Europe's worst destinations for flight delays revealed - and one of Brits' favourite beach hotspots tops the list...
Antalya, the postcard-perfect Turkish resort known for its golden coastline, ancient ruins and turquoise waters, has just been crowned Europe's worst destination for summer flight delays.
Despite it ranking as the 12th most popular place to fly from the UK, 23.4 per cent of UK flights arrived over an hour late to the southern Turkish airport in the summer months of 2024, while 938 out of 4,008 flights were delayed by more than one hour.
That's according to a new study by JamPrime, which analysed Civil Aviation Authority data to uncover the 20 destinations most plagued by long flight delays.
Looking at the top 50 most flown-to airports from the UK in June, July, and August last year, the team ranked destinations by the percentage of flights delayed by an hour or more - and Antalya came out on top, for all the wrong reasons.
Last summer, almost a quarter of flights from the UK to Antalya were delayed by 60 minutes or more.
And with over 4,000 flights making that journey during the season, that's a lot of passengers stuck waiting at the gate or doing laps around duty-free.
Milan Malpensa was second-worst overall with 19.46 per cent of flights delayed, equating to nearly one in five flights held up by at least an hour.
Hungary's capital, Budapest, came third in the rankings, with 311 of 1,610 UK flights - or 19.32 per cent - delayed by at least an hour.
Greece's island airports were also hit hard, as Rhodes ranked fourth with 16.03 per cent of flights delayed, while Heraklion came seventh with 14.86 per cent - a total of almost 650 major delays across the two.
Two more popular Turkish destinations were in fifth and sixth place in the analysis.
Dalaman, on the country's southwestern coast, saw 15.78 per cent of flights from UK airports delayed by at least an hour, while the figure for Istanbul stood at 15 per cent.
Together, over 1,700 UK flights to Turkey's three busiest summer destinations were severely delayed.
The top ten of the summer lateness rankings was completed by Naples in Italy (14.6 per cent) in eighth, Guernsey (14.56 per cent) in ninth and Paphos in Cyprus (14.49 per cent) in tenth.
Meanwhile, Dublin, the UK's most popular summer route with over 10,000 flights, came 21st in the study, though its airport still saw 1,118 delays of an hour or more.
Across all UK airports in the study, 10.56 per cent of flights were delayed over 60 minutes - approximately 28,000 late departures during the peak season.
JamPrime founder Ben Nicholls warned that with memories of last summer's global IT meltdown still fresh, travellers should be prepared for possible setbacks again this year.
He said: 'Millions of Brits wait all year to jet off on their summer holidays, but this research shows that they might face frustrating delays, especially when flying to certain destinations.
'The data is based on flights during the summer months of 2024, and July last year saw the global CrowdStrike-related IT outages which significantly impacted airports around the world, so travellers and airlines will be hoping that no such issues occur this year as the summer holidays arrive.'
It comes as Gatwick has retained its unwanted title as the country's worst airport for delays – with departures last year running on average 23 minutes late.
The figures come as a busy summer holiday period looms and amid a warning from the travel industry that such delays risk leaving passengers feeling that they are not 'respected'.
The data is an improvement for Gatwick from nearly 27 minutes in the previous 12 months but it is still longer than at any other domestic airport, said the Civil Aviation Authority.
