Why we picked this hotel
Few Barcelona hotels let you sleep inside genuine Modernisme, with Domènech i Montaner interiors still functioning as part of the hotel rather than sitting behind museum ropes.
Hotel description
Hotel España is one of Barcelona's genuinely historic hotel addresses. Originally opened as Fonda de España in 1859, it was transformed at the beginning of the 20th century by Modernista architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, working with artists including Ramon Casas and Eusebi Arnau. The surviving interiors include Casas's marine sgraffiti in the Salón de las Sirenas and Arnau's monumental alabaster fireplace. Following a major 2026 renovation, the hotel now has 82 redesigned rooms alongside Fonda España restaurant, Dorita Cocktail Bar, Dorita Club and a year-round rooftop Skybar. Its position just behind the Gran Teatre del Liceu puts La Rambla, La Boqueria and the Gothic Quarter within an easy walk.
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Hotel location
This is great
A Modernist landmark you can sleep in
Fonda de España opened in 1859 before Lluís Domènech i Montaner transformed its interiors at the beginning of the 20th century.
Original artworks remain centre stage
Ramon Casas created the Sirens Room sgraffito, while Eusebi Arnau's monumental alabaster fireplace survives as another extraordinary piece of the original interior.
Fresh from a major 2026 renovation
All 82 rooms were renewed while the protected Modernist spaces were restored around the architectural character established by Domènech i Montaner.
Fonda España has real culinary weight
Martín Berasategui oversees the concept, with Edu Rodas leading a contemporary interpretation of traditional Catalan cooking in the historic dining room.
The rooftop has its own rhythm
Sky Bar combines cocktails, DJ sessions and Barcelona views with a compact seasonal plunge pool reserved for hotel guests.
Nightlife continues below the rooftop
Dorita Cocktail Bar and Dorita Club bring cocktails, music and events into the hotel rather than leaving its historic spaces quiet after dinner.
Our take on the stay
The Salón de las Sirenas is the room to look for. Ramon Casas covered it with underwater sgraffito of fish and sirens beneath filtered skylight.
Curated by
Eliza
What guests loved
The remarkable Modernist interiors
The warm, attentive staff
The excellent breakfast
The highly walkable location
The rooftop bar and pool
Best for
El Raval • Couples • Historic centre • Design lovers • Rooftops
Good to know
82 rooms, fully renovated in 2026
Check-in from 15:00
Check-out by 12:00
Room categories approximately 16–76 m²
Small seasonal outdoor rooftop pool (June to October)
Poolside bar plus year-round rooftop Skybar
Fonda España, Dorita Cocktail Bar/Club and Skybar
Pets are allowed (up to 10 kg, charges apply)
No on-site parking available
Barceloneta/Sant Miquel beaches around 25 minutes on foot, or 10 minutes by car
Barcelona El Prat Airport around 25 minutes by car
Amenities
Pet friendly
Poolside bar
Free cots available for children
Rooftop
About the destination
El Raval, Barcelona
Barcelona combines bold architecture, Mediterranean energy, and neighbourhoods filled with markets, cafés, and independent shops. Just off La Rambla, the historic streets of El Raval and the Gothic Quarter put centuries of architecture, lively squares, and the waterfront within easy reach. Hotel España sits in this central pocket, offering a characterful base for exploring Barcelona largely on foot.
