With almost year-round sun, there’s rarely an inopportune time to avail yourself of a refreshing swimming pool in Barcelona – and there are plenty of hotels standing ready with that very promise.
(Photo: Catalonia Atenas / Courtesy Booking.com)
Architectural treasures, gastronomic delights and great weather have helped establish Barcelona as one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. And when it comes to places to stay, visitors are spoilt for choice. Almost all of its upscale hotels have a swimming pool, including some of its smaller boutique properties. If you’re looking for a Barcelona hotel where you can take a dip, whether indoors or out, we’ve hand-picked 7 of the best below.
Catalonia Atenas
An easy metro journey from the city centre, this 4-star hotel features a luxurious rooftop swimming pool with views of local landmarks including the iconic Sagrada Familia. Other hotel amenities include a spa with a Turkish bath, a gymnasium, a buffet breakfast served each morning, a snack bar, and free Wi-Fi. Guest rooms are brightly decorated and feature stylish wooden flooring, air-conditioning, a mini fridge and a TV with satellite channels. There’s also a left luggage service and free on-site parking. The nearest metro station is just 2 minutes away on foot. From €136 per night.
Catalonia Sagrada Familia
(Photo: Catalonia Sagrada Familia / Courtesy Booking.com)
As the name suggests, this hotel puts you within easy reach of Gaudi’s most recognisable creation, the Sagrada Família. Among the amenities are a seasonal outdoor pool, a gym, a restaurant serving traditional Catalan and Mediterranean cuisine, a buffet breakfast served daily, a café and a bar. Guests can also hire cars at the 24-hour reception and free Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the hotel. As for guest rooms, they feature bright décor and come with a desk, a mini fridge and a safe. A nearby metro station puts you within 4 stops of central Barcelona. From €105 per night.
Barcelona Princess
Ideal for those keen to spend time on Barcelona’s pretty beach, the 4-star Princess Hotel is located in the city’s Forum district, just 10 minutes on foot from the city’s sandy shore. The hotel has a choice of two heated swimming pools, including one on a high level that affords superb ocean views and a poolside bar. Guests can also make use of a sauna and gymnasium, along with two additional chic bars. Rooms are laid out with contemporary furnishings and décor, and come with satellite TV and a minibar. A popular shopping centre is directly next door and the famous Las Ramblas Boulevard is a short metro ride away. From €152 per night.
Barceló Raval
(Photo: Barceló Raval / Courtesy Bookings.com)
Located in the city’s buzzing Raval neighbourhood, just moments from Las Ramblas, this funky, design-led hotel features a swimming pool atop a roof terrace. Other notable amenities include a gymnasium, a stylish lounge serving Mediterranean cuisine, and an outdoor terrace. Guest rooms are brightly designed and come with a plasma-screen TV, air-conditioning, a minibar and a modern bathroom, and some also contain a Nespresso coffee machine. Barcelona’s popular MACBA Modern Art Gallery is a quick walk away. From €168 per night.
Catalonia Park Putxet
This 4-star hotel offers surprisingly affordable rates along with some desirable facilities, including a sunroof terrace with a swimming pool. There’s also a charming dining room where buffet breakfasts are served each morning, a snack bar and room service. Guest rooms are air-conditioned and feature a mini fridge, satellite TV and a private bathroom. The neighbouring district of Gràcia is home to a number of cafés, bars and restaurants, and the famous Park Guell is close by too. The closest metro station is a couple of minutes away on foot. From €103 per night.
Catalonia Park Güell
(Photo: Catalonia Park Güell / Courtesy Booking.com)
For those on a budget who’d like to enjoy the benefits of an on-site pool, this 3-star hotel could well fit the bill. Nestled in a quiet residential neighbourhood just outside the city centre, it’s also a great base from which to explore one of Gaudi’s most famous landmarks, Parc Güell. As for the hotel itself, there’s also an on-site restaurant and bar, along with free Wi-Fi. The comfortable guest rooms are simply designed and come with air conditioning and satellite TV. A number of bars, restaurants and pretty squares are just a short walk away. There’s also a metro station nearby. From €90 per night.
Hotel Concordia
Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the charming Plaza España, just outside of the city centre, this hotel combines a plum location with some top amenities. Among them are a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool with a terrace that’s an ideal spot for a sun-downer or a nightcap. There’s also a stylish restaurant with terrace dining, a cocktail bar, a café, a spa with a sauna and a mini-golf course. The modern but casual guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a marble-clad bathroom, and some also have a patio with city views. For guests arriving in their own transport, there’s on-site parking available for a surcharge. Las Ramblas is a 15-minute walk away. From €208 per night.