The Barcelona EDITION [In-depth Review]

Key Takeaways

• The Barcelona EDITION sits in the heart of the vibrant El Born neighborhood, just steps from Via Laietana. With 100 rooms, the hotel is ideally located for exploring the city.
• There are 3 standout dining and drinking spots. Bar Veraz, the main restaurant, is on the open-plan ground floor. Punch Room is a moody, speakeasy-style lounge, and The Roof serves up panoramic views and a pan-Asian menu.
• I was impressed by the staff at The Barcelona EDITION. Their warmth felt genuine, and every interaction made it clear they really cared about the guest experience.

If you haven’t stayed at an EDITION hotel yet, you’re going to want to add the brand to your travel bucket list (if that’s your thing).

After some in-depth research ahead of a recent trip to Spain, I narrowed my options down to 2 Marriott properties for my 6 days in Barcelona: the W or the EDITION.

In general, Marriott is my go-to hotel chain. My favorite brands are Moxy, W, and Autograph Collection.

Having never stayed at an EDITION property before, and given it was my birthday trip, I figured it was high time I treated myself and splurged on a stay at The Barcelona EDITION.

The fanfare surrounding this particular brand meant I had high expectations before my stay, which ended up being exceeded in every possible way.

Here’s what my stay was like.

Hotel Location

The Barcelona EDITION is located in the middle of the buzzy El Born neighborhood, but it’s inconspicuous enough that if you didn’t know it was there, you’d probably miss it.

You’ll find the 100-room hotel just a couple hundred feet off Via Laitana — one of the main thoroughfares of the city — on Avenida de Francesc Cambó.

If local food markets are your thing, then The Barcelona EDITION couldn’t be better located. Right next door is the bustling Mercat de Santa Caterina.

Despite having lived in Barcelona before, I discovered this market for the first time thanks to my stay here.

Booking

The Barcelona EDITION was definitely at the top end of my budget, though a promotion helped bump up the value proposition of my stay in the base-level King Guest Room.

I paid €272 ($315) per night, including breakfast, for 3 nights. I also made the most of Marriott’s “Stay Longer On Us” offer. By staying 3 nights instead of 2, I saved 20% on the room rate and was eligible for €50 ($58) per day to spend on food and drink at the hotel (don’t make the same mistake as me and think you can roll the daily credit into one big blowout on a single day).

All things considered, I was more than happy with the value I was getting for my money.

Alternatively, I could have paid 240,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for the stay, however, my balance of a mere 24,000 Marriott Bonvoy points wouldn’t have put a dent in that.

Checking In

Upon arrival at the hotel, I was greeted immediately by a friendly doorman. He informed me that there was a bit of a line for check-in and offered me a seat at the bar with a complimentary refreshment while I waited.

I happily obliged, having just fumbled my way across the suitcase-hating surfaces of the city in the midday sun.

I could, of course, have checked in using Marriott Bonvoy’s mobile app and set myself up with a contactless key. Speaking of the app, it served as a reminder of my favorite Gold Elite benefit: the complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability).

Call me old-fashioned, but I value face-to-face communication with real humans, so I waited at the bar with my sparkling water until a spot freed up at the front desk.

During my brief wait of around 5-ish minutes, I wandered around the lobby.

The floor-to-ceiling windows made for a bright and calming space that was made even better with the incredible signature EDITION fragrance, courtesy of Le Labo.

The small seating area next to the entrance provided some home interior inspiration.

And there was a second, smaller, and more formal seating area just before the elevators.

When it was my turn to check in a few minutes later, I was informed upon asking that I had indeed been upgraded “for my comfort,” as the agent described it to me.

I only realized while I was writing this review that the room I was given, a Deluxe Guest Room, was 2 categories superior to the one I’d booked. Score!

Amenities

When I’m researching hotel stays, the 2 most important criteria for me are some kind of outdoor space and a good gym. I say “good” rather than “great” because hotel gyms are usually just plain bad. Good gyms are the exception to the rule, in my experience.

The Barcelona EDITION, however, didn’t let me down.

