Hotel Arts has been on my travel wish list since I first visited Barcelona many years ago. It’s one of the most prominent contemporary luxury hotels in the city, soaring above the Barceloneta beach and Port Olimpic.
Operated by Ritz-Carlton, the five star hotel is most often recognised for its proximity to Frank Gehry’s iconic ‘Peix’ golden fish sculpture, which shimmers majestically on the seafront landscape.
Hotel Arts was built to coincide with the Olympic Games in 1992 and offers unrivalled views over the former Olympic Village across 44 floors. The hotel is truly impressive with 483 rooms and suites, including a Royal and Presidential Suite, private apartments and club level rooms.
As the name suggests, the hotel boasts a significant collection of Spanish contemporary art with carefully-chosen pieces punctuating the hotel spaces.
Arrival
The buzzing lobby is located on the first floor and features a gallery of boutiques including Pretty Ballerinas. There is an elegant, open-plan lounge with a trolley of chilled water and sweets for guests to enjoy.
On arrival, we were warmly welcomed and offered a glass of Champagne or chilled water as we checked in. The staff looked ever so chic in sleek black suits designed exclusively by Spanish fashion designer Cortana.
The Room
Our very spacious Deluxe Room on the 26th floor was bright and airy, designed in a soft palette of neutral colours and finished with luxurious furnishings. The large windows on one side of the room boast spectacular views of the beach and Port Olimpic and there is a padded window seat for taking in the landscape.
Room features include an executive writing desk, a comfy seating area, powerful air-conditioning, double wardrobe, minibar and high-speed wifi. There are some high-tech fixtures such as a Bang & Olufsen audovisual system and a control panel next to the beds to manage the lighting, blinds and music.
Our two twin beds weren’t really ideal for a couple, but they were ever so comfortable and furnished with sumptuous, high quality linen. We had the most fantastic night’s sleep that evening due to the marshmallow-soft beds and the room’s excellent sound-proofing.
The Bathroom
The marble and dark wood bathroom is an absolute delight with a walk-in rainfall shower with a bench, double sink, a deep soaking tub with a large bowl of bath salts, plush bathrobes and thick towels.
The bathroom shelves are filled with grooming essentials and a full set of Asprey Purple Water bathroom products (with even more provided in the shower).
The Swimming Pool
After unpacking and settling into our room, we made our way to the outdoor pool and terrace on the second floor to soak up the sun. The welcoming pool attendants asked if we preferred a lounger in the sun or the shade and then prepared our spot with an extra-large towel, bottles of mineral water and fresh green apples.
Hotel Arts has a great pool scene with hotel guests enjoying a swim or a bite of tapas, gelato and cocktails by the pool, set to a cool soundtrack. It’s a little too easy to skip the city’s sights and give in to the seductive tranquility of the pool all afternoon, which many guests were pleased to do.
Marina Restaurant
Marina, one of the hotel’s casual restaurants, is also just a few steps away from the pool and offers a tempting all-day menu of tapas, wood-baked pizza, gourmet salads and chilled soups.
43 The Spa
We were lucky enough to visit 43 The Spa, which is open to guests booking a treatment. The peaceful duplex spa uses products by Barcelona-based skincare brand Natura Bissé and has eight treatment rooms. Spa facilities include a heavenly hydrotherapy pool, ice fountain, experience shower, steam room and sauna with panoramic views over the beach.
It’s worth leaving some time to unwind over a herbal tea and healthy snacks in the relaxation room, complete with plush individual beds and a private terrace with sun loungers.
A Welcome Treat
In our room waiting for us was a fabulous tray of white and dark hand-made chocolates and crunchy hazelnut pebbles, along with a personalised welcome note. It was a generous and delicious welcome gift that perked us up as we got ready to head out for the evening.
Frank’s Bar
We started our night in the hotel with a round of cocktails at Frank’s Bar, named in tribute to the architect Frank Gehry. The bar is divided into three different areas – the terrace, the sleek main bar and the intimate back room designed in a cool retro style.
As the weather was so balmy and pleasant, we had our cocktails on the terrace with a bowl of paprika crisps to graze on. We both tried cocktails from the Frank Gehry Cocktail Experience, inspired by cities that he has created work for, as well as locations for new projects.
Mine was a juicy, refreshing Panama Mango Cooler made with Bacardi, mango purée, sweet and sour and Fever Tree ginger ale. Steven enjoyed a Los Angeles-inspired Mint Julep with Maker’s Mark, mint, sugar and Fever Tree soda. Both cocktails were expertly-mixed and had a boozy kick that set us up properly for the evening.
Enoteca
We already had dinner plans, but there’s really no need to even leave the hotel, as two of Barcelona’s most highly regarded fine dining restaurants are at the hotel. The beautifully-designed two Michelin starred restaurant Enoteca is overseen by Chef Paco Perez and focuses on seasonal Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on fish and seafood.
Arola
Renowned restaurant Arola serves innovative tapas, casseroles and fresh produce from the Boqueria Market, overseen by Chef Sergi Arola, who trained with Ferrán Adrià and Pierre Gagnaire.
Breakfast
In the morning, our breakfast at Café Veranda can only be described as epic. It’s a luxurious buffet offering copious amounts of hand-carved jamon Iberico, waffles and crepes made to order, dim sum, eggs and bacon, mini pastries and cakes, bagels, fruit plates, yoghurts and cereals.
As if that isn’t enough, a chef is on hand to pour glasses of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. It’s worth leaving enough time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and start the day with a more than a few treats.
Hotel Arts Barcelona is a stunning hotel with first class service, luxurious rooms and all the facilities you could ever hope for from a five star hotel. Being close to the beach, it has a resort feel and is ideal if you’re looking for a full hotel experience, rather than just a base to explore the city.
Rates at Hotel Arts Barcelona start from £245 per room per night, bed and breakfast. For more information and booking, visit: www.hotelartsbarcelona.com
Chérie City was invited by Hotel Arts Barcelona
Photos by Chérie City and Hotel Arts Barcelona
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