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Times
an hour ago
- Times
Meloni rejects ‘unpatriotic' claim Italians are deserting beaches
As Italian politics ground to its customary mid-August halt this week and ministers vanished to the beach, the prime minister Giorgia Meloni was reported to be heading for Greece — yet evidently still ready for a row with the opposition. The topic was holidays, as Meloni angrily accused her opposition rival, Elly Schlein, of making unpatriotic allegations about Italians deserting the country's beaches because they are broke after three years of her premiership. The row began when Schlein, the leader of Italy's centre-left Democratic Party, seized on reports that the number of tourists renting umbrellas and sunbeds at Italian beach clubs have dropped by up to 30 per cent this year. 'Empty beaches are a postcard from the Meloni government — millions of Italians are not taking holidays because they can't afford it,' said Schlein. Images of happy holidaymakers on Italy's state TV channels were propaganda put out by Meloni-appointed managers to conceal the reality of a fading economy, she added. Meloni shot back with her own statistics showing that the overall number of Italians taking holidays in Italy in July was not down, but up by 1.8 per cent year-on-year. She accused Schlein of an unpatriotic attempt to sully the reputation of tourism in Italy in the eyes of the world. 'I consider it shameful that certain opposition figures spread fake news, damaging the image and the interests of Italy just to attack the government,' she posted. 'Who truly loves our nation should not discredit it before the world for political gain. We will work to make [Italy] stronger, more attractive and more proud of itself every day,' she added. Antonio Misiani, a senator with the Democratic Party, likened Meloni's attack to that of a North Korean politician, while the former prime minister Matteo Renzi pointed out Meloni was a fine one to talk about patriotism since she was reported to be sunbathing somewhere in Greece, rather than on an Italian beach. Support for Schlein came from Massimo Casanova, a former MEP with the right-wing League party and a beach club owner, who said empty beaches were due Italy's middle class running out of cash. 'The government should be helping Italians, not starving them,' he said. Meloni's claim that overall tourism numbers are up has been borne out in Rome, where 644,000 visitors are expected to arrive over the mid-August weekend, up 5.5 percent on last year, despite temperatures edging towards 40C. However, hotel owners say holidaymakers may be taking shorter trips this year, and the rosy statistics may have been inflated by thousands of previously unregistered B&Bs publishing their figures for the first time. Other reasons why beach clubs have fewer customers have little to do with the economy. Outrage has grown this month regarding price increases by the clubs, which are allowed to fence off wide swathes of sand and charge people to sit on it. Anger has focused on a club in Mondello, near Palermo in Sicily, that installed turnstiles at the entrance to the beach, despite the law permitting visitors to enter free of charge if they stay close to the water's edge and do not occupy one of the sunbeds set up by the club. • Europe's secret (and more affordable) beach clubs Experts have said that the traditional Italian habit of cramming into beach clubs in August is also changing as people avoid the growing heat and take breaks either side of summer. Beach clubs became part of Italian summer culture during the country's post-war boom years, but Gen Z Italians appear to be less inclined to pay to lie in rows under tightly packed umbrellas. As the Sardinian newspaper La Nuova Sardegna reported on Wednesday, 'The sea will always be there but habits are starting to change, just as the water does when the wind switches direction.'
Times
an hour ago
- Times
19 of the best hotels with swim-up rooms in Turkey
Snooze, swim. Snooze, swim. It's the ultimate in holiday relaxation, slipping between lounger and pool, and it's never easier than when you can swim right up to your room. Turkish hoteliers are never slow to embrace new trends, and there are swim-up rooms, apartments and suites in every type of hotel, from family-friendly all-inclusives to romantic boutique hotels. Not that relaxing in this sun-drenched, spectacularly beautiful country is ever difficult; it may not have the super-slow pace of the Greek islands, but Turkish hospitality is second to none, with families particularly welcomed. Throw in crystal-clear seas, fantastic food and a culture rich in tradition and history, and it's not difficult to see why so many British holidaymakers return to Turkey for a relaxing week in the sun. These are the country's best hotels with swim-up rooms. This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue £££ | SPA | POOL | 10 RESTAURANTS | Best for contemporary style Proof that Turkish hotels can match just about anywhere for serious luxury, the 24 villas at Bayou each have their own private, swim-up pool, alongside sleek, modern decor. The villas adjoin the Lara Barut Collection resort, and guests can use all the facilities including the bars and restaurants, spa and sports academy. The Bayou Bar and Weik A'la Carte restaurant are exclusively for Bayou Villas guests. £££ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for natural surroundings Swim-up rooms add to the pleasures of this spacious, family-friendly resort in a tranquil location where the Dalaman River feeds into the Mediterranean. The hotel has a Family Experience for children under 12, with dedicated menus, a kids' pool area with waterslides and a kids' club that offers everything from cooking classes to movie screenings and costume parties. The state-of-the-art spa draws on Greek mythology in its design and is as relaxing as a stroll along the huge swathe of beach at sunset. • Discover our full guide to Turkey £££ | SPA | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for knockout views The swim-up rooms at the Garcia also command the very best of the hotel's views over the lush green forests and sparkling waters of the Blue Lagoon. Each comes with a private poolside terrace, while inside you'll find rooms decorated in relaxing Mediterranean blues and natural finish wood (swim-up family suites are also available). Even if you go for one of the standard rooms you'll find plenty of swimming options, with four adult and two children's pools. And when you're ready to tear yourself away, it's just a short drive down to the beach. • More great hotels in Oludeniz ££ | POOL | 1 RESTAURANT | Best for honeymooners The honeymoon suites at the Nautical are showstoppers: self-contained bungalows with their own private terraces and pools, just metres back from a sparkling crystal bay that is for guests only. The emphasis at this tiny boutique hotel is on nature and relaxation: you can join meditation and yoga classes amid the lemon trees in the garden, and enjoy laid-back, acoustic live music events in the evenings. The cheaper rooms aren't too shabby either: individual stone houses are cleverly arranged to make you feel as though you're alone in the wilderness. £££ | SPA | POOL | 10 RESTAURANTS | Best for group holidays The last word in all-inclusive luxury, the Maxx Royal is so large and packed with amenities that you could easily spend a fortnight here without leaving the grounds. The Laguna suites have direct access to the pool and can sleep up to six adults in two bedrooms, and teenagers and young adults will love the hotel's laser tag area. Separate pools mean that you can enjoy an adult holiday here, although kids are well-served too, with an on-site aquapark with ten slides. £££ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for luxury getaways Each sumptuous villa here comes not only with direct pool access, but with a garden area and decking where you can stretch out between swims. Down on the soft sand of the private beach you'll find luxury pavilions — the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cold cocktail from the beachside bar. It's a place made for relaxation, but if you want to get your blood pumping there is a well-equipped gym and full golf course, as well as a range of activities including yoga. For the best that money can buy, opt for the presidential villa, which comes with its own private pool. £££ | SPA | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for a stress-free break This luxury hotel occupies one of the best stretches of beach in Bodrum, where you can feel the soft white sand between your toes and dive into the refreshing crystal waters. The service is top notch: the hotel's personal assistant can organise everything during your stay, from restaurant bookings to excursion recommendations. Sumptuously designed rooms and restaurants stocked with high-end accessories will make you feel like one of the celebrities who frequent this part of the Turkish coast. The superior suites are swim-up rooms, and there are also beach villas available, each with its own private pool. • More great hotels in Bodrum• Best things to do in Bodrum £££ | SPA | POOL | 5 RESTAURANTS | Best for a quieter retreat This luxury resort in Side manages to meld the ease of all-inclusive with the exclusive feel of a boutique hideaway. It is renowned for the quality of its gastronomy, with frequently changing menus at its three à la carte restaurants offering a range of cuisines. If you feel the need to work off the excess, staff can arrange for gym equipment to be brought to your room and can book you sessions with personal trainers — or you can join sports classes ranging from yoga to beach volleyball. Swim-up rooms share a separate swimming pool. • More