August 3, 2026 |
There are some stays that linger long after you’ve put your passport away. The type where everyone you meet is exceptional and every detail feels considered. The type that transports you away from the hubbub of London life and really allows you to put your feet up, exhale – and truly unwind. Staying at the Hotel Arts Barcelona, which has just undergone a considerable refurbishment, is one of those experiences.
I visited with my partner in mid-July – a sweaty, humid time in the Spanish city – but this luxe, 44-storey hotel provides the perfect escape from the blanketed heat. Upon arrival, it was notable that everyone we spoke to, from the lift to the lobby, possessed a genuine warmth. We learnt the bellhop was from Italy, a lift attendant was from Germany, whilst another member of staff who took our bags to the room was from Lebanon, all within the hour. It may seem minor, but the staff at the Hotel Arts Barcelona and their openness to sharing a small slice of their story, made us feel more at home than any level of pomp or false prestige ever could. A special shout-out goes to Guillermo and Lorenzo who checked us in, armed with a glass of bubbly and some excellent recommendations for dinner that evening. What more could you want?
What makes this offering particularly special however, is this hospitality unfolds in the context of a beautifully redesigned hotel. Perched on the shores of the Balearic Sea, the Hotel Arts boasts some jaw-dropping panoramic views. These can best be seen from many points across the hotel, but most notably in the Club Lounge and the newly renovated, sea-facing rooms. Luckily, my partner and I had the pleasure of experiencing both.
I could write a book about the joys of the Club Lounge. First and foremost, it has an all-day buffet, with a rotating menu of bite-size delights from the local area and beyond. For breakfast, there’s Spanish omelette, fresh bread and juicy, cubed fruit, plus some mini muffins and cakes if you’re up for a sugary treat to kick off the day. Then comes the savoury options, plated and ready for the taking later in the afternoon, ranging from a caramelised onion and blue cheese tartlet to a garlic and pumpkin pâté. The drinks, alcoholic or not, are free-flowing, with guests encouraged to use the lounge whenever and however they please. Fancy a quick sip of champagne before heading out for the evening? The Club Lounge is your spot. Or a digest of the daily news lounging on the sofa, overlooking the glittering, turquoise ocean, uninterrupted by floor-to-ceiling windows? The Club Lounge will be your best friend. Worth every penny, it’s a service which pushes the Hotel Arts Barcelona a head and shoulders above the rest.
As much as the seascape is the Hotel Arts Barcelona’ crown jewel, it’s the reimagined suites which give it its chance to shine. Redesigned by Meyer Davis alongside GCA Architects, the project elevated 432 guestrooms and suites into heavenly sanctuaries inspired by light and nature – two elements core to the hotel’s sun-dappled, seaside address. One of the most exquisite of the new rooms, and the one we had the luxury of staying in, is the Horizon suite. The room boasts stretching glass windows across its front, meaning guests can look out to sea and watch the shades of the sky change from dawn to dusk, completely uninterrupted.
Should one peel themselves away from this gorgeous panorama, Davis and his crack team have ensured the interiors are equally as awe-inspiring. Riffing on a Mediterranean palette – fresh aquamarines, butter yellows and sea glass greens – the design is entirely bespoke and tuned into its surroundings. Specially-crafted ceramic mirrors, drawing on contemporary Catalan design, complement marble sinks, whilst the king-sized bed – looking out to the crystal-blue waters – is surrounded by twisting, sculptural lamps for a bit of light reading before bed. As its name suggests, the art collection at the hotel is a key part of its character (scattered across the expansive building, there are 62 marble sculptures from Basque artist Alberto Peral integrated into its architecture), and the refurbished interiors reflect this. Stationed on a shelf in the front room, there were coffee table books detailing the works of heroes from across all manner of artistic practice – from Frida Kahlo to Martin Scorsese. Custom furniture and decor, created in collaboration with local artisans such as rugmaker Lorena Canals and ceramicist Rosa Cortiella, punctuated the room’s landscape, adding a touch of local community that enhanced the space that one step further.
One last recommendation, should you find yourself at the Hotel Arts Barcelona (a stay, if you can’t tell, I highly recommend), is to head over to the Marina restaurant. Right down near the coast, its Mediterranean menu boasts freshly-caught seafood and classic tapas. Dressed in bright, citrus-centered sauces or smoked on an outdoor grill, it’s the seasonal, Spanish flavours like you’ve never tasted before.
As our experience taught us, Hotel Arts Barcelona is truly one-of-a-kind. Embracing its outstanding coastal location and creative spirit with its new redesign, a stay at this luxury spot means being surrounded by both the expansive natural beauty and vibrant creative community. It’s cultural immersion of the best kind, with the best views.
Photography courtesy of Hotel Arts Barcelona.
