Hotel Arts, Barcelona

The Venue Guru  A professional’s perspective of meeting and event venues in Europe  

First impressions are of a tower block that still has builder’s scaffolding round it.  Yet the design is clever because none of the external structure blocks the stunning views from this 44-story icon of glass and steel. Hotel Arts Barcelona opened in 1994 and years on having been completely refurbished, it is still “numero uno” in Barcelona.
Entrance to the hotel is via a covered drive-through patrolled by uniformed doormen.  This no doubt reduces the public exposure of arriving celebrities and dignitaries frequenting this hotel. The lobby is accessed by lifts, and it’s a busy area due to the adjacent champagne bar and terrace resulting in an overspill of guests.

The large meeting rooms are located on the ground floor.  They’re smart and functional with the usual central catering break area, but subterranean means there’s no natural daylight and ceiling heights are on the low side.  For an alternative, the hotel has recently developed the 41^st floor into a superb function area, (Arts 41). The space comprises of six unique function rooms, ideal for executive meetings, receptions and private dining, plus being located 150 metres above sea level the views are fabulous.

The same can be said of the panorama bedrooms - all are beautifully appointed. The most expensive come with double-sided views to the sea and the city – the best views from any hotel in Barcelona. Currently, WIFI is not complimentary for guests and this is perhaps the only negative for a meeting/event planner. The varied eating areas are homage to Spanish and Catalan cuisine, but the VG liked the hotel’s offer of designing your own menu by choosing recipes from well-known Chefs cookbooks.

The most surprising thing about Hotel Arts is, it is vastly larger than it appears from outside.  This city hotel has delightful lawns and gardens, with large terraces and a pool. For an evening drinks reception al fresco, you can even cover the swimming pool with boarding, and install a band and bar on top, at least this will prevent the “over refreshed” guests from falling in!

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Hotel Arts, Barcelona - Fast Find Facts

What is it:                                    Iconic 5* Deluxe Hotel

Located:                                     Central Barcelona. BCN - 30 mins

Meeting rooms:                        20 - Largest holds 1,350

Beds:                                             482

Rates:                                           €€€€€
The Venue Guru is a name given for reviews of business venues that as a professional, I have inspected personally or used for meeting and events.  The venues reviewed are in the UK or mainland Europe and these reviews are from a meeting and event planners perspective.  I have no links with any hotels or venue marketing consortia and the reviews expressed are my own opinions. I hope you find them useful.