When searching for a place to stay in Barcelona, I was picky. I wanted a well-situated hotel to access all the city has to offer and to serve as a respite from the hustle and bustle of the Spanish hot spot. My search led me to InterContinental Barcelona.

InterContinental is an oasis in a city notoriously overrun with tourists. No matter how chaotic things felt outside, once I stepped through the InterContinental’s glass doors and into its spacious lobby, I felt immediately calm. My room was large and comfortable, but the hotel’s location and amenities, from a tranquil spa to calming gardens, are truly what make it the perfect base in Barcelona.

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Starting at the top, InterContinental Barcelona features the 173 Rooftop Terrace, complete with a heated infinity pool. However, even non-swimmers should visit the cocktail bar for light bites and panoramic views of the city skyline. On a clear day, guests who look carefully may spot several iconic Barcelona landmarks, including Sagrada Familia, Plaça Espanya and Montjuïc cable cars. On select nights, guests can enjoy live musical performances on the terrace.

Then, there is the hotel’s aromatic garden filled with herbs and spices. After a full day of navigating Barcelona’s metro and crowds, walking through the lush, nearly empty garden was a stark and welcome change from the electric energy of the city just beyond. I loved trading asphalt for leafy plants each night.

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However, my favorite place to rest and relax throughout my stay was InterContinental’s blue-tiled spa. I spent an hour of bliss using the sauna, walking across stones that soothed my aching feet, sitting on heated loungers and floating in the large hydrotherapy pool. I’ve stayed at countless European hotels with spas, and this was by far one of the best and most beautiful. The spa isn’t included in the regular room rate, but guests can access it starting at €45 for 60 minutes. Guests can add a service, including a 25-minute massage and 90-minute spa access, starting at €80. I wasn’t able to fit in a massage during my stay, but I still felt incredibly relaxed and rejuvenated after my time in the spa.

Another place for select guests to unwind is InterContinental’s lounge. While the lounge is not available to all guests, it is included in some offers and open to certain tiers of IHG One Rewards members with qualifying stays. The lounge features a private breakfast buffet and snacks and beverages throughout the day, as well as a separate casual area with sofas and a television, perfect for relaxing with a cocktail at the end of the day. It was the ideal place to start my day and catch up on emails. Plus, the lounge’s dedicated concierge gave me great tips, including sharing his favorite tapas spot.

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In addition to the lounge and 173 Rooftop Terrace, InterContinental has an on-site, Michelin-starred restaurant, Quirat, serving menus inspired by locally produced Catalan ingredients. For a more casual Mediterranean option, try Arrel for a massive brunch buffet, lunch or dinner. Meanwhile, Boira Bite & Drinks is a multipurpose spot just off the lobby designed for relaxing and working with bites or drinks. The hotel also has an upscale bar, Gerbe, on the ground floor that serves cocktails in a modern, upscale setting.

Location is an important consideration for every trip, and InterContinental delivers. The hotel is in an ideal location for those seeking calm away from the heart of the action, but not far from major attractions. The hotel is close to two metro stations, both less than a 10-minute walk away. It’s also walking distance to Plaça Espanya, Poble Espanyol, Montjuïc Park and Gardens, and Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, among other sights. Additionally, the must-see Gothic Quarter is 10 minutes away by metro or taxi or a 30-minute walk that takes you past restaurants, bars and quiet residential streets providing a glimpse into local life in Barcelona. Using a combination of metro and taxis, it never took me more than 30 minutes to get anywhere.

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InterContinental Barcelona

Av. De Rius i Taulet, 1-3

Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

tel 34 934 26 22 23