The 16 Best Hotels in Barcelona To Book Using Points [Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, IHG]

Barcelona is one of Spain’s liveliest and most popular cities. The busy Catalan hub has numerous hotel options, from boutique spots to hostels to hotels where you can stay using your points. Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, and IHG all have a presence in the city, with different styles of hotels that may appeal to your travel style and budget, whether that be points, cash, or a mix of both.

However, neighborhoods matter, and staying along the touristy, crowded La Rambla isn’t the same as lodging in the sophisticated Gràcia area. Here’s where you should stay in Barcelona, including the best neighborhoods and the top hotels you can stay at using points.

Best Areas To Stay in Barcelona

These are the best neighborhoods to stay in Barcelona:

• Eixample covers much of central Barcelona, including landmarks like Sagrada Familia, part of the famed Passeig de Gràcia boulevard, and the Sant Antoni market. Much of the area is busy, safe, and central, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and activities for visitors.
• The Gothic Quarter is a cultural hub home to slim, winding alleyways and centuries-old medieval landmarks. Home to La Rambla and the Cathedral of Barcelona, this area is amazing to visit but might be a little crowded or loud for staying overnight.
• El Born is a neighborhood full of charming, tiny streets that back up to Ciutadella Park. Home to Barcelona’s 14th-century Basílica de Santa María del Mar, plus numerous inviting bars, restaurants, shops, and artisan workshops, El Born is close to many coveted attractions but slightly less intense than the Gothic Quarter.
• Gràcia’s tranquil, spacious boulevards feel a world away from Barcelona’s main historic center. This neighborhood also includes Parc Güell, luxury hotels, chic restaurants, and fancy shops.
• Barceloneta‘s biggest call is Barceloneta Beach, a sandy stretch and boardwalk that runs along the Mediterranean. Here, you can sunbathe, chow down on paella with sea views, or hit one of the megaclubs in Port Olímpic.

Tips for Visiting Barcelona

Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate, so it’s relatively pleasant year-round, though it gets chilly in the winter. The best times to visit are often the shoulder seasons, like May or October, though February and November are ideal for budget travelers or those who want to avoid crowds.

Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is about 9 miles from the city center, and various public transportation is available. It’s easy to get around the city on foot, by bike, or using the affordable metro system.

There are a few things to know before visiting Barcelona. The first one is that the city has been battling a drought for a few years, even amid recent floods. There may be water restrictions, or your hotel pool could be empty. Regardless of policies, be cognizant of this and don’t unnecessarily waste water.

Barcelona is a safe city, but there is an excess of pickpocketing. Leave important items in the hotel safe, and be extremely aware of your belongings at all times, especially at crowded tourist attractions and on public transportation.

Finally, Barcelona is a city struggling with overtourism. We’re not saying you shouldn’t visit, but understand this an issue, try to support local businesses, and be a mindful visitor.

Hot Tip:

There are so many incredible activities to do in Barcelona. This Barcelona travel guide ensures you’ll get to see and do it all, from visiting popular landmarks to finding more under-the-radar attractions.

The 4 Best Marriott Hotels in Barcelona

Marriott has a decent presence in Barcelona, so if you have Marriott Bonvoy points, you can use them at these top hotels.

1. Cotton House Hotel, Autograph Collection

One of the most stylish hotels in the city, the Cotton House Hotel is an Autograph Collection property set in a historic building in Eixample. It was once the headquarters of the Association of Cotton House Manufacturers. The hotel design is artfully curated with nods to its long history, such as a stunning spiral staircase and wood ceilings. Meanwhile, rooms feel airy and bright, with cotton flowers and crisp cotton bedding. The property also features a library, a glass conservatory, an outdoor terrace, and a rooftop pool.

Room rates start at €330 ($340) or 55,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

2. Hotel Arts Barcelona

Set on the edge of Barceloneta overlooking Port Olímpic and the iconic Frank Gehry fish sculpture, Hotel Arts is a Ritz-Carlton property that’s one of the most luxurious hotels on this list. Although the rooms and suites are simple and minimalist, they’re luminous and feature stunning views of the Barcelona skyline and sea. The Hotel Arts also has a swimming pool that overlooks the sea, a 43rd-floor spa, and, as its name suggests, is dedicated to the arts, with a 500-piece collection.

Rates start at €396 ($415) or 74,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Hot Tip:

Getting a Marriott co-branded credit card is an easy way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points toward free stays. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card is a premium option that offers 25 elite night credits annually and a Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), among other perks.

3. W Barcelona

The W Barcelona sits at the other end of La Barceloneta than the Hotel Arts, set at the edge of Sant Sebastià Beach. Although it’s farther from certain areas of the city, it’s perfect for travelers who want to spend time lounging on the beach or cruising the boardwalk on a bike or scooter.

