Barcelona
Spain


The Experience

Built for the 1992 summer Olympics in Barcelona, the 44-floor skyscraper that houses the 33-story Hotel Arts was designed to showcase a new generation of Catalonian hotel for the Olympics. The hotel wasn't ready on time, but it's making up for that now. A haven for Barcelona's movers and visiting shakers, this hip hotel has stayed on the cutting edge despite its being taken over by the sometimes-dowdy Ritz-Carlton. Its location outside the center of town is a boon to those seeking an amenity-filled beach hotel, and a serious drawback for others who want to be more centrally located. Still, no one complains about the fabulous views out over city and ocean.

The Rooms

Standard layouts, while not enormous, offer contemporary design and great toys, like flat-screen TVs and Bang & Olufsen sound systems, along with nine choices of pillow. Dual-sink, multijet-shower marble bathrooms offer up Acqua di Parma products and Frette robes. Still, everyone knows the corners are best, and that's especially true here: From the 19th floor up, slickly designed executive suites offer the best views, with split-level suites really capitalizing on the ocean setting with enormous windows.

The Service

Staff have the Ritz-Carlton flagship code of service down pat, but a lot of them are younger than most. That's not always a problem. What can be a problem is that since the hotel caters to the town's visiting celeb set -- Diddy, Kate Moss, Nelson Mandela -- the mere mortal can feel somewhat ignored.

The Highlights

A needed facelift and the addition of new facilities last year have upped the hip quotient here even more, with the Six Senses spa boasting amazing views of the sea, huge treatment rooms and a beautiful sun-filled sauna. Take advantage of the beachside pool. And peruse the Spanish art -- some 1,000 pieces from the famous to up-and-comers -- as you stroll over to sample two-Michelin-star chef Sergei Arola's pica-pica (little dishes of local ham, cheese and seafood) and incredible Mediterranean fish dishes. This is where to finish the night as well, an airy, chic setting where fashionistas pack in for DJ nights, spinning away the Spanish nights cooled by the ocean breezes.

-- Ondine Cohane

Find Hotel Deals on Yahoo Travel»