10 Best hotels and accommodation in Barcelona for every budget (+ map)

Barcelona offers plenty of places to stay. So you don’t have to go through hundreds of reviews, we’ve put together a detailed guide to the best hotels and accommodation in Barcelona.

We’ve covered everything in our list – hotels with rooftop pools by the sea, central accommodation and budget hotels if you’re travelling on a budget. The article also offers tips on hotels with regard to accessibility to the centre or if you are travelling with children and looking for private accommodation.

We’ll also show you the best areas to stay in Barcelona, whether you’re planning to visit Barcelona as a couple or with children, or just to stay in the city. planning to spend your holiday on the beach or, on the contrary, to explore the most beautiful places in Barcelona.

What to look out for when booking a hotel and accommodation in Barcelona?

• Air conditioning – summers are hot in Barcelona, so air conditioning is a must
• Heating – not all accommodation has central heating. You won’t use the heater for most of the year, but it can sometimes come in handy in winter. Check that your chosen accommodation has central heating and not just supplementary heating.
• Soundproofing – if you’re looking for a hotel in central Barcelona and would like to sleep soundly at night, check if the hotel has soundproofing. Barcelona is really alive late into the night, and even more so in the centre around La Rambla.
• Luggage storage and 24-hour reception – many hotels in Barcelona offer luggage storage and 24-hour reception if you arrive early in the morning or late in the evening. You can leave your luggage at the hotel after you check out until your departure time, usually free of charge. The same applies if you arrive before your room is available.
• Book well in advance. Barcelona is a popular destination and hotel capacities are sometimes insufficient. At the last minute, hotels with bad reviews remain on offer at prices that certainly do not correspond to the quality of accommodation. The best hotels tend to sell out months in advance in high season.

Can I find beachfront accommodation in Barcelona?

Construction in Barcelona is subject to a decree that allows hotels and other buildings to be built at least 100 metres from the sea. As a result, Barcelona has no accommodation directly by the sea. Except for the iconic W Hotel. It was built on land that was formerly considered part of the harbour and not subject to the city ordinance.

Barcelona may be the only major European city with such good access to the sea. Finding beachfront accommodation here is therefore no problem at all. In addition, the beaches are publicly accessible. For some tips on great beachfront hotels, check out this article.

The best accommodation and hotels in Barcelona

Below you can find tips on the best hotels and accommodation in Barcelona. Many of these hotels sell out months in advance in high season because they offer the best value for money.

I recommend booking well in advance (especially for the peak season from May to September). Many hotels offer advance cancellation, some do not even require payment in advance, so you can cancel your reservation later if necessary.

1. Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella – best value for money

El Born district – air conditioning – 24h front desk – luggage storage

Motel One is one of the best hotels in Barcelona. It is right next to Ciutadella Park and Arc de Triomphe in El Born, a neighbourhood known for its atmosphere and great restaurants and tapas bars.

Many famous sites are within easy walking distance, including Sagrada Familia, Casa Batlló and the Gothic Quarter. The beach is also very accessible.

The hotel has a rooftop terrace with a bar and views of the beach and Barcelona. The rooms are cosy, clean, decorated in pleasant colours and there is no lack of air conditioning. The metro station is just 400 metres away.

2. Hotel Acta Voraport – beachfront hotel in Barcelona

Sant Martí district – air conditioning – 24h reception – luggage storage – restaurant

Hotel Acta Voraport is one of the best beachfront hotels in Barcelona – just a short walk from the beautiful Bogatell Beach. It also offers a rooftop pool with a bar, where you can enjoy spectacular views. The Llacuna metro stop is just a 5-minute walk away, so you’re in the centre of Barcelona in no time.

The rooms are modern, fragrant and ideal for a longer stay. It includes a private bathroom and LCD TV. In the morning a rich breakfast is served, the staff is helpful and will help with whatever is needed.

3. Hotel Ronda House – hotel in the centre of Barcelona

Ciutat Vella district – air conditioning – 24h reception – luggage storage

Hotel Ronda House is right in the city centre and just 10 minutes from La Rambla. It has modern, clean rooms and soundproofing, so you can sleep well at night. The breakfast is good, you also get air conditioning, wifi and luggage storage included.

