W Barcelona

A 26-story tribute to one of Europe’s most art- and fashion-loving cities, W Barcelona strikes a monumental pose on a prime stretch of Barcelona beachfront. Designed by the great Barcelona architect Ricardo Bofill, the building’s crescent-shaped silhouette evokes thoughts of a billowing sail while capturing every movement of sky, sea, and city streets on its silvered-glass surface.

In fact, every aspect of the hotel reflects Barcelona’s beauty, artistry, and spirit, from the trendy cocktails and cuisine at its lively bars and restaurants to the social-hub-of-a-pool to the avant-garde furnishings in its 473 accommodations. The guest rooms’ color scheme may seem surprisingly subdued at first—until the drapes open at the touch of a button to reveal a wall-sized swath of neon-blue Mediterranean or multicolored Barcelona skyline.

When it’s time for groups to convene, the hotel’s 22,604 square feet of meeting space steps up with numerous options for gatherings. The choices range from seven state-of-the-art meeting studios to the largest ballroom of any W hotel in Europe. Groups of up to 1,000 guests can count on the latest in presentation equipment and technology, fabulous food and beverage, and the support of a top-notch business team. Incentive groups have plenty of time for the hotel’s playful side, which includes a rooftop ultralounge Eclipse, Bliss Spa, pool, and 3,000-square-foot fitness center with breathtaking views of the sea.