great hotels in Antalya• Best things to do in Antalya ££ | SPA | POOL | 3 RESTAURANTS | Best for spa lovers Far smaller than most of Antalya's sprawling resorts, Dosinia is the place to stay if you prefer a more intimate vibe, while keeping all of the perks of all-inclusive. Packages include free use of the extensive spa, which features a Turkish-style hammam and has a range of treatments and massages, as well as plenty of outdoor activities. The pool is freshwater and there is an on-site waterpark with slides as well as separate indoor and outdoor pools for kids, plus clubs to keep them entertained. £££ | SPA | POOL | 9 RESTAURANTS | Best for golf lovers The pool feels more like a secret lagoon at this five-star resort, weaving a path through lush gardens and between suites that open up straight into the water. This vast place nonetheless manages to feel intimate thanks to its clever design, based around a mix of individual units and the main hotel, which features spacious, luxurious rooms. Its biggest draw, though, is the 27-hole championship golf course, designed by the golfing legend Nick Faldo. Guests staying in the swim-up suites can choose to have dinner served in their rooms. £££ | SPA | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for gastronomy There is a new chef every week at this high-end, concept hotel, where the focus is firmly on food. Each brings their own twist to the locally grown, organic ingredients, guaranteeing that every meal will be a joy. The sleek and modern design of this hotel is a welcome change from the usual brash all-inclusives, and the swim-up rooms have private patios equipped with comfy outdoor furniture. Even the long, sandy, private beach is well-designed, featuring cabanas that you'll want to lounge in all day. £ | SPA | POOL | 1 RESTAURANT | Best for nightlife In the centre of the popular resort of Hisaronu — set above Oludeniz's glorious beach — this is a perfect base if you feel like getting out of the hotel and dancing the night away. The main strip is a five-minute walk away and features dozens of bars and restaurants catering to the international crowd who holiday and live in this part of Turkey. The Blue Lagoon, a surreal, beautiful inlet ringed with white sand, is also close by. Swim-up pool rooms make the perfect base for relaxing on the days when you feel like staying at the hotel. • Best things to do in Fethiye• More great hotels in Fethiye ££ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for family breaks The focus is firmly on the kids at this resort 30 minutes' drive from Antalya airport, with den-like children's rooms fitted out with bunk beds and clubs catering to all ages. Teenagers will love the nightclub and karaoke, and the water sports at the hotel's private beach. Six of the nine on-site swimming pools are designed with children in mind, and there is an aquapark with six slides too. If you opt for one of the swim-up suites you'll get a terrace that makes it feel like your own private pool. £££ | SPA | POOL | 15 RESTAURANTS | Best for party people Few hotels in Turkey can boast superstars Jennifer Lopez and Dua Lipa on their guest lists, but they are among the performers who have graced the stage at this all-inclusive resort. A few big names pop up here every summer, but even if you're not lucky enough to catch them you'll be spoilt for choice, with live bands and DJs performing every night. The hotel also hosts glamorous parties for adults only, with themes ranging from Cuban to Eighties glam. Shake off your hangover with one of the dozens of outdoors sports activities that take place during the day. And be sure to get in a round of golf. £££ | SPA | POOL | 6 RESTAURANTS | Best for nature lovers In a pine forest on one of the most stirring stretches of the Turquoise coast, this Fethiye resort makes a great base for getting out and trekking through the pine forests of the Mediterranean or getting your adrenaline pumping with windsurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing courses. But there is plenty to stay put for too: the hotel is split into adult and family sections, with swim-up rooms available in both. The six restaurants include a variety of world cuisines, and an intimate beachside option for romantic evenings. £££ | SPA | POOL | 13 RESTAURANTS | Best for wellness breaks The hundreds of treatments available at the Ela's huge and luxurious spa, alongside a full-size Turkish hammam decked out in beautiful traditional tiles and marble, make you feel like you are living in an Ottoman palace. There is plenty of organised entertainment for both small children and teenagers, and a huge range of sports activities available, so it will be easy to grab time for yourself and rewind. The best villas come with their own private pools. £££ | SPA | POOL | 6 RESTAURANTS | Best for a sense of seclusion Most foreign tourists overlook the northern part of Turkey's