W Barcelona, Modern luxury hotel in La Barceloneta, Spain
Description
W Barcelona is a 98.8-meter-tall hotel building with a distinctive sail-shaped structure rising directly from the Mediterranean coastline. The glass facades reflect the sea and sky, creating a visual landmark in the harbor zone.
History
Architect Ricardo Bofill designed this building as part of Barcelona's waterfront redevelopment, with construction beginning in 2001 and opening in 2009. The project was central to transforming the harbor into a modern leisure destination following the 1992 Olympics.
Culture
The hotel holds status as a Cultural Asset of Catalonia, blending contemporary architecture with Mediterranean design in its distinctive form and interior spaces. This recognition reflects how modern hospitality buildings can represent a city's connection to the sea and its evolving identity.
Practical
The hotel sits directly on Barcelona's beachfront with easy access to seaside promenades and local dining spots. The location allows visitors to explore both the modern architecture and the active harbor area without traveling far.
Did you know?
The sail-shaped silhouette presents different visual perspectives from various viewing angles, making it a recognizable element of the coastal skyline. Visitors often notice how the reflective facade appears completely different depending on time of day and weather conditions.
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Les quatre barres de la senyera catalana
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Configuracions Urbanes: Una habitació on sempre plou
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Piscines dels Banys de Sant Sebastià
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Homenatge a la natació
581 m
Gaudí i la Mediterrània
636 mPatí de vela
765 m
Evocació marinera
757 m
Pescador
801 mPort. Inauguració bocana nord
476 m
Sideroploide
598 m
Pierre F. Méchain
788 m
Homenatge a la Natació
587 m
Homenatge del patí a Vela
222 m
Traça de l'antic dic
315 m
Maqueta del port: (1916-2023)
517 mRestes de l'antiga construcció
567 mSideroploide
651 m
Mural, Work of art
242 mMemorial, commemorative plaque
643 m
Architecture, Work of art
528 mMirador Vela
115 mMirador de la Rambla del Rompeolas
570 mMirador de pescadors
584 mScenic viewpoint
599 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
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A particularly impressive hotel for its exterior architecture and its location right on the sea. The hotel bar on the top floors is very sought after for its stunning view. The rooms are so modern that one can sometimes feel lost (where are the light switches?!).
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