Better With Age: Top Historic Hotels in Barcelona 2024

Photo courtesy Cotton House Hotel

Travel expert Kim Kerr takes a look at some of the oldest, most unique places to stay in Spain in this deep dive into the top historic hotels in Barcelona

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Barcelona is well-known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural significance, a fact that’s reflected in the city’s many superb historic hotels. Dotted throughout the city, each of these luxury hotels has its own unique story to tell, from the opulence of the El Palace Hotel to the stylish minimalism of Hotel Primero Primera.

To help you find the perfect “old” place for you to stay, we’ve pulled together this list of the most luxurious historic hotels in Barcelona, each with its own unique charm and appeal. Whatever your choice, a stay in one of these unique accommodations will offers you a glimpse into this fascinating city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.

The Top Historic Hotels in Barcelona

Cotton House Hotel

Part of Marriott International’s prestigious Autograph Collection, the 5-star Cotton House Hotel offers luxurious accommodations in a beautifully restored 19th century building that was once the headquarters of Spain’s Cotton Textile Foundation.

Now home to one of the top boutique hotels in Barcelona, the building has been meticulously restored, with many of its original features still intact, including its beautiful spiral staircase and a grand entrance hall. Each of the hotel’s 83 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated, with plush furnishings and beautiful artwork.

The hotel also has an excellent rooftop terrace with a pool and bar, offering stunning views of the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit The Cotton House Hotel

El Palace Hotel Barcelona

One of the city’s most iconic hotels, the 5-star El Palace Hotel Barcelona is located in a beautiful palatial building that was once the home of a wealthy Spanish aristocrat. Built in 1919, the hotel has been carefully restored, with many of its original features still intact. Highlights of this old Barcelona grandeur include the home’s original grand marble staircase and numerous beautiful stained-glass windows.

The hotel’s 120 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated, with luxurious furnishings and modern amenities. On-site amenities include a stunning rooftop terrace with a heated swimming pool and bar offering panoramic views of the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit El Palace Hotel Barcelona

Hotel Casa Fuster

Opulent Hotel Casa Fuster is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in a stunning Modernist building that was designed by the renowned Spanish architect Lluis Domenech i Montaner. The building was originally built as a private residence for a wealthy industrialist in the early 20th century but was later converted into a hotel.

Pay a visit today and you can choose from 105 elegantly designed rooms and suites, each featuring luxurious furnishings and bright décor. On-site amenities of note include a spacious rooftop terrace with a pool and bar. Pull up a sun lounger or bar stool and enjoy stunning views of the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Hotel Casa Fuster

Hotel Primero Primera

Hotel Primero Primera is a chic and minimalist hotel located in Barcelona’s upscale Sarrià residential district. This glamorous 5-star hotel is housed in a beautiful 20th-century building that has been carefully restored, with special attention being given to preserving its old stained-glass windows and ornate plasterwork.

The hotel’s 30 rooms and suites are spacious and elegantly decorated, with a focus on understated luxury. The rooms offer modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and many of them have balconies that overlook the hotel’s garden. The hotel also has a beautiful garden terrace, which is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Hotel Primero Primera

Mercer Hotel Barcelona

 The 5-star Mercer Hotel Barcelona is a luxurious hotel located in a stunning 19th-century building in the heart of the city’s famous Gothic Quarter. The building has been lovingly restored with many of the original features carefully preserved, including its beautiful central courtyard with a fountain and the grand staircase.

Boasting just 28 spacious rooms and suites, all accommodations at this unique Barcelona hotel are spacious and elegantly decorated, with a mix of classic and contemporary styles. The rooms offer modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and many of come with balconies that look directly over the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter.

The hotel also has a beautiful rooftop terrace with a pool and a bar, as well as lovely views of the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Mercer Hotel Barcelona

Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux

Nestled in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux is set in a stunning 18th-century building that was once the residence of a noble family. The building has been carefully restored, with many of the original features still intact, including a beautiful central courtyard with a fountain and a grand staircase.