Aegean coast, but it's worth a visit — the waters are bracingly cold and the temperatures less scorching than in the more southerly resorts. The high-end Paloma chain's Izmir offering is on a secluded part of the coast, right on a stretch of golden beach. Poolside rooms come with their own terrace and small tropical garden, offering maximum privacy and tranquillity. £ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for families The spacious family bungalows at this value-for-money resort have the feel of a self-catering hideaway, but with all the conveniences of a package holiday on the doorstep. Steps lead straight down from the balconies into the pool, and each has a private terrace complete with loungers. Cycle hire is a popular option here, with plenty of trails in the surrounding mountains and guides on hand to show you the best routes. There is a huge water sports programme, and children can also take swimming classes for a small extra cost. £ | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for pool lovers All of the rooms and apartments at this well-designed hotel overlook the lagoon-style pool, with those on the ground floor having swim-up access to their private terrace. The pool has a lush, plant-filled island feature in the middle, where you can lounge with a good book between dips, and there's a cute kids' playground with slides, a trampoline and their own pool. The hotel also has owns the Buzz Beach Bar & Grill right on Oludeniz's fabulous beach, with a 10 per cent discount for guests. • Best places to visit in Turkey• Best hotels with waterparks in Turkey What's your favourite hotel with swim-up rooms in Turkey? Please share in the comments below
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
The best luxury hotels in Barcelona for a lavish stay in the coastal Spanish city
Fittingly for a city with a famously creative edge, Barcelona 's fast-evolving luxury hotel scene combines glossy five-star addresses with a wave of chic, design-forward boutique properties. Many of the best luxury hotels in Barcelona are set in stylishly revived historical buildings such as ancient mansions and Modernista homes, while others bring a splash of contemporary architecture to neighbourhood streets. The most tempting hotels skilfully lean into Barcelona's love for design, crafts and the arts, often showcasing traditional tilework, pieces created by local artisans and other artsy flourishes. Expect sparkling rooftops with dip pools and cocktail bars overlooking the city, and even fragrant on-site herb gardens to help fuel the kitchens. Whether you're keen to stay among the meandering medieval streets of the Ciutat Vella or seek out a serene haven in one of several other charismatic neighbourhoods, there is no shortage of luxe stays in Catalonia's vibrant capital. For the best hotels in Barcelona, the best beach hotels in Barcelona and the best spa hotels in Barcelona, see our guides. At a glance 1. Nobu Hotel Barcelona Sants A slickly reborn 1970s skyscraper building in the residential Sants district is now the setting for one of Barcelona's most sought-after luxury escapes. You'll instantly want to dine at the glamorous 23rd-floor restaurant, where signature Nobu dishes meet seasonal Catalan produce in a lounge-like space with views sprawling across the city. Or linger over zingy cocktails up on the roof-terrace bar, the highest of its kind in Barcelona, which has a dazzling wraparound panorama, cabana-like loungers, DJ nights, and a plunge pool surrounded by lush greenery. The basement spa is a sultry retreat for organic-based treatments and glow-inducing water circuits. Rooms channel a Japan-meets-Catalonia look, with details such as headboards inspired by trencadís tiling, and range from cocooning Deluxe pads to sky-high Suites with wooden baths set into the window. Address: Avinguda de Roma 2, 08014 2. Hotel Neri Barri Gòtic An exclusive 22-room oasis, Hotel Neri sits within two restored centuries-old mansions in the heart of the busy Barri Gòtic. This is Barcelona's only Relais & Châteaux property, and it's easy to see why. Enter through a sweeping lobby flaunting its original stone staircase and archway alongside chic, boutiquey design (hot-pink rugs, globe-like suspended lamps). The soothing rooms all have botanical Barcelona-made toiletries in pretty pots crafted by a local artisan, and several have their own terraces (even one with an outdoor bath tub). After wandering the sights, relax around the rooftop plunge pool, framed by cane sunbeds, swirls of bougainvillea and urban views. There's a wonderful Catalan-inspired restaurant too, with alfresco tables on the evocative Plaça de Sant Felip Neri. 3. Casa Bonay hotel Eixample Barcelona's design world is celebrated in easy-going, art-loving style at Casa Bonay, a creatively restored 1860s Eixample building where rooms ramble off plant-filled corridors and a lively local