Barcelona, SpainLa Barceloneta
W Barcelona
Sail-shaped coastal playground
La Barceloneta Barcelona, Spain
Opened
2009
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Social LuxeOutside the door
The house
MarriottSail-shaped coastal playground
It runs like a high-energy seaside resort, with all-day lounging by the water and DJ sets long into the night.
“this glassy, sail-shaped monolith towers 27 stories above the Barcelona coast, offering unmatched views of the city, the beach, the marina, and the Mediterranean beyond.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Ricardo Bofill's 26-story glass sail rises directly from the Barceloneta seafront breakwater.
Listed
Floor-to-ceiling Mediterranean views join round-the-clock room service delivered on silver trays.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
for the building itself, a sail-shaped glass-and-steel tower designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill, the W Barcelona’s opening caused a larger-than-normal stir.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Sant Sebastià beach stretches out right from the boardwalk, and the Gothic Quarter is a quick taxi ride away.
The rooms
Beds face wall-to-wall windows overlooking the sea or skyline, backed by open slate wet rooms.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
White loungers line the outdoor pool beside rows of palms. Next door, treadmills face terrace greenery through floor-to-ceiling glass.
The thermal baths
A hydrotherapy pool with swan-neck jets sits beside a wooden Finnish sauna glowing with red underbench light.
The spa
AWAY Spa spans eight treatment rooms, with dedicated pedicure chairs set behind vertical timber slats and a central beauty bar.
Restaurant
FIRE
Curved glowing pendants hang over red armchairs, where chefs cook organic meats and seasonal fish over an open flame.
The room is kitted out with innovative lighting that can transform the mood with a couple flicks, plus an oversize work desk and a chaise longue for daydreaming and gazing.
At the table
SALT serves Mediterranean plates on a thatched beachfront terrace. On the 26th floor, NOXE pours cocktails high above the water.
How it began
Known to locals as La Vela, the glass sail was built on reclaimed port land after regulators capped its height.
Barcelona
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.