You can walk to Plaza Catalunya, the Sagrada Familia, or the Sagrada Familia in a few minutes. You can take the metro, which is a short walk from the hotel.

4. Hotel ibis Styles – a good choice for couples and families

Sant Martí district – air conditioning – 24h reception – luggage storage

Hotel ibis Styles is a popular chain of affordable hotels. The hotel is located in a quiet area just a short walk from Bogatell Metro Station, which offers access to the city within minutes.

The hotel offers direct access to a rooftop pool with a bar and spectacular views. It is also a short walk to the beach and Ciutadella Park. The perfect place for the summer season.

The rooms are decorated in a modern style, everything is clean and tidy. A rich breakfast is served in the morning, and there is a 24-hour reception and friendly staff.

Families with children can use the children’s playroom and stroller rental.

5. Residencia Universitaria Campus del Mar – cheap accommodation by the beach

La Barceloneta district – air conditioning – 24h reception – luggage storage – kitchenette

Are you looking for private accommodation close to the beach? Residencia Universitaria Campus del Mar delivers on this. The accommodation is located in La Barceloneta, just 200 metres from the beach. There are plenty of great restaurants and tapas bars in the area, and the city centre can be reached in a few minutes by bus or metro.

The apartments are simply but practically equipped, including a kitchenette, or. separate rooms are available. Accommodation is suitable for couples and families with children.

There is a common room, billiards and table tennis.

6. Hotel Occidental Atenea Mar – 4* beachfront hotel in Barcelona

Sant Martí district – air conditioning – 24h reception – luggage storage – restaurant

At the 4-star Occidental Atenea Mar, you’ll have the ultimate in relaxation. The hotel is located a short walk from the beach and offers beautiful sea views.

If you’re not in the mood for the sea, you can laze by the infinity pool with hydromassage beds. There is also a terrace overlooking the sea and an excellent Mediterranean restaurant.

The rooms are modern, airy and spotlessly clean. Air conditioning, LCD TV and a private bathroom are standard.

The hotel is located in a quiet area of Barcelona, just a short walk from the metro station, which takes you to the centre in a few minutes.

7. Hotel Arya Stadium – hotel near Camp Nou

Camp Nou Stadium – air conditioning – 24h reception – luggage storage – restaurant

Modern, newly decorated and cosy accommodation – welcome to the Arya Stadium Hotel. Ideal accommodation for those looking for a nice hotel at a good price outside the centre.

The hotel is located on a direct metro line to the airport, while providing great connections to the city centre. Amenities include an outdoor pool and a beautiful rooftop terrace with city views.

The rooms are clean, modern and equipped, including air conditioning, private bathrooms and a rich breakfast included.

8. Hotel Porta Fira – a stylish hotel at an excellent price

L’Hospitalet de Llobregat – air conditioning – 24h reception – luggage storage – restaurant

The Porta Fira Hotel is unmissable, housed in a striking red tower designed by Japanese architect Toyo Item. The entire interior is minimalist in style, the rooms are spacious and stylish.

The property is located in the L’Hospitalet de Llobregat district, which offers good connections to the centre and direct metro links to the airport. Thanks to this, it can compete with a great price. The surroundings are quiet, tidy and safe.

Your stay includes access to the gym, sauna and spectacular views of Barcelona (especially from the rooms on the higher floors). The hotel is ideal for couples and families with children.

9. Hostal River – cheap accommodation in the centre

La Rambla – 24hr front desk – luggage storage

Hotel River is centrally located, just 2 minutes from La Rambla and Liceu Metro Station. It has a great central location, which makes it within easy reach of most of Barcelona’s sights or the port.

The rooms are simply furnished but clean and absolutely sufficient for an overnight stay. Breakfast is good, staff helpful.

It can be noisier at night and lacks air conditioning, but on the other hand the price is unbeatable considering the location.

10. Leonardo Royal Hotel – 4* hotel at a great price

L’Hospitalet de Llobregat – air conditioning – 24h reception – luggage storage – restaurant

Leonardo Royal Hotel is one of the best hotels in Barcelona. This is evidenced by the fact that it usually sells out months in advance.

For a very good price, you get the services of a four-star hotel – stylishly furnished rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning, a rooftop pool with a bar, a gym, excellent breakfast and friendly staff.

