W Barcelone

Barcelona

Nestled between the Pyrenees and Mediterranean, Barcelona is a unique city and a veritable work of art thanks to the genius of architect Antonio Gaudi and his incredible Sagrada Familia (Holy Family) cathedral and his enchanting Güell Park. In addition, the Eixample quarter of the Catalonian capital contains a hundred of the finest art nouveau works.

Barcelona however, is also a city of surprises. Along the city’s most famous shaded avenue known as the Ramblas, with its abundance of excellent street artists, the neighborhoods are each totally different from one another. The old city on one side is a labyrinth of colorful and lively streets, and the other side, the Barri Gotic is filled with Gothic churches and cobblestone streets.

As the capital of molecular cuisine thanks to the El Bulli restaurant run by chef Ferran Adria, gastronomy is a way of life in Barcelona. At the Boqueria, the city’s main market, gourmets come together to taste the numerous Catalonian specialties.

The trendy shops on the La Ribera and the luxury boutiques of the Passeig de Gracia combine to make Barcelona a center for fashion and design. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and its exciting nightlife, Barcelona is a wonderful city to discover. And for a break from the hyperactivity of the city, a visit to the Coliserola, the second largest city park after New York’s Central Park, is strongly recommended, or for the more athletic or simply for those in search of panoramic views, climbing either Mount Tibdabo or Montjuïc is a must.

W Barcelone

With its façade of silver tinted glass reflecting the moods of the Mediterranean, the W Barcelona rises up like a mainsail facing the sea. This veritable architectural masterpiece created by Ricardo Bofill, is home to the 26 story W Barcelona, an integral part of the city’s identity. True to the philosophy of all W hotels, the Barcelona version is inspired by its surroundings.

In Barcelona, the recurrent theme of interior architect, Marta Vilallonga is the sea. A large wall at the entrance to the hotel recalling red coral greets the visitors.

The furniture in the W’s 473 rooms plunges guests into the depths of the sea. Algae incorporated into the glass walls, Silt floating on the water, rounded shapes eroded by the foam are all part of this marine allegory.

The play of colors, transparency and reflections gives the rooms a sense of calm and comfort. The most beautiful, the Wow suite on the 15^th floor, is a veritable underwater experience. The bed in the center of the room gives the impression of floating. But the décor is not the only link the hotel has with the sea. The W Barcelona is the only establishment in the city to offer guests direct access to a beach, the San Sebastian where beach umbrellas, deck chairs, towels and lockers are available to them. The same ambiance is present alongside the open air swimming pool where guests can relax all day long, and if they so choose, receive a soothing massage.

A variety of massages and body treatments are proposed by the Bliss spa, and the Sweat fitness center conducts yoga sessions on a sun drenched terrace. If by chance you’re hungry, there’s no need to leave the swimming pool. The Wet Bar with its impeccable service is at your disposal.

For dinner however, it’s preferable to try the Bravo 24, where the Michelin Guide starred Catalonian chef, Carlos Abellàn leads a culinary crusade in favor of eating meat. And to close out the evening, The Eclipse on the W’s roof, with its unique chic designer décor attracts Barcelona’s fashionistas and celebrities who come here to have a drink above the city to the sounds of electronic music.

The San Sebastian Beach to which the Hotel W Barcelona provides access, was the site of the aquatic sports competitions at the 1992 Olympic Games.