crowd gathers at various drinking-and-dining spots. Original Catalan-style tiles, locally crafted wool throws and perks like yoga mats create a stylish yet homey feel in the 67 rooms, the best of which have terraces with outdoor drench showers. This is the place that brought hotel-lobby culture to Barcelona, so there's always something fun happening. New for 2025 is open-air wellness space Termas Bonay, offering a sauna, an ice bath, a hammam and treatments among herb gardens on the secluded rooftop. Luxury, but with a laid-back Barcelona vibe. 4. Almanac Barcelona hotel Eixample Gazing out across the Eixample from the rooftop at Almanac Barcelona, just one block off Passeig de Gràcia, is enough to make anyone fall head over heels for Barcelona. Lavender, strelitzias and tall grasses fringe a sand-coloured pool, and the open-air Azimuth bar has curving loungers and creative astrology-inspired cocktails. The hotel is spread across two interconnected buildings, one of them still showing off its original Modernista facade. There are 91 tech-forward rooms to pick from, with smoked-mirror panels, black-and-white Barcelona photographs and glossy white-marble bathrooms. Chef Rodrigo de la Calle heads up the superb, understated ground-floor restaurant Virens, which is all about plant-based cooking with a gourmet spin. 5. Primero Primera hotel Sarrià-Sant Gervasi A haven of discreet luxury awaits at this intimate boutique address hidden away in a peaceful, upscale northwest district, just 15 minutes by metro from the city centre. A 20th-century family home has been transformed with 30 understated rooms, all styled with vintage furniture, gleaming teak-wood trim and Barcelona-made Nature Bissé bath products. Out the back, herb-fresh gardens lead to a villa-like pool, which some rooms look out on from sunny private balconies. There's plenty of luxury in the detail too, from in-the-know dining recommendations to massages that can be arranged in your room, and the hotel's romantically lit front terrace is home to locally loved modern-Catalan restaurant Planta Baja. 6. El Palace hotel Eixample A shining star of classic five-star opulence, El Palace was originally Barcelona's Ritz hotel. But it isn't all old-school glamour here. The ground-level Amar restaurant is a destination dining spot spearheaded by chef Rafa Zafra, known for his innovative take on seafood-driven cuisine. On the jasmine-shaded rooftop (inspired by 1920s Modernista gardens), there are yoga classes, live-music events, cinema nights and seasonal pop-up restaurants. Elegant, cream-toned rooms have botanical-print walls, smart antiques and marble bathrooms, though it's the thematic Art Suites that the hotel is famous for, created in honour of celebrity guests such as Josephine Baker. Settling in for a decadent afternoon tea in the gilded, mirror-walled main hall is a delight (even if you aren't staying). 7. Serras Barcelona hotel Barri Gòtic A 19th-century building refurbished with soul, the Serras is perfect for anyone seeking a five-star base within leisurely reach of both the beaches and the Barri Gòtic's cultural attractions. It's an intimate spot that channels a boutique feel, particularly in the 28 sunny rooms, which have balconies, yoga mats, and chic design elements inspired by Catalan tilework. Stays here include access to a rooftop deck overlooking the Port Vell marina, where you can cool off in the plunge pool or dive into the city's celebrated food scene with imaginative sharing plates at Informal. There's an instantly welcoming feel in the light-filled lobby-lounge, now home to creative Italian-Catalan restaurant Agreste. 8. Grand Hotel Central La Ribera In an enviably central spot on the Via Laietana boulevard, Grand Hotel Central rests right on the doorstep of both El Born and the Barri Gòtic. Fully relaunched in 2024, it's now a five-star haven for lovers of architecture and design. The elegant 1920s building plays up its sharp, clean Noucentista lines everywhere from the checkered-floor lobby dotted with bold artwork to the earthy-toned rooms featuring custom-made furniture and bath products by Barcelona-born label Carner. Switch off over a glass of cava or a splash in the infinity-edge pool up on the eighth-floor rooftop, which has dreamy views across La Ribera's homes and many churches. 9. Hotel Arts Barcelona Port Olímpic One of Barcelona's original real-deal luxury properties, Hotel Arts still easily holds its own and has a coveted beachfront location (surprisingly tricky to find in this Mediterranean-side city). The chance to dine at Catalan chef Paco Pérez's two-Michelin-star restaurant Enoteca, renowned for its seasonally changing Costa Brava-rooted tasting menus, only adds to the appeal. Designed as a soaring 44-floor tower, the hotel has 432 swish, light-washed rooms that have been recently revamped taking inspiration for Barcelona's coastal landscapes and arts scene. A gorgeous 43rd-floor spa affords views of the city sprawling all around from its hot tubs and outdoor terraces, and the main infinity pool looks over Frank Gehry's Peix sculpture (an enormous shimmering fish). 