Almost all rooms feature stunning views of the sea and cityscape beyond via massive, floor-to-ceiling windows (and the WOW suites have private outdoor Jacuzzis and terraces). The WET deck’s seafront swimming pool is perfect for sipping white sangria and relaxing. The hotel is truly the coolest in town — you can even get a tattoo there (that’s a truly memorable souvenir to bring home).

Rates start at €325 ($340) or 97,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

4. The Barcelona EDITION

On the edge of El Born, The Barcelona EDITION has those Ian Schrager touches (yes, the furry throws, but also other fun details like window cutout seating and suites with massive outdoor terraces. Complete with a striking, floating spiral staircase (The Madrid EDITION also has one) and a spacious rooftop bar, the EDITION is a trendy place to stay in one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Light bites and cocktails at Veraz are also worth trying, as the bar sources many seasonal products for the neighboring Santa Caterina Market.

Rates start at €321 ($335) or 71,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

The 2 Best Hyatt Hotels in Barcelona

Barcelona has a more limited Hyatt portfolio, but there are a couple of hotels worth considering for your next Catalonian vacation.

1. Grand Hyatt Barcelona

Experience Barcelona like a local with the Grand Hyatt Barcelona in the quiet Pedralbes neighborhood. Walking in is a treat in itself, as dangling geometric gold fixtures hang from the ceiling above inviting, chic sofas. Rooms are decorated in neutrals with wood-paneled accent walls, and amenities include Nespresso machines and Natura Bisse bath products. The hotel’s long, skinny pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and blooming flowers, the perfect place to rejuvenate after a long day of seeing Barcelona’s top attractions.

Rates at this Category 5 hotel start at €167 ($175) or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

2. Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower

Those with a long layover should consider staying at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower, a modern and spacious hotel set midway between El Prat Airport and the city center. This high-rise hotel is even visible from parts of the airport.

This isn’t your typical airport hotel, though. With family-friendly cooking demonstrations, the Skyfall Cocktail Club (a restaurant and bar in a glass dome), and a large outdoor pool, there’s lots to keep you occupied when you aren’t touring the city center.

Rates at this Category 3 hotel start at €141 ($145) or 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Hot Tip:

While you can apply for The World of Hyatt Credit Card, one of the best ways to top off your Hyatt points balance is to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, which you can easily earn using a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®.

The 4 Best Hilton Hotels in Barcelona

Hilton has a formidable presence in the Catalonian capital, especially now that the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) collection is part of the Hilton portfolio.

1. Alexandra Barcelona Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton

Set in the heart of Eixample, the Alexandra Barcelona is a Curio Collection property and is a short walk from Barcelona attractions like the Sagrada Familia and the Gaudí houses, Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Some rooms and suites have balconies, and the ground-floor pool and terrace are surrounded by lush plants (including the hotel’s vegetable garden, which supplies the hotel restaurant) and modernist architecture.

Rates start at €148 ($155) or 63,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

2. Wittmore Hotel

The Wittmore Barcelona is an SLH property in the Gothic Quarter that has one distinct feature many Barcelona hotels don’t: It’s an adults-only property (guests 18 and up). Dark and sexy with bold red accents, all guest rooms have views of the hotel’s vertical garden, with funky amenities like vintage telephones and Marshall radios. The property also does art collaborations and has guest DJ events for travelers who like a hotel with a bit of a scene.

Rates start at €308 ($320) or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

3. Claris Hotel & Spa

The only hotel in Barcelona with its own Japanese water garden, the eclectic Claris Hotel & Spa is an SLH property with rooms that feature eclectic art and distressed furniture. Besides its sunny rooftop pool and terrace that overlooks Barcelona’s rooftops, the Eixample hotel also features a Japanese restaurant, a Mayan spa, and a museum area, which houses artwork and sculptures from Catalan greats to ancient Egypt and Mayan cultures.

Rates start at €205 ($215) or 57,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

4. Grand Hotel Central

Set in a 1920s historic art nouveau building, the Grand Hotel Central is an SLH property that sits on the border of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, a short walk from the Barcelona Cathedral. Today, the hotel honors its history with its secret rooftop garden, complete with manicured bushes, blooming flowers, stone columns, and regal fountains (with views of the cathedral’s spires). Guest rooms are modern, decked out in pastels and wood panels, while the rooftop area has a chic dining and drinking area and an infinity pool with views.

Rates start at €256 ($275) or 71,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

Hot Tip:

If you want to book a Hilton property, consider getting the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Earn bonus points and resort credits on stays and get complimentary Diamond status, which affords you things like free breakfast and room upgrades.

