In the vibrant city of Barcelona, luxury hotels often fall into two distinct categories: corporate or trendy. The Intercontinental Barcelona, however, offers a refreshing blend of both, set on a serene Montjuic street. This location is conveniently close to the local botanical gardens and Olympic Park, featuring a stylish rooftop pool, an outdoor bar, and a Catalan restaurant that invites exploration. While the design of the bedrooms may not push fashionable boundaries, they maintain a cool, neutral aesthetic. The hotel, with its 273 rooms and a variety of spaces including two-bedroom suites, is an ideal choice for families and larger groups alike.

Rating: 7/10. Unlike many hotels in the area that are historic renovations, this modern hotel is purposefully designed, offering spacious rooms with high ceilings and ample natural light. Most accommodations are Classic rooms, which can accommodate three guests thanks to a sofa bed and provide various views—from the inner courtyard with greenery to the impressive Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). The bathrooms are practical yet stylish, avoiding the pitfalls of glass doors that compromise privacy.

While outlook preferences are not selectable at the time of booking, guests can inquire about available MNAC views during check-in. For those looking for more space, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites are available. These are similarly designed with neutral decor (featuring navy carpets, leather headboards, and marble bathrooms) but offer additional amenities such as balconies and kitchenettes. The focus here leans more toward luxurious comfort than extravagant surprises.

Culinary Offerings

Rating: 9/10. Given Barcelona’s reputation as a food lover’s paradise, it would be easy for a luxury hotel like the Intercontinental to serve standard fare. However, the establishment impresses with the opening of Quirat, a Michelin-starred restaurant that entices guests and locals alike. Quirat specializes in seasonal Catalan dishes, such as white asparagus with cured pancetta and sobrasada infused with aniseed, and even features a separate entrance and a kitchen garden.

The hotel’s Arrel restaurant offers a variety of Mediterranean dishes throughout the day, including a standout breakfast that showcases delightful Spanish specialties like tortilla and jamón ibérico. Additionally, the 173 Rooftop Terrace provides a creative selection of Mediterranean platters complemented by panoramic views of the Montjuic cable car and Sagrada Familia.

Amenities and Activities

Rating: 9/10. This hotel offers more than just a place to stay or dine; it features an extensive range of facilities. Its underground spa boasts a remarkable water circuit, complete with a caldarium, pediluvium, dry sauna, hammam, and hot tub. Additionally, there are six treatment rooms that offer unique rituals beyond typical hotel services. The gym is spacious and well-lit, but the highlight is the rooftop pool on the seventh floor, offering stunning views of Sagrada Familia. Glass walls provide a unique vantage point to observe swimmers while relaxing in poolside loungers or shaded wicker seating.

Location Insights

Rating: 8/10. Though the exterior of this modern hotel may be unremarkable, the surrounding tree-lined streets of Montjuic more than compensate. The hotel is a mere 20-minute walk from the botanical gardens and Olympic Park, along with the scenic Jardins de Joan Maragall and Jardins de Laribal, which host cultural attractions, including the Miró Foundation.

This setting is reminiscent of staying near London’s Hyde Park, where guests have access to convenient luxury accommodations and art galleries, all within spacious surroundings, contrasting sharply with the crowded quarters of areas like El Raval or the Gothic Quarter. Positioned southwest of the city center, with a main thoroughfare nearby for easy transport, the Intercontinental attracts both cruise passengers and travelers arriving from the airport.

Room rates start at approximately €240 for double occupancy, with restaurant main courses priced from around €20. The hotel is welcoming to families and individuals with accessibility needs.

Reviewer: Katie Bowman