The hotel is located in a quiet area of L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, which has excellent metro and bus links.

Where to stay in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a large city divided into 10 districts. These further branch out into smaller quarters (barri).

Each neighbourhood or area has its own specific atmosphere. Barcelona can be imagined as 10 separate villages that form a single unit, connected by a well-developed infrastructure.

Choosing the right neighbourhood is therefore important. If you are planning to visit Barcelona for 3 days or have similarly limited time, it is a good idea to plan your accommodation in Barcelona strategically.

Best hotels in Ciutat Vella

Ciutat Vella is one of the best areas of Barcelona for those coming to Barcelona for the first time. Most of the main attractions and sights are within walking distance, and you’ll also get excellent metro connections.

There are many great restaurants and tapas bars, boutique markets and shops nearby.

Ciutat Vella translates as “Old Town” and consists of 4 districts, each of which is completely different: Barri Gotic, El Raval, La Barceloneta and Santa Caterina, Sant Pere i la Ribera (El Born for short). We will now take a closer look at the individual neighbourhoods:

– Barri Gotic: the best area for sights and culture

Barri Gotic, or Gothic Quarter, is the historic centre of Barcelona, where the city of Barcina was located during Roman rule. Today, you can see its remains underground in the MUHBA Museum in Plaça del Rei.

Barri Gotic has many historic corners, small squares with gardens and is also home to one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona – Barcelona Cathedral. Don’t miss the Gothic Quarter in the morning, when you’ll see at most a few locals walking their dogs.

– El Raval: the best area for nightlife

If Barri Gotic has the reputation of being the most historic district in Barcelona, El Raval has the reputation of being the roughest. There was a time when El Raval was a red-light district (like Amsterdam) and drug dealers used to congregate here. Even today, you can find prostitutes at night at the southern end of the street. Yet it is a safe neighbourhood that has changed significantly for the better over the last twenty years.

El Raval is nicknamed “Chinatown” because there are many Asian immigrants here. And not just Asian ones. The East mixes with the West, giving El Raval a great multicultural atmosphere.

Independent bars, boutiques and authentic restaurants. These are the main magnets why El Raval is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Barcelona. El Raval is located in the Old Town, to the left of La Rambla and Barri Gotic, and has great metro and bus links.

• Hotel River – cheap hotel a short walk from La Rambla
• Hotel Ronda House – cosy and modern hotel with good quality service and just 10 minutes from La Rambla

– La Barcelonata: the best area for a seaside holiday

Barceloneta was formerly a fishing village, but during the 1992 Olympics it was completely rebuilt. It was also the time when Barcelona’s most popular beach, La Barceloneta, was created and is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.

However, the tradition of the fishing village has remained to this day. If you want to enjoy seafood, make sure you head here. The streets in La Barceloneta are regular and very similar at first glance, so it can be quite easy for someone with a poor sense of direction to get lost.

La Barceloneta is a little off the beaten track from the city centre. It is adjacent to Santa Caterina, Sant Pere i la Ribera (unofficially El Born). Barcelona’s narrowest centre, around the cathedral, is also within walking distance. The La Barceloneta district is mainly made up of apartments.

• Residencia Universitaria Campus del Mar – apartments including a kitchenette a short walk from La Barceloneta beach

– El Born: the best area with the right atmosphere

El Born is the unofficial name for the neighbourhood of Santa Caterina, Sant Pere i la Ribera. El Born is one of the best places to stay in Barcelona. It has romantic medieval streets that invite you to take a stroll. The streets are lined with boutiques featuring the work of independent designers and great restaurants and tapas bars.

El Born is adjacent to the Gothic Quarter on the left and Barcelona’s most popular park, Parc de la Ciutadella, with the Arc de Triomphe, is just to the right. From the Arc de Triomphe, it’s a short walk to Sagrada Familia.

The district is home to several beautiful monuments and museums, including the magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar and the Picasso Museum.

If swimming in the sea appeals to you, the beach is a quarter of an hour away.

• Motel One Barcelona-Ciutadella – one of the best hotels in Barcelona and at a good price; strategic location near the Arc de Triomphe and Ciutadella Park

Best hotels in Eixample

Eixample is a sprawling neighbourhood where you’ll find some of Antoni Gaudí’s best modernist buildings, including the famous Sagrada Familia. The construction of local houses began in the 19th century, when the old city walls around Ciutat Vella were torn down to allow Barcelona to grow.

