Hotel W, Barcelona
Expert reviews
“A beacon on the Barcelona beachfront, the W edifice gazes out into the Mediterranean. From the outside it’s eye-catching; inside it’s roomy, light and does a slick job catering to the guest prepared to spend extra on expansive sea views.”
“Architect Ricardo Bofill’s W is a stunner, inside and out, from the six-story atrium lobby with its black ceramic tile floors, suspended basket chairs and glitter walls to the adjacent bar-lounge with direct access to the ‘Attitudes’ lounge deck, chill-out divans and pool.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Barcelona.
“You’ll need a streak of fabulousness to feel at home in the W – its poolside areas, particularly, can look like catalogue photo shoots, and entrance to the Eclipse bar is only for the glam. In the rooms the all-glass fronts afford spectacular views of the sea, the city or – if you’re lucky, or pay a little more – both.”
What guests liked
- Great views
- Friendly staff
- Pool area
- Boutique style
- Comfortable beds
- Top location
All you need to know
Rising like a massive glass monolith at the edge of the Barceloneta boardwalk, the W Barcelona has completely redefined the city’s skyline since it opened in 2009. Locally nicknamed Hotel Vela (Sail Hotel) due to its unmistakable nautical silhouette, the striking 26-story building mimics a ship’s sail billowing in the Mediterranean wind.
The mastermind behind this architectural landmark was the legendary late Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. Interestingly, Bofill’s original vision was a grander structure towering at 179 meters tall. However, the local city council stepped in and mandated a height reduction to just under 100 meters to ensure it didn’t visually overpower the nearby historic neighborhoods or alter the scenic balance of the waterfront.
Beyond its design, the hotel’s foundation has a fascinating backstory. It sits on 7 hectares of completely reclaimed land, built over what used to be the sea surface during a major expansion of the Barcelona port entrance. The exterior facade features reflective glass panels that act like a giant mirror, shifting colors throughout the day by catching the changing light of the sky and waves.
While its proximity to the sea provides spectacular 360-degree views, it also sparked plenty of coastal controversies. Local critics and surfers originally argued that building it just 20 meters from the water broke Spanish coastal laws and permanently altered the area’s wind and wave currents. Despite the drama, it remains one of Europe’s most famous beachfront destinations.
Location
Recent guest reviews
1 September 2025
Good experience
Should have been notified the real gym was under reconstruction, temp gym small
31 August 2025
Overall, we (myself and my 2 young children) really enjoyed our stay and we will come back.
Amazing views. Staff were brilliant. The location was amazing
Small pools. Not enough food choice at restaurants. Very expensive room.
28 August 2025
Other than small issue with the carpet, we thoroughly enjoy our stay.
Sea views.
There was water damp on the carpet in one spot. We initially thought there overflow of water from the shower. But it never resolved until check out.
28 August 2025
Very good
The location , the cleanliness as well
The check in process , something should be done , ended up waiting for so long in the queue to be processed
18 August 2025
We love W!
W is always our home when we go to Barcelona. We love the place and the facilities. The rooms and suites are comfortable.
This time we had an issue through the back and front desk but handled and we enjoyed the day. Thank you!
18 August 2025
Arrived late and they had sold my room so they upgraded me to one of the primo terrace rooms. Wow!
Nice Breakfast buffet
17 August 2025
Excellent
Perfect location. Friendly staff who gave me early checkin and complimentary breakfast. Really great service and facilities
Aircon does not go colder than 20 degrees Needs more lighting in rooms
7 August 2025
Thank you for a fabulous stay we will definitely be coming back!
Absolutely stunning property Amazing view from our room Room was spacious Friendly staff
Check in and check out was a bit slow
25 July 2025
Pleasant
Amazing staff
Poor communication with management
6 July 2025
Very good
Views
Check in wait and breakfast is just Ok
6 July 2025
Great hotel, location and food. Pity about the poor service at times.
Location, food, some service was excellent
Triple room not ready, even on return to hotel after first day out and very early flight. Check in and out took a while. Service by the infinity pool bar was dreadful. Didn’t take drinks orders, confusion about where we could sit to eat by different members of staff meaning lunch took 45 mins to be ordered. The lower pool was great service.