The Pool

On the 10th floor, you’ll find the pool, which was no doubt aesthetically pleasing. And the views from the pool weren’t too shabby either…

But, I didn’t spend much time in it at all. Unfortunately, the water temperature was breathtakingly cold. It might have something to do with the fact that it faces northwest, which means it’s confined to the shadows most of the day.

Thankfully, the air was still hot under the October Spanish sun, so a quick dip to freshen up was still welcome.

Like I mentioned above, the views across the city were splendid!

To the right of the pool was a row of daybeds that were free to use.

The sun stuck around until around 5 p.m. during my trip. In the peak summer months, I imagine the beds would be in the sun for a few hours longer.

On the third and final day of my stay, I noticed heaters next to the daybeds. Yes, fall and winter even get the best of Barcelona.

There was also a shower for rinsing off pre- and post- ice bath dip.

By night, warm lighting illuminated the pool against the darkening sky.

The Gym

Despite being impressed by the quality of the gym, I only managed to visit once. It was my birthday week, after all.

It’s located on the first floor, right across from the elevators.

Fresh towels and glass (not plastic) bottles of water were available for the taking.

Most of the cardio machines were adorned with a towel, ready for those who really like to work up a sweat.

COVID-19 protocols in the gym meant only 12 people were allowed in at any one time. I was alone, save for the staff member who popped her head in to replace the towel and water which I’d taken.

There were 2 types of mats for stretching and floor exercises.

These were complete with EDITION branding, of course.

And if you’ve read my NoMad London review, you’ll know how happy I was when I saw the gym had a pulley machine.

COVID-19 Protocols

Not once during my stay did I feel unsafe with regard to COVID-19.

At the time of my visit in early October 2021, wearing masks was still strictly enforced in all indoor public spaces. As such, staff members wore their masks at all times, and guests were required to wear theirs except when eating and drinking.

Wipes were located close to elevators for those who wanted to be extra safe after pressing buttons.

The Room

My Deluxe Guest Room at The Barcelona EDITION was the epitome of modern luxury.

I’m not a fan of in-your-face luxury — I find it to be a little tacky. The design of my room was the exact opposite of that, and I couldn’t have been happier.

The Bedroom

I was assigned room 805, which was just a few steps from the elevator.

I have a distinct memory of actually saying “wow” aloud when I walked in. The use of creams and browns combined with light and dark woods was warm and inviting.

I was immediately drawn to the seating area in the window.

The room was splendidly light and bright, and a stark contrast to the dark and moody hallway just outside.

The bed, as the most important piece of furniture in the room, was the rightful centerpiece. Throws aren’t really my thing, but I liked the cozy sense of home it brought to the room.

The views from my room were almost as expansive as they were from the pool — I had views toward Glories (a large plaza) and the Torre Agbar, as well as of Via Laitana and the famous Gothic Quarter.

The seating area in the window quickly became my daily siesta spot.

Directly across from the window seat was a window into the shower.

The wooden slats could be closed if you prefer to shower in private.

On the left side of the bed were the controls for the lights, blinds, curtains, and TV. I didn’t get around to testing out the speaker.

On the right side were a telephone and an EDITION-branded notepad.

I loved the dark wood finishes and against the bright walls and white bedding.

At the door was another control panel. Here I was able to set the lighting to suit the time of day or turn everything off before leaving — great for saving electricity and making sure everything is switched off.

Instead of a traditional “do not disturb” sign to hang on the door handle, you use the same control panel to signal whether you’d like your room to be serviced or if you’d like to be undisturbed.

A green light outside the door signals to staff that you’d like your room to be made up, while a red light signals that you’d prefer privacy.

There was a desk and chair for those who need to work. I preferred to take my laptop up to the roof, however (more on that later).

In the name of aesthetics, power outlets were concealed underneath a flip-out panel in the desk.

Inside the closet was an ironing board, 2 of the softest robes I’ve ever come across, as well as a luggage stand, fridge, coffee station, safe, and a drawer full of snacks.

If you or your travel companion don’t pack light, be aware that there weren’t a ton of hangers or hanging space, though I’m sure more hangers would have been provided on request.

