W Barcelona
Add: Plaça de la Rosa dels Vents, 1 Barcelona, 08039
Tel: (34) 93 295 2800
Website: www.w-barcelona.com
W Barcelona is stylish place, and there are more than enough reasons to stay a while – the sun-soaked terrace peering out over sparkling Mediterranean Ocean, modern rooms furnished with ultra-plush beds and panoramic sea/city views, vibrant lounges with delicious cocktails plus the right mix of music…Oh, and it’s the only hotel in Barcelona that has direct beach access.
Designed by renowned Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill, W Barcelona has a sail-shaped exterior – very befitting of its beachfront location – and the nautical theme continues inside. Looking up from the lobby, one gets the sense of being under the sea, with sand-colored carpets to the left, and glittering walls as shimmering waves. And what do the transparent, convoluted coffee tables look like? Jellyfish.
At the concierge, the W Signature Whatever/Whenever service offers guests whatever they want, whenever they want – as long as it’s legal and paid for, of course. Apparently they can provide you a pair of jogging shoes at 2AM, or do a helicopter delivery of wedding cakes…
The outdoor pool is set on the Barcelona shoreline just steps from the beach, with private cabanas and deck lounge chairs that are the perfect for warmer days. Towels, fresh fruit, beverages, sun care necessities, complimentary wifi, and personal VIP services are all provided.
Going upstairs, the corridors leading to guest rooms are intentionally painted in an overwhelming red, providing a dramatic contrast to…
…the spectacular shades of blue upon entering the room.
This is the WOW Suite, the second largest suite type at W Barcelona. The outdoor terrace alone is enough to win my heart, with its sun beds, outdoor jacuzzi, and magnificent views of the Mediterranean Ocean and city of Barcelona.
Inside, the room features 32″ Bang & Olufsen LCD TV, iPod dock, fully-equipped kitchenette, FrancisFrancis Illy espresso machine, free wifi, rain shower, separate bathtub, Bliss Spa amenities…
For those not looking for suites, the “Wonderful”, “Mega”, and “Fabulous” rooms are great chioces. The “Fabulous Room” that I stayed in comes with views of the beach, the city, and the ocean, so beautiful I almost wanted to scratch out my itinerary for the day and just chill by the window chaise lounge.
What to love: ultra plush bed with goose down bedding, 350-thread-count cotton sheets, W bathrobes, Bliss Spa amenities, iPod dock, 32” flat screen TV. Apparently there’s also a mood lighting function which I forgot to explore.
For those looking for a little pampering, go to Bliss Spa and try one of its signature treatments – Ginger Rub, Hot Salt Scrub, and Triple Oxygen Treatment – preceded or followed by a good soak in the jacuzzi, saunas, and steam room. Don’t miss the brownies in the lounge area.
This 300 sqm gym (open 24 hours) is fully equipped with Technogym treadmills, elliptical machines, stationary bikes mounted with personal LCD TVs, etc. The best part? Floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to work out to an amazing sea view.
There are several F&B venues at W Barcelona, including Bravo by Michelin Star-winning Chef Charles Abellán.
The best view of and from W Barcelona, in my opinion, is at dusk. With the setting sun, the pink orange sky, skaters and bikers hanging out on the boardwalk…it’s all so very, very chill.
Imagine this scene on a warm summer day.
After dark, drop by W Bar for a cocktail and a light bite.
For more amplified beats, head upstairs to the 26th floor to Eclipse. It was a full house on the night of my visit, and apparently this is often the case as the lounge is popular among locals and hotel guests alike.
Passion fruit martini, a very good choice.
Breakfast is served at WAVE restaurant on the ground floor, right inside the terrace (read: sea view). A spread of pastries, fruits, yogurts, cereals, cheeses, and charcuterie, plus a choice of hot dish like the breakfast wrap with chicken, peppers, and guacamole, or the Spanish egg tortilla with potatoes, chorizos, and onions.
The only potential problem of staying at W Barcelona is that the closest metro station is a 10~15 minute walk, so public transportation is not the most convenient way to get around. There is, however, a bus stop right outside the hotel connecting to the metro station, and taxi is always an option. And maybe, just maybe, that after making yourself comfortable on one of the day beds by the pool, you won’t ever want to leave the hotel again anyway. Step inside and see for yourself.