3 July 2025
Lovely glamorous hotel excellent food and staff . Pool small but hotel really geared more to younger people who want an
Location - felt luxurious . Views stunning . Staff very helpful sourcing bang equipment eg microwave and baby bath delivers to room . Room service and food also excellent
Maybe we were not right demographic - mum daughter and baby not really wanting a late night pool party below our bedroom window !
1 July 2025
Very good
Location and view
Safety!!! It was stolen my Jacket 🧥from my room!!!
30 June 2025
Fabulous
I like hotel, room nice comfortable corner room nice seen. love to stay back.
room AC wasn't good last night was in hell
29 June 2025
Pleasant
Beautiful property with great location and amenities
Service was not up to standards expected at the W.
23 June 2025
Great hotel
The hotel is very nice and the restaurants are excellent.
I had an issue with my laundry which was very disappointing
22 June 2025
We had a good time overall, but there’s definitely room for improvement
The view from the room was stunning, the food at the restaurants and by the pool was delicious, and the cocktails were excellent. There was great music that added to the lively atmosphere, and the service throughout our stay was very good. The bed in the room was also extremely comfortable
We received our room only after 3:00 PM. The hotel is relatively outdated and requires renovation in several areas. Unfortunately, the room we got was not clean enough.
9 June 2025
Pleasant
Location good staff at the pool very friendly I travel with my daughter it’s kids friendly .
The waiting for the room it was around hour I send email about birthday we celebrate nothing been done at the room as I wanted to surprise my daughter when I ask at the reception they was like ok we will check so they bring after this small cake with printed card nothing personalise as I do go abroad a lot on my birthday and this was really miss organised so when we arrive they said they prepare the room so we wait till 4 pm check in from 3 pm last day I ask if they can do late check out a bit rude way answer that u have to call zero about that . It’s more hotel staff the pool staff was amazing. Breakfast also it’s not much to choose from small restaurant .
7 June 2025
Very good
Original building design. location, view, spa, breakfast
Hotel needs complete re-furbishing and interior design upgrade
27 May 2025
Pleasant
Good breakfast
Feels a little dated
19 May 2025
Very good
Location, breakfast,
Service, especially on the terasse sometimes was not well coordinate. There were 4 different waiters attending us within one our, orders took very long or were forgotton.
14 May 2025
Fine
Location and viewing
At Noxe restaurant,the behavior of the waiter Elan was at its worst level , arrogant and rude . His supervisor was defending him instead of teaching him to be polite with all types of clients.i left the restaurant very disappointed with 4 of my guests.
18 April 2025
Fabulous
Wonderful view, clean room, staff welcoming & efficient, and awesome breakfast
18 April 2025
Fabulous
Location and spacious rooms
Room service: I ordered bottles of water and a tissue box and never delivered to my room, even after calling back twice.
13 April 2025
Wonderful stay
Very pleasant experience
5 April 2025
Pleasant
I was missing real bathroom. Which ist not directly in the living room.
4 April 2025
It was a wonderful stay in a great location.
It was a fantastic stay! The location and hotel facilities were great!
31 March 2025
Amazing trip in a unique stylish hotel.
Friendly staff, amazing location, great service.
Glasses not cleared by Housekeeping but that’s it.
21 March 2025
plan to come back
suitable star 5 hotel, very luxury feeling, great location, great breakfast, great service
cannot late check out, even though explained we had late flight to catch..
17 March 2025
Nice hotel but the breakfast issues took the shine off
Rooms were good
Ridiculous queues for breakfast every morning
27 February 2025
one of the most nice place I ever visit
everything was perfect except the level of the floor, was expecting high level, at least above 10th floor but they provide 4th floor
Everything
16 February 2025
Cool view and perfect location with average hotel
Location and view are perfect and really unbeatable in Barcelona
Staff and charging process like in average 3 star hotel - I took 30 minutes to check-in, in spite of there was only 1 person in line before me. - Giant line for check-out. Why do I have to wait for check-out at all? - On Saturday morning I was hearing a noise of drilling for 20-30 minutes. Are you doing renovation on Saturday? Really? - Charging random amount of money. The receptionist said one amount for the room another amount for the deposit, but eventually charged money which doesn't sum up into these 2. Just some random amount. When I asked him why I had to pay this amount for deposit, he started to explain how charging would work, if I had a credit card. Come on, man, I don't care how you work with your credit cards. I came in with a debit card and told you twice that I'm not going to use a credit card. Why on Earth are you still lecturing me what would happen with a credit card? - Upselling is on level of a cheap 3 start hotel which trying to survive at any cost. I came to relax in the hotel, I don't want see everywhere endless "take it home just with X price". If you are using any facilities for 3 minutes, then they will try to sell you something additional 3 times.
