Hotel Arts Barcelona

"How did it strike you on arrival?Huge floral displays, warm fabrics, and beautiful people. The lobby of Hotel Arts has “five-star hotel” written all over it. What’s the crowd like?The hotel attracts a wide range of guests: 30s to 60s, U.S. to Middle East, business and pleasure, all happily mixed together. Tell us about your room.In the Deluxe Seafront room you'll find panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the opportunity to snuggle under the covers and watch the sunrise from your huge, plush bed. At the very top end of the spectrum you’ll find Hotel Arts’ serviced penthouse suites, which range in size from 1,600 to 4,300 square feet, and feature some of the most jaw-dropping views in the city through their floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s also a private lobby and reception on the 34th floor and a personal butler service. How are the beds?Generously sized beds with 100 percent cotton sheets from upscale Barcelona brand Bassols. How are the bathrooms?Very spacious with separate bathtub and hydro-shower cabin, plus a bidet. Put on that fluffy dressing gown and pamper yourself with bathroom products from Diptyque Paris. Is there Wi-Fi?In-room Wi-Fi is only free if you sign up for the Ritz-Carlton Rewards program, which is free to join. Internet is free in the common areas. Anything stand out about other services and features?The culinary scene at Hotel Arts is top-notch. Two-Michelin-starred Enoteca restaurant, helmed by local celebrity chef Paco Pérez, is a culinary destination in its own right. People come here from all over to try Chef Pérez’s elegant tasting menus that showcase his love of the most Catalan of umami flavors, mar i muntanya, which translates as sea and mountain (or surf ‘n’ turf). But you won’t find any overcooked steak and lobster here; we are talking about far more epicurean combinations like scallops cooked in chicken stock or cuttlefish served with truffle. Then there’s P41 Bar, where award-winning mixologist Diego Baud can be found stirring up a storm, and the newest culinary space, The Pantry, a speakeasy where local Mediterranean produce is placed front and center. The spa is among the best in town, with views to match. It is definitely the highest, set on the 43rd floor of the hotel (hence the name, 43 The Spa). The outdoor spaces are also unbeatable, with plenty of alfresco dining options—some overlooking Frank Gehry’s emblematic fish sculpture, below—and an ample selection of lounge chairs by the pool, for the sunseekers. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Hotel Arts may not be the best choice for budget travelers, but that’s because it isn’t trying to be. As beachfront hotels go, it is in a league of its own. If you are looking for a blissfully relaxing stay right next to the Mediterranean, with views to die for and plenty of outdoor space—from the vast gardens, to the two swimming pools—combined with discreet, thoughtful service that is second to none, this is the place to get it." - Isabelle Kliger