W Barcelona Hotel

Placa de la Rosa dels Vents, 1, Final Passeig de Joan de Borbo · Barcelona

The bold, look-at-me design of W Barcelona captures the creative spirit of this city. The flagship European outpost of Starwood’s stylish hotel chain opened in the former docks of La Barceloneta in 2009 and there couldn’t be a better spot for this sail-like structure. It might be a good walk from the centre but it’s the only hotel in the city with direct access to the beach, although it’s hard to beat the wet deck where day beds and cabanas cluster around an enticing pool. The glamorous clientele heads for cocktails at Eclipse bar on the 26th floor or to dine at superstar chef Carlos Abellán’s latest outpost, Bravo. Rooms are comfortable with luxurious touches, albeit a tad identikit, but the wall-to-wall vista of sea and city skyline more than makes up for it. Add to this the fabulous Bliss Spa and this place certainly puts the W in wow. Doubles from €295.