This classy 5-star e hotel’s 22 rooms and suites are each elegantly decorated with a mix of contemporary and classic styles. The rooms are spacious and offer modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.

On-site amenities include a popular rooftop bar with a large surrounding the open-air swimming pool. After taking a dip, lounge around awhile and soak up the splendid views… with a cocktail or two.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Hotel Neri Relais & Chateaux

Serras Hotel Barcelona

Located in the trendy El Born neighborhood, 5-star Serras Hotel Barcelona is situated in a lovely 19th century building that was once the home of Pablo Picasso. The building has been carefully restored, with many of the original features from Picasso’s time still intact.

One of the best historic hotels in Barcelona, the Serras features just 30 rooms and suites, each carefully designed to provide maximum comfort and luxury. The suites here are particularly impressive and offer up a high degree of comfort and style and include standard features such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as luxurious touches such as plush bedding and Nespresso coffee machines.

Our favorite, the Deluxe Terrace Suite, boasts a spacious private terrace with stunning views of the city. Travelling with kids? The large Family Suites offer separate living rooms and bedrooms, making it ideal for families or groups of friends.

In addition to its luxurious accommodations, The Serras Hotel Barcelona offers a range of amenities to ensure a memorable stay. The hotel has a stunning rooftop terrace with a pool and bar that boast panoramic views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Be sure to sample the hotel’s restaurant, Informal. Led by Michelin-starred chef Marc Gasconsand considered one of the best hotel restaurants in Barcelona, it offers a range of Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Serras Hotel Barcelona

El Palauet Barcelona

Visit the luxe 5-star El Palauet Barcelona hotel and you’ll be blown away by the craftsmanship on display in this early 20th century hotel. Once the home of a wealthy city family, stand out original features include its beautiful mosaic floors and ornate plasterwork.

With just six spacious and elegantly decorated suites, you’ll enjoy plenty of privacy. Each suite is named after a famous Catalan artist and features unique artwork and décor inspired by their work. In addition to modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, luxurious touches such as custom-made linens and silk curtains are also featured throughout.

The hotel also offers a range of amenities to ensure a memorable stay, including a private spa and sauna, as well as a rooftop terrace with great city views. The hotel’s 24-hour concierge service can arrange a range of activities and experiences for you, from private tours of the city to restaurant reservations and spa treatments.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit El Palauet Barcelona

Hotel Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona

Hotel Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona is an historic 4-star hotel located in a beautiful 19th century building that was once a palace. Meticulously restored, many of this palatial building’s original features have been preserved, providing a fascinating insight into the homes of Spain’s elite over a century ago.

The hotel’s 59 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated and while maintaining their historic feel now feature many modern amenities. Hotel Duquesa also boasts a superb rooftop terrace that offers views over the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Hotel Duquesa de Cardona Barcelona

Arai Aparthotel Barcelona

One of the very best aparthotels in Barcelona, 4-star Arai Aparthotel Barcelona is located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, a historic area known for its winding streets and stunning old architecture. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th century building that once belonged to a wealthy Catalan family, many of its original features can still be seen. It’s sweeping grand staircase is especially fun for those wanting to make a grand entrance,  

The hotel’s 31 suites are spacious and elegantly decorated and feature an array of amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Be sure to check out the rooftop terrace and bar for their excellent views of the city.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Arai Aparthotel Barcelona

Hotel España

Located in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Hotel España is set in a beautiful Art Nouveau building that dates back to 1859. The hotel was designed by the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, who was also responsible for other iconic buildings in the city including the iconic Palau de la Música Catalana concert hall.

The hotel’s 82 rooms and suites are spacious and tastefully decorated with a mix of classic and contemporary styles. Some of the rooms have balconies that overlook the charming streets of the Gothic Quarter, so if a good view’s important, be sure to make your preferences known when booking.

Notable amenities include a rooftop terrace panoramic views of the city, as well as a popular bar and restaurant that serves traditional Catalan cuisine.

Riley Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit Hotel España

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Travel writer and luxury lifestyles expert Kim Kerr is cofounder of Riley International Media.