picks.
The Mandarin Oriental sits on one of the most famous and exclusive streets in the city – the elegant Passeig de Gràcia. Running up from Placa de Catalunya to the neighborhood of Gràcia, this street marks the centre of the Eixample district. Part of the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, it features chic and sophisticated décor and a tranquil feel. According to Forbes Travel Guide, “The hotel offers a serene oasis when you are ready to step away from the bustle of the city, with a world-class restaurant, a rooftop pool, an amazing spa”. To visit one of Barcelona’s most elegant dining venues, head next door to the 1920s-inspired dining hall - El Nacional.
Designed by award-winning Catalan architect Juli Capella, the Hotel Omm sits right at the top of Eixample, within an easy walking distance of hip Gràcia, as well as Gaudi’s famous La Pedrera. It’s both minimalistic and sleek with polished wooden floors and large four-poster beds. Condé Nast Traveler says: “The 91-room Omm brings to Barcelona a different design idiom: Nordic Zen”. As well as its trendy design, this hotel features a gym, a great value bar and restaurant, and an indulgent spa. The highlight is of course the magnificent rooftop with outdoor pool, offering spectacular views towards the rooftop of La Pedrera. Look out for the quirky rooftop chimneys, which apparently provided the inspiration for Star Wars’ storm troopers. Just opposite the hotel on the grand Passeig de Gràcia sits the Palau Robert – a Catalan palace, which is not only home to a tourist information office, but also a secret garden at the back – an ideal oasis to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Another of our hotel picks which sits right on Passeig de Gràcia is the grand Majestic Hotel & Spa. Elegance exudes throughout the hotel, from the grand lobby with marble columns and wrought iron, to the smart roof top terrace and pool area, perfect for enjoying a cocktail while overlooking the city lights. Rooms are spacious and sumptuous with lots of luxurious soft furnishings. DK Eyewitness says of the Majestic: “Stately decor and faultless service are the hallmarks of this aptly named hotel”. The hotel sits opposite one of Barcelona’s most underrated and lesser-known museums – the Museu Egipci de Barcelona, showcasing an array of Egyptian mummies, mummified cats and sarcophagi.
One of the most gorgeous hotels in Barcelona, in terms of its design and historic elements is the Cotton House Hotel. This five-star property used to be the home of the Cotton Textile Foundation and is housed in a neoclassical 19th-century building, which has become a city landmark. It’s decorated with lavish wood paneling, luxurious leather and dazzling chandeliers - and everywhere features the iconic symbol of the cotton flower. Condé Nast Traveler says: “Enjoy luxe accommodations and best-in-the-biz service at this beautifully restored hotel, set in a former private palace”. There’s a large central leafy garden, as well as rooftop with outdoor pool from which you can see the celebrated Sagrada Familia. If shopping is your bag, make sure to head the opposite direction to Passeig de Gràcia, towards Carrer Girona to find all the city’s fashion outlets.
Situated on Passeig de Gràcia, between rows of designer boutiques, the Condes de Barcelona is housed in two historic buildings – the Modernista Casa Enric Batlló and the Casa Daurella. Inside is anything but historic however, decorated with contemporary design and that wow factor in the central circular atrium and skylight. The rooms feature lots of wood and natural tones, while the small plunge pool on the roof offers stunning rooftop views. Star Service says of the hotel: “This Catalonian gem is a contender on the second tier, offering fine service, extraordinary dining and striking yet comfortable modern décor”. In the streets behind the hotel, you’ll find two of the neighborhood’s most spectacular, but lesser-known Modernista buildings – the Casa Domènech i Estapà and the Casa Queraltó.
This four-star hotel is located on the sophisticated Rambla de Catalunya, running parallel with Passeig de Gràcia, lined with boutiques, pavement cafes and restaurants. The hotel was designed by British style icon and former Dragon (from the TV Show Dragons’ Den) - Kelly Hoppen. Inside it’s modern with a neutral palette and splashes of bright colors. Mr & Mrs Smith describe the hotel by saying: “This chic city hideaway rounds out its winning hand with a sunny terrace, sleek bar and striking black and white photographs throughout”. As well as its great design, the hotel boasts deluxe apartments, two restaurants and a bar, serving traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine. For an authentic Catalan experience, visit the Bodegueta wine bar, just one block away.
The name may not be too appealing to English speakers, but the Hotel Cram is actually a four-star modern and contemporary hotel with a futuristic style. It’s located in L’Esquerra de Eixample (the left side of Eixample), close to lots of restaurants and shops. Lonely Planet describes the hotel by saying: “The standard rooms are indeed a little Cramped, but full of designer twirls and a light, white and timber toned décor, all hidden behind an (often illuminated) 1892 façade”. The hotel’s Angle Restaurant has been awarded with one Michelin Star, so it’s well worth booking the tasting menu one night if you’re staying here. Besides the restaurant, highlights include the Anemos Terrace Bar with rooftop plunge pools and the MAREVA Cocktail Bar. Close to the hotel, you’ll find the charming Carrer d’Enric Granados street running north from the university. Fringed by palm trees, it’s home to some of Barcelona’s best brunch bars and hip cafes.
The sumptuous five-star Hotel Claris just simply oozes luxury and style. Inside guests will find a Zen Oriental-inspired interior with a huge collection of Pre-Columbian artwork covering every wall, and spacious minimalist rooms. Condé Nast Traveler describes the Hotel Claris as: “Packed with ancient artifacts and very distinctive décor, this is not your cookie-cutter five-star hotel”. Besides the décor, the stand-out features include the Mayan Secret Spa, the roof terrace with outdoor pool and fusion Chinese and Mediterranean restaurant – Mr. Kao. Just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, you’ll find Casa de les Punxes, one of the city’s most underrated buildings.