10. Sir Victor Hotel Eixample There's an eyeful of Gaudí's wave-like La Pedrera to swoon over from the stylish rooftop bar and dip pool at Sir Victor Hotel, which sits surrounded by headline attractions in northern Eixample. Formerly the beloved Hotel Omm, the property was reborn a few years ago under the trend-setting, Amsterdam-founded Sir Hotels brand. All the rooms have a breezy, bright feel, as well as stacks of design books to flick through, local art on the walls and private balconies for lingering on. The lively lobby flows through to sultry steakhouse Mr Porter, a locally popular destination in its own right. 11. Kimpton Vividora Barcelona hotel Barri Gòtic The Barri Gòtic might be the city's busiest neighbourhood, but there's no denying the charm of waking up among its ancient alleys, plazas and churches. The five-star, boutique-in-feel Kimpton Vividora sits just around the corner from Plaça del Pi in the heart of Barcelona. You'll enjoy views of the neighbouring Cathedral's spires from the buzzy rooftop, which is part cocktail-and-tapas bar and part lounge area with a shimmery metallic pool. The 156 rooms go big on bold, Mediterranean colours, and have fun design touches like retro phones and royal-blue tilework. Book a Suite for a terrace overlooking the city and your own freestanding bath tub. A crop of thoughtful extras includes evening drinks in the lobby, in-room yoga mats, and bikes to borrow for zipping around town. 12. Monument Hotel Eixample Everything revolves around fabulous dining at this transformed 19th-century palace on upper Passeig de Gràcia, which is home to three-Michelin-star Lasarte (one of Spain's finest restaurants) and one-star Oria, both led by renowned Basque chef Martín Berasategui. The culinary thrills continue on the bijou Verbena rooftop, which offers more relaxed, Mediterranean-driven menus and also has a pool made from glowy white mosaics to lounge around. Each of the 84 elegant rooms is outfitted with red-brick walls, custom-made oak furnishings and tile-covered bathrooms, and most have balconies. An on-site spa offers its own 'tasting menu' of sculpting facials and aromatherapy massages. 13. Soho House Barcelona hotel Barri Gòtic Artily creative design meets a slice of sunny Barcelona living at the city's Soho House, which has taken over an 18th-century building opposite the Port Vell marina, just a 10-minute walk from the Gothic Cathedral. The 56 rooms (also available to non-member guests) lean into their seaside location, mixing vintage pieces and architecture quirks with Catalonia-inspired colours, prints and fabrics. You may well find them so impeccably cosy that it's tempting to never leave, but there is of course a lively line-up of dining, drinking and socialising spots to enjoy, along with an arch-framed Cowshed spa. Join the buzz at the rooftop cocktail bar; book in for an Italian-flavoured brunch at Cecconi's; or snag a perch under the stripy-red canopy beds by the pool, which has views of yachts and rooftops. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writer, Isabella Noble, who lives in Spain and has a deep knowledge of the country. She has lived in Andalucía and Barcelona and has authored several guidebooks on the country. When picking which hotels to include in the best luxury hotels in our Barcelona guide, Isabella considered her own experience staying in the hotels and evaluated location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs What are the best areas of Barcelona to stay in? Eixample, Barri Gòtic and Poble Sec are some of the most popular areas to stay in in Barcelona. Where are the best shopping spots? One of the busiest shopping areas in Barcelona is Passeig de Graci, also known as the 'golden mile', with the street lined with haute couture, international brands are represented, and local talent such as Santa Eulalia. El Raval is best for vintage clothing stores, and you'll find lots of fashion up-and-comers in El Born. Various handmade gifts and homewares are sold at stores along La Rambla and within Barri Gòtic, while markets such as Mercat Santa Caterina, Mercat de Sant Antoni and Mercat de la Boqueria sell fresh produce. Where do celebrities stay in Barcelona? The Majestic Hotel and Spa is one of Barcelona's most well-known five-star haunts that has attracted guests such as Ernest Hemingway, Josephine Baker and European royals such as Queen Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg and Emeritus Queen Dona Sofia of Spain. Hotel Arts Barcelona has seen popstar Ariana Grande stay in its penthouse suite, while El Palace has been rumoured to have hosted A-listers such as Cary Grant, Madonna, Barack Obama and the Rolling Stones.
