Where to Stay in El Born, Barcelona

Good for

• Luxury travelers
• Architecture lovers

Travelers who want a full luxury stay, with a rooftop pool and spa, right at the edge of the old town.

Why we like it

• In a restored 1920s building that was once home to politician and arts patron Francesc Cambó
• A rooftop pool and terrace with views over the Gothic Quarter — rare for a hotel in the old town
• Spa, sauna, steam room, and gym on the eighth floor
• Right on the edge of El Born and the Gothic Quarter, an easy walk into both

What to know

• Rooms can run smaller than you'd expect for a 5-star hotel, since it's an older building — worth checking the room type before booking
• The rooftop pool and restaurant are open to non-hotel guests, so the rooftop can get busy in the evening

Good for

• Budget travelers
• Nightlife

Design-minded travelers who want to be right in El Born without paying old-town boutique prices.

Why we like it

• Right in the heart of El Born, close to the Picasso Museum and Passeig del Born
• Color-changing lights and a glass shower in most rooms — a fun setup for the price
• In an old Modernist building with high ceilings
• A more affordable way to get a design-focused stay in El Born

What to know

• Standard rooms are small — the rooms with a balcony or terrace give you more space for a higher price
• El Born's bar streets are a short walk away, so light sleepers may want a room away from Carrer de la Princesa