Barcelona Accommodation

Though Barcelona always was short on hotel space before 1992, the Olympics spurred an expansion that resulted in the addition of 5,000 hotel rooms to the city's previous 14,000-room-plus hotel capacity. Expect to pay more than €300 a night for a double room at a hotel listed below as very expensive, between €190 and €300 for a double room at a hotel listed as expensive, between €75 and €190 at one listed as moderate, and less than €90 at an inexpensive hotel. Most of Barcelona's major hotels have complete facilities for the business traveller. Those hotels listed below as having "business services" usually offer such conveniences as an English-speaking concierge, meeting rooms, photocopiers, computers, translation services, and express checkout, among others. Call the hotel for additional information. In addition, unless otherwise noted, the hotels listed offer private baths, air conditioning, and in-room telephones and TV sets. All telephone numbers are in the 3 city code.
Luxury Hotels Barcelona

Arts Ritz Carlton claims that at 44 stories this, its first European property, is the continent's tallest hotel. The new 455-room luxury hotel is located in one of the two twin towers 100 yards from Platja Barcelona, the beach at the Villa Olimpica (Olympic Village). The hotel's public spaces are filled with Catalan modern art, and there's a formal restaurant, a cafe, a fitness centre, and two outdoor swimming pools. Business services are available. 19 Passeig de Marina.
Barcelona Hilton Situated on a tree-lined avenue in one of the most stylish parts of the city, this hotel's architecture is modern, the decor classic, cozy, and restful. This establishment has 300 rooms, including several executive floors, one of which is reserved exclusively for women. Popular with busi­ness travelers, in addition to a health club it offers full business services and a restaurant. 589 Av.Diagonal.

Rey Juan Carlos I Named for the current king of Spain, this modern property, near the university and the upscale Pedralbes neighborhood, has 375 rooms and 37 suites, all surrounding a large, open atrium. Facilities include a health club and an outdoor swimming pool, three restaurants (one of which is Japanese), and two bars. Business services are available.
Ritz - Built in 1919, this deluxe, refurbished aristocrat boasts a new face, and once again lives up to its reputation for superb service in an elegant, charming atmosphere. It's the hotel of choice for many international celebrities. All 161 rooms have high ceilings. There also is a fine restaurant. Business ser­vices are available. 668 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes (phone: 318-5200; fax: 318-0148).

Hotels in Barcelona

Almirante - This small, modern hostelry is in the centre of the city near the cathedral. There are 80 oversize rooms with luxury bathrooms, and a restaurant is on the premises. Business services are available. 42 Via Laietana.
Avenida Palace - Polished brass and fancy carpets lend a tasteful, Old World atmosphere to this deluxe property. The 169 rooms are cheerful yet quiet, and offer mini-bars. The public areas are adorned with sedate paintings, fine reproductions, and interesting antiques. There is a gym and a sauna, as well as a restaurant; business services are available. The staff is well trained and extremely attentive. 605 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.


Calderon - Another long time favourite with the business crowd, most of its generously proportioned 264 rooms have been equipped with the conveniences frequent business travellers expect. In addition, business services are available. There is a restaurant on the premises, and the rooftop swimming pool, sauna, and sun terrace command a splendid view of the city. 26 Rambla de Catalunya.

Claris - The former 19th-century Vedruna Palace, with its original regal facade intact, has been renovated with marble floors and teak panelling. Owner Jordi Clos owns the most important collection of Egyptian art in Spain, and he has installed 70 pieces of it in a second-floor gallery of the hotel. There are Egyptian or Indian pieces of art in the 124 rooms; the hotel also boasts two restaurants, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, parking facilities, and business services. 150 Carrer Pau Claris.

Colon - A renovated old favourite in the Barri Gotic, right in front of the cathedral. Clean and pleasantly decorated, it has 146 rooms with high ceilings. Ten rooms on the sixth floor have terraces; three of these face the cathedral. A restaurant is on the premises. Business services are available. 7 Av. de la Catedral.

Condes de Barcelona - Modrnista outside and modern inside, it's in a striking building that was transformed into a luxury hotel in the mid-1980s, and proved so popular that it is already undergoing an expansion. The 183 rooms and suites contain all the expected amenities. Its location in the heart of the Eixample is ideal, and its Brasserie Condal is a good dining spot. Business services are available. 75 Passeig de Gracia.

Derby - This is an elegant establishment done in hushed colours, with diffused lighting and impressive wood trim and ornamentation. Affiliated with Best Western, it offers 117 rooms; those on the top floor have large terraces. The intimate piano bar adds an extra special touch; there's also a restau­rant on the premises. Business services are available. 21 Carrer de Loreto.
Diplomatic - Dedicated to businesspeople with its excellent conference facilities, this modern 217 -room establishment is conveniently located near the Pedrera and the Passeig de Gracia shops. It has an outdoor pool and a restaurant. Business services are available. (122 Carrer de Pau Claris).

Ducs de Bergara - Stepping into the foyer, you'll find yourself 100 years back in time. Located next to the Placa de Catalunya, this charming hotel boasts marble floors, pillars, cut-glass mirrors, moulded ceilings, and 56 modern and stylish rooms, as well as a restaurant. Business services are available.

Gran Hotel Havana - This luxury establishment has a neoclassical facade but a completely modern interior, featuring a dramatic six-story central atrium lined with shops, a piano bar, and a restaurant. Its 141 rooms are decorated with Italian marble and are equipped with satellite television. On the top floor are 10 deluxe suites and a private terrace garden. Business services are available. 647 Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.
Melia Barcelona Sarria - Near Placa de Francese Macia, this is a favourite with business travellers. All 312 rooms have king-size beds. The executive Piso Real ("Royal Floor") features its own concierge. A restaurant is on the premises. Business services are available. 50 Av. de Sarria.

Le Meridien Barcelona - A large (210-room), imposing link in the international chain, it provides expected standards of comfort and service. The Renaissance Club rooms on the top four floors are the finest accommodations, featuring computer terminals. Ideally located near the Barri Gotic, it has two restaurants. Business services are available. 111 La Rambla.

Presidente - This 156-room modern luxury establishment is located away from the centre of town but is, nevertheless, bustling with businesspeople, film stars, and other personalities. A restaurant offers Catalan and international fare. Business services are available. 570 Av. Diagonal).

Princesa Sofia - Big, bustling, and modern, this convention-oriented hotel has an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a sauna, and restaurants. It could be anywhere in the world, but is out near the university and the Estadi Camp Nou. The 511 rooms, decorated in contemporary style, have large tile bathrooms and mini-bars. Business services are available. Placa de Pius XII.
Rivoli Rambla - Conveniently situated on La Rambla, this hotel is within easy walking distance of the Barri Gotic, the Placa de Catalunya, Passeig de Gracia, and the waterfront. The 87 rooms are furnished in low-key contemporary style, with room safes, mini-bars, and personal computers in the suites. There is a small fitness centre, an attractive restaurant called Le Brut show­casing specialties from all over Spain, a rooftop terrace, and the Blue Moon piano bar. 128 Rambla de Is Estudis