Would I have paid €150 to take one of the hotel robes home? Probably not. But I’m sure there are some people out there who would.

The minifridge was stocked with everything from Vichy Catalan sparkling water to Krug Champagne.

It was great to see cans, glass bottles, and even water in cardboard boxes rather than a ton of plastic.

Below the fridge on a pull-out shelf was some lovely glassware, a bottle of red wine, whiskey and cognac miniatures, and a full-sized bottle of Belvedere vodka.

As a small reminder not to consume the entire contents upon your arrival, there’s a price list that was certainly enough to deter me from indulging.

The all-important Nespresso machine and coffee pods were also found here. While I’m not a huge fan of coffee pods, I did like the Nespresso Colombian blend. South American coffee is my all-time favorite.

Underneath was the snack drawer. Items available included a couple of salty snacks, sweet treats, and other items for purchase, including an EDITION candle, a notebook, and even a so-called “intimacy kit.”

Here’s a look at the prices for all of the above:

The Bathroom

The EDITION brand knows how to do a bathroom.

The color scheme of white with gold fixtures and fittings kept with the hotel’s minimalistic, effortlessly luxurious design.

The shower space was huge. Again, it featured a minimalistic design with gold showerheads and an amenity shelf.

The shower blind can only be opened or closed from the bedroom.

Having the slats open makes for a shower (or a bedroom) with a view.

I was right in guessing that The Barcelona EDITION would provide individual toiletries for the shower rather than refillable bottles. While the removal of miniatures certainly irritates some guests and can feel a little, dare I say it, “cheap,” just think how many of those little plastic bottles are thrown away every day in hotels around the world?

Regardless of your thoughts on individual shower amenities, the liquid contained in those tiny bottles was truly the best of the best. The magical fragrance of the shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner could only be made by 1 brand — Le Labo.

By the sink, I found a soap bar and another plastic miniature, this one filled with Le Labo body lotion.

Underneath the sink was an array of bathroom amenities.

This included a hairdryer (in the black drawstring bag), a loofah pad…

…a little white box filled with a shoe mitt, shower cap, comb, and a few other things…

…and more than enough towels for 1 person.

Food and Beverage

The Barcelona EDITION has 3 eating and drinking venues.

Its main restaurant, Bar Veraz, is located on the open-plan ground floor together with the lobby and reception areas. Up 1 level is Punch Room, which reopened on the last night of my stay. Finally, there’s The Roof, where I spent most of my time.

Here’s a little more about each of the venues.

Bar Veraz

Breakfast was served at Bar Veraz each morning from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The furniture and decor in the restaurant remained true to the hotel’s effortlessly luxurious aesthetic. The main seating area was around to the right behind the bar, while rectangular tables and chairs were to the left.

There were some casual booth tables, as well.

And finally, there was another smaller seating area tucked away alongside the main bar.

Each morning I chose a table right by the window so I could watch the world go by.

Within seconds of my arrival each morning, the ever-attentive Benjamin handed me a menu and offered a glass of water.

I should probably say at this point that I was always just 1 of a handful of guests eating breakfast.

There was a great balance of healthy and indulgent dishes.

There was a good selection of breakfast beverages available, including fresh juices, water, and all the usual coffee and tea offerings.

Breakfast was included in my rate. As such, I was allowed to choose from the following: 1 dish from the Veraz Classics or Sandwich section (plus sides), 1 bowl, 1 sweet, and a juice and coffee. It was more than enough.

I started each morning with a double espresso, the most incredible mango and passionfruit smoothie, and a glass of water to wash it all down with.

Next on the agenda was a bowl of fruit. I always find fruit abroad to taste so much better than at home, and this was no exception. A fresh, healthy, and delicious way to start the day.

For my breakfast entrée, I went for the eggs Benedict Royale (with the hollandaise on the side).

The yolk was cooked to perfection.

But the whites were a little underdone in my opinion.

By night, the bar is equally inviting, though I rarely saw anyone having a drink there in the evening.

Punch Room

Located on the first floor, Punch Room is The Barcelona EDITION’s main evening venue. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.