10 January 2025
Breathtaking view, Hearty Breakfast, Will come again
View was exceptional and we were given an upgrade to make it even better
We were not notified it was a Three Kings parade and got stuck near the Colonnade monument. It would have been nice to be told earlier to expect a parade crowd and no taxis available.
9 January 2025
Very good
They could n help us to add a night neither hotel nor the booking.com
7 January 2025
It's a nice hotel, but it's unlucky with the noise.
The room was super nice
There was continuous noise throughout the whole night, like someone was walking or the wind was hitting something. It was really annoying.
4 January 2025
Pleasant
Location, facilities, room size were all perfect
The hotel feels a bit tired overall, possibly time for a refurbishment
30 December 2024
One time experience, too costly. There are better options in Barcelona for that pricing
View & room style
- 12 min wait on check-in - Allthogh I asked to have things waiting in the room (Cheese plater, flowers, bed decoration) - they were just advised when I was in reception and room was not holding the promise it should have. - could not turn-off the lights in the toilet & shower all night - some sort of security that one will not hit his head to the glass maybe, but it ruined the sleep.
25 December 2024
Fabulous
Location , staff friendliness and health centre
30 November 2024
The view and the location of this hotel is amazing. And it is a beautiful hotel
The location and view was amazing . And the amenities were top of the line.
I think a lot of things are overpriced in the restaurant and lobby services.
28 November 2024
Very good
Hole to the room
15 November 2024
Very good
Location, view as well as top-notch service
A bit overpriced and interior is quite cheap/modern not really feels like luxury (a bit trashy)
3 November 2024
Once was enough
View was fantastic.
Looking slightly dated. Carpets were stained and old in the room. Dated decor
30 October 2024
Great hotel with great views - but beware the parking lot which is not signed to make guests aware of the theft and secu
The room was amazing and the staff exceptionally friendly. The views are exceptional.
The car park is dangerous. Our car was broken into with baggage stolen and the area is not safe, despite seeming to be part of and owned by the hotel. Don’t leave bags in your car.
22 October 2024
Pleasant
View and amenities
the Room layout. the concept of open sink and separate toilet was not convenient.
21 October 2024
Stunning location for Americas Cup with beautiful rooms overlooking Port Vell and beaches .
Loved view from the entire room including from the bed. Straight down the Americas Cup course and the beaches. Stunning
Impersonal public areas, difficult to access.
19 October 2024
Average
Upgraded room was amazing
Ordered a drink from the bar was given a completely different drink which I gave back and was told they didn’t have what I ordered. Why didn’t they tell me instead of giving me another alcoholic drink. I requested a room next to my sister which I was given however it took nearly 30 minutes while reception sorted out our room. Didn’t get access to our room until 5.30 pm
17 October 2024
Best view in Barcelona, with high quality services
Beautiful view, pools, beach, great food served, Choya restaurant
-
17 October 2024
Brilliant
View, breakfast, pools
Cava supposed to be in room by arrival, not there. I was phoned 4 times within first 30 minutes regarding this.
13 October 2024
Very good
The view was great
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box (additional charge)
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Lockers
Activities
- - Sauna (additional charge)
- - Fitness centre
- - Solarium (additional charge)
- - Spa and wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Indoor pool
- - Indoor pool (all year)
- - Beachfront
- - Spa facilities
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Fitness
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Beach
- - Live music/performance
- - Bicycle rental
Outdoors
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor pool
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor pool (seasonal)
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services (additional charge)
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Electric vehicle charging station
Pool and wellness
- - Infinity pool
- - Pool with view
- - Heated pool
- - Plunge pool
- - Sun loungers or beach chairs
- - Swimming pool
- - Swimming pool
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Face masks for guests available

More photos

4 September 2025
Fabulous