*All information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The 4 Best IHG Hotels in Barcelona

Whether it’s a trendy Kimpton, a Hotel Indigo that emits local vibes, or a luxury InterContinental, Barcelona’s IHG offerings mean you have your pick of hotel style.

1. Kimpton Vivadora

Travelers who want to be right in the middle of all the action should head to the Kimpton Vivadora in the Gothic Quarter, right next to La Rambla. Guest rooms feel luminous and light, thanks to Mediterranean color palettes and terraces. The rooftop pool is a fun hangout space, and Kimpton’s social free wine hour means you can make new friends. Thanks to the brand’s wellness focus, you can rent bikes and longboards for free or attend daily sunrise rooftop yoga classes.

Room rates start at €250 ($260) or 49,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

Check our post to see if there’s a Kimpton social password to use for bonus goodies during your stay!

2. InterContinental Barcelona

The InterContinental Barcelona is set in a residential neighborhood called Sants-Montjuïc, near the city’s famous Montjuïc Mountain. Although it’s farther from the main tourist attractions, it’s ideal for travelers on their second or third visit to Barcelona or those who prefer a more local experience. Most rooms, which feature a muted, classical design, overlook the nearby hills and city skyline, but for the ultimate views, head to the rooftop terrace or outdoor pool, which both sit high above the city. There’s also an indoor pool and spa.

Room rates start at €269 ($280) or 59,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

3. Hotel Indigo Barcelona Plaza Espana

Just a few blocks away from the InterContinental Barcelona in the Sants-Montjuïc district, the Hotel Indigo Barcelona Plaza España feels distinctly Catalonian. Its rooms have been designed to reflect inspiration from surrealist artist Joan Miró and the region’s history with textiles (remember the cotton factory mentioned above). Expect bold colors, bright patterns, and intermixed fabrics. The property also has a coworking area, a fitness center, and a tapas bar.

Room rates start at €150 ($155) or 35,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

4. Hotel Indigo Barcelona – Plaza Catalunya by IHG

Barcelona’s other Indigo property, the Hotel Indigo Barcelona – Plaza Catalunya, takes inspiration from Catalonian design legend Gaudí, thanks to murals of his famed works and colors and shapes taken directly from his Barcelona-based masterpieces. In the heart of Eixample, next to Plaza Catalunya, the hotel also has a relaxing patio complete with a tropical, palm-lined garden and an outdoor swimming pool.

Room rates start at €129 ($135) or 38,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

IHG offers several different co-branded cards, and deciding which one is best for you can be challenging. Our top choice is the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, which offers a generous welcome offer and complimentary Platinum Elite status.

The 2 Best Fine Hotels + Resorts Properties in Barcelona To Book With Points

American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts is a program where you can book luxury hotels, receive added perks, and pay for your stay using either cash or Amex Membership Rewards points. However, you must have certain cards to book hotels using this program, including The Platinum Card^® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, or Centurion^® Card from American Express.

These are some of the perks you can get if you book a Fine Hotels + Resorts property:

• 12 p.m. check-in, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 people
• $100 experience credit, unique to each property
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout

1. Almanac Barcelona

In the heart of the Eixample neighborhood, the Almanac Barcelona has a chic, luminous lobby and bright guest rooms, complete with marble bathrooms and gold fixtures. But the suites are even better, with amenities like large terraces and separate living and sleeping areas (some have multiple bedrooms). The rooftop bar and terrace have plenty of different spaces where you can chill out poolside, snack on tapas with views, or meet with a larger group.

Rates start at €326 ($340) or 50,392 Membership Rewards points per night.

2. Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona is a luxury hotel property in the Eixample neighborhood. Each guest room is a modern oasis featuring Mediterranean-hued details (think blues of the sea and gold for the sands) and French rugs top the wood floors. Opt for a Deluxe Boulevard room, which overlooks the famous Gaudí-designed Casa Batlló. The hotel also features Moments (a Michelin-star restaurant serving Catalan cuisine), gardens, a roof deck, and a spa with an indoor pool.

Rates start at €625 ($650) or 106,183 Membership Rewards points per night.

Hot Tip:

Additionally, the aforementioned luxury hotels — The Barcelona EDITION, Hotel Arts, and the Cotton House — are also part of the Amex FHR program.

Final Thoughts

Luxury property in Eixample? Cool hotel in the middle of all the action? Accommodation in a local neighborhood that feels truly Catalonian? You can find it all in the city of Barcelona. Whether you stay along the beach, near medieval churches, or on a regal boulevard, you can have a magical stay in Barcelona using your points.