The bustling city of Barcelona is one of the top destinations for a city weekend trip. Travellers come over for extensive shopping tours and checking out the work of artists such as Gaudi and Picasso. And not to forget tasting Catalan cuisine and party all night long. In recent years, however, the area around the old port has been developed considerably. Today you will find modern shopping centers instead of dilapidated factory buildings and expensive yachts instead of old ships.
Even from a distance I spot the “W”, the 26-storey hotel that rises like as a sail at the beginning of the famous beach promenade of the former fishing district of Barceloneta. The architect Ricardo Bofill designed the tower in the shape of a sail and for sure, the architecture is truly influenced by the famous Burj al Arab. W for Wow!
Everything is sparkling and shining inside the huge and stylish lobby, guests from all over the world hang around in floating chairs. Finally I check in and go up to the 22nd floor. My room is waiting for me with an absolutely incredible panoramic view of Barcelona. “Wow!” That’s all I could think wile looking out totally fascinated. The huge window is ranging from one wall to the other, showing me the mile-long beach promenade, the old quarter of Barceloneta and yes – I even can recognize the world-famous Sagrada Familia in the middle of the metropolis
It dawns already and the lights begin to twinkle the skyscrapers, people are still working at the great halls of the shipyards. All night long the lights illuminate the always busy beach promenade until the sun rises the next morning, when the town at the foot of Mount Montjuïc get touched by soft orange light. Better than TV, so I leave the curtains open all night, although I could easily close them with a button beside my bed. Again and again I wake up, marveling a few minutes at the city and fall back asleep. Next morning breakfast is served in the restaurant Bravo24. I’m looking for a place among the palm trees overlooking the pool and choose some Catalan specialties from the buffet.
Then I inspect the other room categories. The large suites have panoramic windows that allow a view of the harbor, the sea and the city. On the free-floating terraces around the 24th floor a warm Mediterranean breeze is blowing. Today it is still too cold for the outdoor Jacuzzi. But the panoramic view from the bathtub in the bedroom of the luxury “Extreme Wow Suite” is not too shabby either. However, the flagship suite of the hotel in Barcelona is not all that cheap. With about 10,000 EUR the credit card will be charged per night. After a long day in Barcelona it’s time for the famous nightlife. How convenient that I no longer need to leave the hotel. Because one of the hottest clubs in the city is only an elevator ride away – the Eclipse is on 26th floor.
Bathed in bright red light hotel guests and spotters slouch on the cream-colored cube seats. The view is phenomenal. International Soul and House music DJs are playing until the early morning hours. Try the special W-cocktails with a maximum of five different ingredients. Best one: Watermelon Martini.
Hotel W Barcelona Plaça de la Rosa del Vents, 1 – Final Passeig de Joan de Borbó Barcelona 08039 Spain www.w-barcelona.com This text has been translated to the best of my knowledge into English.
Note: This trip was supported by the Hotel W Barcelona. The report represents our own opinions.
