7 Dreamiest Rooftop Bars in Barcelona

ROSE WINTER

Barcelona is best enjoyed from above, so it’s no wonder there are hundreds of rooftop bars and hotels across the city. During the summer, when temperatures hit highs of 104°F, a terrace pool is always welcome. Barcelona is also known for its pioneering role in unusual designs, with cultural creative icons like Gaudí, Picasso and Miró paving the way for eccentrism in art. Again, the city remains true to itself by hosting dozens of design-driven hotels that reflect the spirit of Catalan. Here are a few of the most chic rooftop hotels in Barcelona, with a little bit of a twist.

 

Hotel Arts Barcelona

Given that Barcelona is a hub of quirky design, the 5* Hotel Arts of The Ritz-Carlton collection is an architectural musing of the city’s unique taste, sitting high above sea level. The unmissable lofty building has been crafted so that the surrounding Mediterranean Sea is reflected in its blue glass. Penthouses have an uninterrupted view of the entire city, overlooking Port Olympic marina in its immediate vicinity. The infinity pool sits next to Frank Gehry’s golden fish sculpture, El Peix, one of Barcelona’s iconic landmarks, designed to appear as if it is coming out of the ocean. In terms of the interior, Hotel Arts has a contemporary Mediterranean feel, with original Spanish artwork and nude furnishings with injections of cyan blue. 

 

Hotel Do Plaça Reial

Situated just a moment away from Las Ramblas, Hotel DO Plaça Reial is a luxurious stay in Barcelona with a gastronomic experience, priding itself on its culinary offering. Head chef Pere Moreno’s science centres around using seasonal and local produce, to create exquisite dishes. Aside from food, the interior is a blend of the original features of the 19th century building, such as beamed ceilings, with modern mis-matched retro furnishings, and Juliet balconies enclosed by neoclassical mahogany shutters. In a perfect central location, Hotel Do Plaça Reial is an ideal spot for ease of exploration and comfort upon your return.

 

Casagrand Luxury Suites

Located in the ultimate design and shopping district of Eixample, Casagrand Luxury Suites is a Catalonian art piece in itself. These fully-serviced apartments are a stone’s throw away from the chic shopping boulevard of Passeig de Gràcia, and each have unique interior features that distinguish it from the other apartments. The most striking feature of the complex is its roof terrace, with an architectural lap pool parallel to a row of stylish sun beds. Your eyes are drawn instantly to the North African inspired painted dome. Stay here for a bit of glamour and a lot of relaxation.

 

Ohla Barcelona Hotel

Converted from a shopping mall to a high-end hotel by Frederic Amat, Ohla Barcelona boasts a sought after rooftop pool and dining experience. Another exceptionally designed hotel, Ohla Barcelona is easily spotted by the ‘thousand ceramic eyes’ on its façade, an art installment that has allowed it to be added to one of the photo opportunities in Barcelona. Home to an in-house Michelin star restaurant, Caelis serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, with a midday menu at a set price. Head chef Romain Fornell is the youngest to ever be presented with a Michelin star, which tells you all you need to know about the culinary offering at Ohla. Heading up to the terrace, the glass-encased pool is a welcome cooling hole for those hot summer afternoons in Barcelona.  

 

Sir Victor

Characterised by its use of simple materials and rectilinear design, the 91 rooms at Sir Victor have been created with the city in mind. Head up to the rooftop to sit by the minimalist pool, where Mediterranean style meets Scandinavian. Order sharing plates and cocktails, made only with local produce, as you sway to the sounds of summer, mixed by renowned DJs from the Catalan region. The terrace overlooks the fantastical modernista rooftop of Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Mila, and the tall spires of his unfinished masterpiece, La Sagrada Família, adding to the artsy experience of this stay. Just in case you are ever tempted to leave, the Spa by Signature offers a relaxing hammam and jacuzzi.

 

Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel

Yurbban Trafalgar was created for the creative ‘urban tourist’. Using different textiles and textures, each room has a slightly modern, mechanical feel, with filament bulbs creating theatrical lighting throughout. Get up onto the terrace, which sits above one of the best 360 degree views of Barcelona. Located in the Sant Pere neighbourhood, an ancient part of the city with fashion shops and tapas bars that come alive after the siesta, pack your Uluwatu Artisanal Espadrilles for comfortable exploring, with an open-back design so your feet can breathe. There’s also a rumour that every evening at 8pm, the hotel puts on a free wine and cheese hour, so make sure you get back in time!

 

Serras

Serras embodies all things modern and minimal, with geometric designs and neutral colours throughout. Its light and airy rooms boast balconies with an idyllic view of Port Vell’s superyachts below. The small rooftop pool is an oasis in the sweltering city, with greenery installed to compliment the palms that line the Passeig de Colom beneath it. With the restaurant headed up by another Michelin-star Chef, Marc Gascons, guests enjoy a gourmet experience, whether it’s for a sit down meal, or light bites by the pool.


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