What it is

Contemporary luxury and five-star service on the beach.

What it isn't

Particularly Spanish: it’s managed by Ritz-Carlton.

What we think

Housed in a dazzling beachfront tower of blue glass and crisscrossing steel, the Hotel Arts is modern and luxurious. Run by Ritz-Carlton, the hotel maintains the brand’s high standards, delivering discreet and personalized service, a design that’s streamlined but opulent (even the elevators are trimmed in wood and marble) and superb dining options. Interiors are more contemporary than at your typical Ritz, if somewhat vanilla in design-mad Barcelona. Public spaces have acres of earth-toned marble broken up by columns, velvet sofas and low leather armchairs. An in-house florist creates elaborate arrangements featuring thousands of blooms. Upstairs, the 483 rooms and suites are generous in size and tricked out with espresso machines, Bang & Olufsen sound systems and huge bathrooms. Understated furniture and a gray-and-white palette leave the focus on the views: all of Barcelona is laid out beneath you, from the green outcropping of Montjuic to the kaleidoscopic Torre Agbar to the blue Atlantic. The views are just as sweeping from the Six Senses Spa on the 42nd floor. There’s also a terrific pool overlooking the beach, guarded over by Frank Gehry’s massive steel sculpture of a fish.

You're here because

You want Ritz-Carlton consistency and unparalleled views, and don’t mind being removed from Barcelona’s beating heart.

The Moment

From your lounge chair by the pool, the glinting fish sculpture looks as if it might jump back into the ocean at any moment. A thought enters your mind: Let’s have seafood paella for lunch.

Restaurants & Bars

Enoteca - Contemporary Mediterranean, 2 Michelin stars

Arola - Creative Spanish tapas

Marina - Al fresco

Bites - Casual gourmet bites

Cafe Veranda - Breakfast buffet

Frank's Bar

Frank's Privé Lounge

Location

On a lively stretch of beach, a bit removed from the heart of Barcelona: La Sagrada Família and the foot of the Ramblas are both about 1.5 miles away. It’s a 20-30 minute drive to the airport.