W Barcelona Hotel
Catalonia, Spain
www.marriott.com
Impossible to miss, the iconic 5-star W Barcelona Hotel building soars like a billowing sail beside the Mediterranean Sea, a stunning presence on the beautiful Barcelona Beach, the impressive focal point standing as a beacon from land and sea. The captivating panoramic views from each of the 473 guest rooms and suites encompass the beachside Barceloneta Boardwalk, the vibrant city sprawling to the vistas of nearby hills, the Marina and beautiful expanse of the Mediterranean Sea. Where long ago Christopher Columbus may have strolled celebrating his return from his famed voyage of discovery, present day adventurers discover the beauty of the city of Barcelona from the vantage point of the incomparable W Barcelona Hotel, contemporary, sophisticated, and vibrant gateway to all that Spain’s much celebrated seaside destination offers.
Catalonian hospitality is on full display from the moment you enter the artfully modern, yet comfortably inviting, spacious Lobby of the hotel. The welcoming staff infuses your arrival with a sense of expectation as you are introduced to all the W Barcelona wonders, the magic of astounding views from its impressive stand alone setting, the beachside pools and WET Deck for sunbathing by day and live entertainment by night, FIRE restaurant, amazing spa,. World class Five Star accommodations will dazzle with contemporary design and breathtaking views from the nine foot high floor to ceiling windows, the WOW factor and Extreme WOW Suites taking the innovative interiors of Bofill Design to the next level. Spectacular views are met with unique elements in bed and bath designs, palette and art, and first class amenities showcased throughout all guest rooms and suites. A stay at the W Barcelona puts the exclamation mark on any experience of the city.
Barcelona is a dream city, a city of the people, a city of charm and energy, where the Mediterranean’s amazing Bogatell beach, art and artists, cathedrals, museums and monuments, renowned cuisine, festivals and festivities prevail. The iconic art and Gothic architecture of famed Gaudi Cathedral, Sagrada Familia, begun in 1882 and possibly destined for completion in 2026, beckons visitors from around the world. The hillside wonder of Gaudi’s Parc Guell is another must see UNESCO World Heritage Site, a whimsical dive into a surrealistic art world unlike any other. So much to see and do, to wander and explore neighborhoods, sample regional cuisines, discover art and architecture off the beaten paths. Whether Barcelona is a stopover, the preferred port for a Mediterranean cruise, or the gateway to Spain’s idyllic tourist centers, plan on falling in love with the city and take time to enjoy its wonders. Your wonderfully helpful W Barcelona insiders staff will help plan your days, arrange tours and transport, and recommend those hidden gems that enhance every travel experience.
Exploring the intersecting lively streets and alleyways leads you to open squares with personalities of their own, street fairs, local performers, dancers and musicians, a beautiful cathedral and small churches, museums, neighborhood shops, plus best local eateries and bars. The popular realm of La Rambla is a must see, easily reached from the W Barcelona Hotel, from the harbor embarkation point of cruise ships, and from downtown Barcelona. A La Rambla stroll stretches nearly a mile from Placa de Catalunya to the imposing Columbus Monument at Port Vell where stop-and-go double decker tour buses will enthusiastically introduce you to the wonders of the city.
Each visit to Barcelona is filled with endless new discoveries and possibilities, unexpected memorable experiences to be treasured. Modeliste fortuitously happened upon a holiday when La Rambla became the site of entertaining processions and parades celebrating Catalan traditions with Days of Saints (there are many), bringing locals and tourists together, regaling all ages with colorful giant paper mache’ figures, saints and royals and heroes.
The parades capture generations of history notably with the regally costumed giant figures and their troupes, traditional stick dancers, puppeteers, acrobats and musicians of all ages, and occasionally human towers. Nearby, the Cathedral square convened a joy-filled concert and gathering of all ages in a huge colorful circle welcoming all to join in traditional folk dances accompanied by the talented small local orchestra. The square also hosted a night of revelry and a holiday finale of fireworks, joined by venues across the city, and fortunately also enjoyed from a quiet distance at the vantage point of the W Barcelona building. In Barcelona, fun prevails. It is no wonder that Barcelona captures the hearts of travelers with its culture of joyous celebration of life on display.