To find it, just head up the staircase that you’ve probably seen on Instagram already.

Here’s another view:

Once you’ve finished taking your pictures, the entrance to Punch Room is through a wooden sliding door at the top of the stairs.

Inside you’ll find a cozy, dimly-lit bar space. The dark-wood cladding in its interior made for an underground, New York-speakeasy vibe.

Right next to the door was a full-sized pool table.

In the center of the room was where the magic happened — the bar, of course.

In the far corner was a DJ booth.

The seating areas reflected the vibe of the bar, which is to say they were very cozy and comfortable.

The Roof

I’ve saved the best ’til last — welcome to The Roof.

On the 10th floor of the building, The Roof is open from midday until midnight every day. Exceptions are Saturdays and Sundays when it opens at 11 a.m.

The kitchen closes a touch earlier at 10 p.m. from Sunday through Wednesday and at 11 p.m. from Thursday through Saturday.

It’s a shame The Roof didn’t open earlier, or at least allow guests to enjoy the pool and the morning sun — it was definitely disappointing to have to wait until 11 a.m. on my last day to be able to soak up the last few rays of sun.

With views like this, it’s hardly a surprise that I spent most of my time at the hotel up here.

To the left after entering was the main outside area. This was mainly used for daytime bites and evening drinks.

There was also an inside area for the (rare) days with inclement weather.

Back outside were the daybeds.

The bar was located on the inside.

On my first afternoon after checking in, I headed up to the bar to finish some work.

And, I just so happened to be craving bao. To my delight, The Roof’s menu featured pan-Asian dishes and there were 2 types of bao available.

I’d recommend trying both the meat and veggie options.

It’s also a good sign when there’s a La Marzocco — a proper Italian coffee machine — to make your coffees and espresso martinis.

By night, relaxing at The Roof with a glass of Cava and a light bite comes highly recommended.

Oh look, another bao.

The sunset from The Roof was, quite literally, lit.

Service

Staff

I was bowled over by the incredible staff at The Barcelona EDITION.

No matter where, when, or who the interaction was with, it was clear how much guests are valued by each member of the staff at this hotel.

Not long after I’d arrived in my room (you can tell as I’d left my luggage outside to take photos), a tasty welcome treat was delivered to my door.

The decadently designed pastry treats resembled the geometric and floral floor tiles found in many a Barcelona apartment.

I must also mention my pillow request. I like a firm pillow, but the ones on my king-sized bed were not. Before breakfast on my first morning, I asked at reception if there were any other pillows. “I will look into this for you,” I was told. Lo and behold, there was one waiting for me by the time I returned to my room after breakfast.

I turned the ripe old age of 31 during my stay and somehow the hotel staff found out. I got back to my room after a couple of hours at the beach and some incredible Thai reflexology on my birthday morning and found a thoughtful birthday treat.

I did indeed have a wonderful day and I have The Barcelona EDITION to thank in part for it being so great.

Housekeeping and Turndown Service

Rooms were serviced every morning when I’d usually be out and about. One morning I popped back to the room as I’d left something behind and found this sign on the door to let me know the room was being serviced.

I’d never seen this before but liked that it meant I could avoid disturbing the housekeeping staff.

The evening turndown service was carried out usually between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., right around the time when I’d be embracing the Spanish lifestyle and indulging in a siesta.

I set the “do not disturb” sign and woke up to find this note under the door.

I called to let the staff know I’d be out of the room for while. When I returned there was a bottle of water and glass next to the bed waiting.

These seemingly trivial aspects of service go a long way to differentiate a very good 5-star hotel from just a good hotel, in my opinion.

Final Thoughts

Since my first visit at the age of 13, Barcelona has held a very special place in my heart.

Thanks to my recent unforgettable stay at The Barcelona EDITION, I now have even more precious memories to cherish of this incredible city I used to call home.

Some 5-star hotels can feel a little stuffy, or stuck up. Not here. Staff members were authentic and I could tell they genuinely cared about guests when interacting with them.

I left the hotel feeling how you should after a vacation — relaxed, happy, and grateful.