Business& Pleasure: The Best Business Hotels in Barcelona

In addition to being one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world, Barcelona is also a thriving business city. It is deemed one of the world’s major global hubs due to its influence on commerce, media, fashion, science, entertainment and the arts, which sees businessmen from all around the globe fly into El Prat for business purposes.

I have found that those on a business trip have much different needs to those visiting the Catalan capital for leisure when it comes to hotels, so these are my personal recommendations for the best business hotels in the city. Each is well connected and just a short Barcelona airport transfer journey away.

Fairmont Rey Juan I

A luxurious hotel on the prestigious Avenide Diagonal, Fairmont Rey Juan I is a terrific place for those coming to the city for business purposes. It boasts excellent transport links plus a free shuttle to the city centre, but it also has state-of-the-art business services. This includes spacious work desks, high speed internet, 24 meeting rooms and fantastic areas to conduct business lunches. It also has an outdoor terrace with a bar, outdoor and indoor pools, a fitness room and a garden so you can unwind after a productive day. The Barcelona airport transfer will take just 10 minutes from El Prat.

Hotel Arts

This elegant high rise hotel is right by the beach, which allows for breathtaking views of the city and coastline. It is also a fantastic place to hold business meetings, with high quality conference equipment and huge meeting rooms. The hotel’s outdoor terraces, restaurants and gardens can also be perfect for discussing business against a beautiful backdrop accompanied by fine food and wine. There is a relaxation oasis high in the clouds with an incredible spa on the 43rd floor for when you get the time to unwind. It is also just a 15 minute airport transfer journey away.

Hotel Claris

This upscale hotel is an excellent choice if you are looking to impress those who you are meeting. A former 19th century palace, Hotel Claris is situated in the prestigious Eixample neighbourhood and is a true work of art (it even has its own art museum). It also has superb function rooms which can be tailored to meet your particular needs. The rooftop restaurant, with stunning views, is also a great place to meet to discuss business over fine dining. When you get time to yourself, you can indulge in the outdoor swimming pool, cocktail bar, solarium or wander out onto Passeig de Gracia. Your Barcelona airport transfer can drop you at the door to the hotel in around 15 minutes.

Le Meridien

A short stroll from the city’s main attractions and the Catalunya metro station, Le Meridien is well connected to the city but also a great place to host your meetings thanks to 7 spacious meeting rooms. It also features an excellent Mediterranean restaurant, a café selling delicious coffee and pastries and a cool cocktail bar with a relaxed atmosphere. Le Meridien also has luxurious rooms with rainfall showers, excellent views and a wonderful spa. El Prat to Le Meriden takes around 20 minutes in an airport transfer.

I believe that these are the top four business hotels in the city. Each is well connected to the city and near the airport, plus they are all ideal for holding meetings, conferences, working lunches and the most important thing: relaxing after a long day.