Hotel W, Barcelona
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.
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
Location
Recent guest reviews
9 September 2025
Great stay overall.
The property was in very close proximity to the beach and port which is ideal, staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, and the room was very nice and spacious
we had a slight problem with luggage delivery and it takes more than one call to fix a problem in the room, but at the end it was solved
9 September 2025
It was quite good, bad I personally had some issues to report.
Being on the beach
Very nice
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.
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
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
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 !
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 & 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
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

13 September 2025
Service was excellent, really comfortable stay.
When we arrived check in was very quick, we asked for a late check out this was no problem all Restaurants were excellent, all the hotel staff super helpful and friendly. Hotels choice of breakfast was really good too. We would definitely come back to the W again. Thank you for a lovely stay.