The houses are laid out in a grid with open streets that breathe. Eixample is the complete opposite of the Old Town.

Through the quarter runs Barcelona’s main commercial thoroughfare – Passeig de Gràcia. Right on it are two other Gaudí buildings – Casa Milà – La Pedrera and the even more famous Casa Batlló, which shines from afar with its colours and stained glass windows.

Passeig de Gràcia ends with Plaça de Catalunya, which is the centre of Barcelona. The airport bus stops here, and there are many connections to other parts of Barcelona.

Plaça de Catalunya separates the Eixample district from Ciutat Vella. Eixample has a variety of great restaurants and shopping options including some of the most luxurious boutiques in Barcelona.

Hotels in Eixample

• Hotel Medicis – cosy hotel next to the Art Nouveau Sant Pau Hospital and 5 minutes from the Sagrada Familia

Best hotels in Sant Martí

Sant Martí is a large district to the north-east of the centre, divided into 10 smaller sub-districts. The most popular of these are Poblenou and La Vila Olímpica de Poblenou, which are characterised by promenades, beaches, tapas bars and nightlife.

Poblenou is known as the “Manchester of Catalonia”. It used to be an industrial area and gradually transformed into a district with design buildings and showrooms.

Sant Martí is a modern, elegant and flat neighbourhood. If you are looking for an area outside the tourist centre and with good access to the sea, Sant Martí is a great choice. The Sagrada Familia can be reached in 20 minutes by metro (about half an hour on foot) and the Old Town in 15 minutes.

Hotels in Sant Martí

• Hotel Acta Voraport – modern and newly furnished hotel a short walk from Bogatell beach
• Hotel ibis Styles – great value for money; ideal accommodation for couples and families with children (family rooms and children’s play area)
• Hotel Occidental Atenea Mar– adults-only hotel a short walk from the beach, with an infinity pool and sea views
• Hotel Hesperia Barcelona Del Mar – fully equipped beachfront hotel ideal for families with children and with good access to the centre

Other great areas to stay in Barcelona

The above areas – Ciutat Vella, Eixample and Sant Martí are some of the best areas to stay in Barcelona. One of the best places to stay is the Gràcia district on the hill north of Eixample.

Gràcia is home to Park Güell and Gaudí’s first building, Casa Vicens. It’s a popular residential area with a local atmosphere that is avoided by the tourist crowds. The centre is further away, but if you’re looking for a more authentic area outside the centre, Gràcia is a good choice.

To the left of El Raval is the Poble Sec neighbourhood. It’s a good base for those who want to explore the Montjüic hill on the left from Poble Sec and the historic part of Barcelona to the right. One of the best hotels in the area is Hotel Arya Stadium , a clean and modern hotel with a swimming pool a short walk from Camp Nou Stadium.

If you are looking for modern accommodation in a safe location with good connections to the airport and the city centre, look no further than L’Hospitalet de Llobregat. The surrounding area is well maintained, with plenty of shops, restaurants and bakeries for breakfast. The best hotels in the area include the stylish Hotel Leonardo Royal Hotel with a rooftop pool and Hotel Porta Fira which is housed in an imposing red tower.

As for Airbnb, the city has been fighting it for a couple of years. In recent months, it seems that Airbnb in Barcelona will be heavily regulated. Airbnb is also disapproved of by locals who complain that it raises rental prices unreasonably.

Best hotels in Barcelona: map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of accommodation in Barcelona. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the “Barcelona Accommodation” guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

More information about Barcelona

THIGS TO DO IN BARCELONA: Plan your trip with our 3-day itinerary for Barcelona. Check out the description and itinerary map on how to spend 4 days in Barcelona.

Here are the best things to do in Barcelona (photos, map, practical information). In the next article we share tips on things to do in Barcelona with kids.

BARCELONA TRAVEL GUIDE: Here is a detailed guide to transport in Barcelona and how to get from the airport to Barcelona. In the next article we share tips on how to save in Barcelona.

SPAIN: This is a list of the most beautiful places in Spain.

☞ Go to all articles about Spain.

Summary guide on where to stay in Barcelona (best hotels and areas)