Since Barcelona is not a city of many skyscrapers, this niftily etched sail shaped tower (much like Dubai’s Burj Al Arab) on the waterfront was unmistakable.

We knew for sure even while airborne that it is hotel W Barcelona and in less than two hours we will be ensconced in one of the chic, cozy guest rooms of the stunning property from the Starwoods Hotels and Resorts, now owned by Marriott International. 

When you check in at W Barcelona, where every guest room overlooks the Mediterranean, your amazement begins right from the reception managed by extremely warm hearted members of the staff.

W Barcelona, the sensuous creation of famous postmodern Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill, who also contributed to the Barcelona airport design, is a blend of nature and dreamy interiors located along the famous Barceloneta boardwalk. It truly is a whimsical wonder.

It is sensuous in its appeal, its inviting corridors washed in a hue of red with stark orange carpeted floors seducing you to a different Epicurean world. There is something luscious and sinful about W Barcelona.

From the Olympic marina or the promenade along the sea or the port the hotel looks like a crowning glory of the Mediterranean waterfront, armored in a façade of silvered glass which sparkles all day with the kiss of sunrays.

ROOMS:

While there are different types of guest rooms and suites, the new furnishings – which creates an aquatic environment - added a dash of jazz to the interiors. The rooms now are inspired by the Barcelona’s culinary scene – chic small tables and chairs and pendant lighting creating a vibrant whole. The Barcelona city grid comes to life on the wall with a new, innovative lighting feature that transforms the mood from day to night.

And add to this some signature accent pillows that are inspired by Barcelona’s history with a modern spin. So on their pillow covers you can find the images of iconic characters including Gaudi, Dali and St. Elaulia.

All guestrooms feature a range of new in-room services, including Nespresso coffee machines, 49-inch flat-screen televisions and Bose Bluetooth sound systems.

The room carpets are like seabed and the seating areas are inspired by the culture of Spanish tapas. Sea and oceans inspire the new furnishings no doubt.  In the room you feel the Mediterranean blue sea is knocking at the end to end glass window panes that overlook the waterfront. 

So whether you are in one of the “Fabulous Rooms” or in the “Cool Corner Suites”, you are bound to feel closer to the sea.

FITNESS AND SPA

As you work out in the well equipped fitness centre of the hotel, your eyes are treated to a panoramic view of Barcelona's waterfront. The fitness centre – FIT- has a 300-square-meter state-of-the-art   facility with Technogym . It is open 24 hours .

And the hotel’s spa only complements the workout facility. Bliss Spa, located next to FIT, offers unique treatments and facilities. 

EATS:

Here we are talking about WAVE, the restaurant where we had our breakfast. Well it serves up an eclectic mix of flavours from Spanish and Mediterranean tapas to an extensive menu of fish, poultry and meat.

So choose from their offering of Iberian ham, salads, hummus and lobster rolls.

And the usual breakfast fare of pastries, fruits, yoghurts, cereals, cheeses and charcuterie are there to give you enough energy for the day. 

W LOUNGE

Mixology, music, and design create the unexpected in the W Lounge on the ground floor which is a perfect place to begin or end the day. Carnovsky graphics transport guests through layers of color, and a transition from day to night when things really heat up.

Hit the W Llounge  any time of the day 9am -2am and feel the spirit of Barcelona. The sea urchin patterns and dark, moody coral colours evoke a nautical party feel in the VIP space. Resident DJs spin deep house music tracks on a set that looks like a jet ski on the shimmering water while each cocktail mixes a storybook of surprises.

ECLIPSE

Eclipse, the 26th floor hot spot , was buzzing with amplified beats when we reached the hotel in the evening.  The bar and club in W  Barcelona is one of the must visit night spots in the city now. While the view from Eclipse blows your socks off, its creative Sushi Fusion cuisine set the tone any party night.

SUN DECK

Not to be missed is the infinity pool of Sun Deck offering an endless view of the beach and the sea. You step there from the gym or the spa and enjoy the breeze of Mediterranean.

At  W Barcelona you can celebrate the day and night with same excitement- be it enjoying the view from Sun Deck or grooving to the beast on the 26th floor hot spot Eclipse with 360°  viewing experience.

End the day here with signature dishes and give your taste buds a different culinary experience.