Who's Going
Shakira, Rafael Nadal, Fernando Torres, Jesus Morales
Reason to Stay
Waterfront Location, Party Pool, Rooftop Lounge
Hotel Type
Resort Hotel
Perhaps one of the Barcelona's biggest hotel openings in local history came in late-2009 when Starwood's W Hotels unveiled its first outpost in Western Europe with W Barcelona. The property rises 26-floors at the tip of the city's port harbor within walking distance of the city's Gothic District and Barceloneta waterfront. The iconic "La Vela", or sail-shape design, is already a staple of the city's skyline created by architect Ricardo Bofill who previously penned the headquarters for Cartier and Christian Dior in Paris.
A darling of jetset travelers, W Hotel Barcelona immediately became the barometer to which aging hotel giants like the Hotel Arts (managed by Ritz Carlton) and downtown-based design hotels will be measured. Removed from the city center, the hotel is a virtual island of amenities including WET gourmet eatery on the hotel's 2nd floor as well as a rooftop bar from UK-based Ignite Group who operated London's Boujis celebrity nightclub that's a regular for stars like Sienna Miller, Prince William and Kate Middleton.
The Room
A total of 473 guest rooms offer ocean and city views of La Sagrada Familia in hip loft-style spaces infused with platform beds and glassy design elements that also extend into the chain’s new Extreme WOW suite. The Suite boasts power-packed views of the city with sleek outdoor areas and evolved design palette that raises it above the more fluorescent and white theme room of the entry-level categories. A further play of the W-theme word play includes Wet, a waterfront infinity pool with private cabanas and outdoor restaurant. Afterwards guests can hit Spain’s first Bliss Spa and Sweat, W’s new state-of-the-art fitness facility.
Preferred Room
Extreme WOW Suite
Special Features
Hip Clientele, Waterfront Location, Architectural Hotel
Amenities
Restaurant, Spa, Lounge, Bar, Rooftop Nightclub, DJ
