Item: W Barcelona
Rating: 7.8
Author: Audrey Voisine

Before heading to the United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Air Show, we stopped in Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city. A sneaky visit, where we decided to stay at the hotel W Barcelona and its surroundings.

Review : W Barcelona | Marriott Bonvoy - W Barcelona-085

Location

Hotel W Barcelona is located at the end of the Barceloneta promenade that runs along the sandy beaches at the entrance to the port. Beyond, a pier offers a view of the port of Barcelona. What to make beautiful walks!

Nearby, several bus stops, such as the Compass Rose, the Barceloneta metro station near the Museum of the History of Catalonia, and the port cable car.

It takes 25 minutes by cab from Barcelona El Prat airport (BCN).

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Booking

The W Barcelona is a five-star hotel with modern architecture designed by architect Ricardo Bofill, which is noticeable from afar.

Its exterior design compares a sail and blends into the landscape with its glass facade, almost like the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. It offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful city of Barcelona.

It includes 473 rooms, including 67 suites. Like the W hotels, this luxurious hotel is colourful and vibrant. The entrance to the hotel impresses with its vast wall, lit up at night that goes up to the sky and its glittering walls.

The place is animated and bustling in the evening because of the atmosphere. Young people meet at the Eclipse bar for its panoramic view on the top floor and warm and festive atmosphere.

The W Hotel Barcelona is available from 357 CAD or 70,000 points per night.

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Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at more than 7,000 hotels around the world is with the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Our credit card selection
Credit card	Annual fee	Welcome offer
Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$120	Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months Up to 70,000 points After $3,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare
Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card Apply NowCompare	Annual fee$150	Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months Up to 80,000 points After $5,000 in 3 months	Apply NowCompare

Hotel details

Parking	28 Euros/day Electric car charging station	Breakfast included	No
Swimming pool	Yes, indoor and outdoor, beach access	Room with balcony	No
Spa	Yes (upon reservation)	Room with kitchenette	No
Fitness room	Yes	Lounge	Yes
Restaurant	Yes	USB sockets in the room	No
Accepts animals	Yes, with costs	Smart TV	Yes
Mobile card	Yes	Shower/Bath	Yes

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Hotel reception

I was impressed upon arrival by the hotel lobby. When we arrived in the evening, there were people waiting to go up to the bar on the top floor and the reception counters.

We got an upgrade, a suite located on a high floor on the 25th floor, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful view of the city.

Bedroom

The decoration mixes glitter and warm colours in the common areas. A warm boudoir-style decor.

The large suite is entered through a small hallway that leads to the office and then the living room. A coffee and tea area, as always, is offered in the lobby. Two large sofas make up the living room. On a coffee table, a selection of bottles of alcohol incites the party already. A large mirror in the living room gives a sense of space.

The space is airy, bright during the day and mesmerizing at night with all the city lights with the bay window that goes from the bedroom to the living room. Beautiful.

The living room is large enough to accommodate guests; the TV screen is not placed in front of the sofa if you want to watch a movie but faces the bay window for the view, which is much more important to see.

Next door is the bedroom with a comfortable king bed and a bench seat. The space is pleasant in relaxing, neutral tones. A second television is placed in front of the bed, integrated into a niche in the wall.

The bathroom is next to the bedroom but is not closed by a door, which may not be suitable for everyone. There is a plan with a sink, a shower, a bathtub and a closed toilet as well as a space to put make-up or your things.

Hotel services

The W Barcelona Hotel offers several places to eat. On the first floor, FIRE is famous for its fireplace and cozy atmosphere.

For Asian bites and a panoramic view, check out the Eclipse bar.

Outside the hotel, the SALT restaurant & Beach Club offers tapas and overlooks the Barceloneta.

Finally, by the pool, the Wet Deck serves cocktails, as does the W Lounge & Bar.

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Breakfast is served next to the Fire restaurant on the first floor and is very tasty. Everything is carefully arranged on trays on a decorative lawn. A large Nespresso machine allows you to serve a coffee worthy of the baristas.

Review : W Barcelona | Marriott Bonvoy - W Barcelona-076

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Annual fee: $120
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.: $700
Welcome offerAfter $3,000 in 3 months: Up to 70,000 points

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Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

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Annual fee

Primary card$120

Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0

Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,210

2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500

Lost BaggageUp to $500

Flight DelayUp to $500

Hotel BurglaryUp to $500

Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded

Extended Warranty+1 years

Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

There are two pools to relax in, one of which has an area connected to the Wet Deck to enjoy a cocktail. You can stay in a cabana at the second one, quieter and facing the sea.

The fitness room is lovely. There is a lot of weight training equipment, some of which faces a large wooden deck. Moreover, a yoga class was given at our passage. The locker rooms are clean, sober and designed.

A great environment to train in!

My general impression of the hotel

Would you like to stay at the W Barcelona? Ask for a room with a view of the city! The panorama is superb, and it’s a pleasure to watch the city gradually come alive in the morning before going to Barceloneta for a little morning stroll! We were won over.

Review : W Barcelona | Marriott Bonvoy - W Barcelona-050

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