Hotel Review: The recently opened SLS Barcelona

Forget everything you think you know about luxury stays in Barcelona. The recently opened SLS Barcelona isn’t just a hotel—it’s a mood. A self-contained universe of bold design, rooftop hedonism and seaside glamour that feels like stepping into a dream curated by a very stylish, slightly eccentric host.

Perched on the shimmering edge of the Port Fòrum marina, halfway between beachside bliss and city buzz, this five-star wonder brings the brand’s signature theatricality to Europe—and does so with unapologetic flair.

A Dream in chrome, marble, and mirror

Home to 471 rooms and suites, most with terraces overlooking either the marina or the Mediterranean, the SLS Barcelona delivers sensory overload in the best way possible. Think oversized, moon-shaped headboards, iridescent mirrors, ambient lighting, and bathrooms made for getting ready with your girlfriends and taking a bubble bath alone.

Yes, there are three outdoor pools. Yes, there’s a rooftop with views so good they should be illegal. And yes, you’ll struggle to leave the hotel at all, even though the heart of Barcelona is just a short tram ride away.

Add to that: a 24/7 gym with spin classes, a full spa (opening soon), an events ballroom, meeting rooms, and ultra-Instagrammable everything.

Food, flavour, and a lot of atmosphere

At SLS Barcelona, gastronomy is not an afterthought; it’s a cornerstone of the experience. The dining spaces aren’t just venues; they’re destinations in themselves, each with its own personality, playlist and photo-ready lighting. Come hungry, stay curious.

Lora: Earthy, elevated and utterly addictive

Lora is the heart of SLS’s culinary universe: a warm, modern Mediterranean brasserie where the produce does the talking and the sea is never far from your plate, or your view. Set just above the marina, it’s the kind of place where breakfast can casually morph into lunch, and then dinner, especially when the golden hour hits the terrace.

The menu begins strong with stone-oven baked breads: warm, blistered and made for scooping into the signature dips like the velvety Spinach borani with caramelised onions, yoghurt, feta and pistachio, or the rich Muhammara, a smoky blend of grilled pepper, walnut, and pomegranate molasses. The Whipped roe, flecked with za’atar and confit garlic, is a showstopper spread, especially when paired with a crisp white wine and no plans for the afternoon.

Mains like the Sea bass crudo (with Moscatel vinaigrette, Navelina oranges and pickled fennel) and the Octopus hamoosta (served with turmeric labneh, crispy chickpeas and spinach) highlight Lora’s flair for Mediterranean freshness with unexpected, almost Levantine flair.

And please, please, leave room for dessert. The Bougatsa is a triumph: layers of flaky filo pastry encasing crème pâtissière, served warm with ice cream. It’s like a Greek island holiday for your taste buds, without leaving your velvet chair.

The mood? Grown-up, glowing and relaxed, perfect for long meals, date nights or stylish solo dining with a sea breeze and a chilled Verdejo.

L’Anxova Divina: Tapas with a Catalan twist

More casual in setting but just as curated in flavour, L’Anxova Divina pays homage to the local tapa, with a wink. It’s intimate, inviting, and perfect for golden vermouth-fuelled catch-ups.

The Spanish omelette with onion hits that just-right point between creamy and dense. The manchego & salted anchovy croquettes offer that crisp-meets-melty combo you dream about mid-flight. The Chargrilled glazed red peppers bring the smoky-sweet drama, while the Pa amb tomàquet, served on flat olive oil bread with hanging tomatoes, is simplicity at its finest.

For dessert, the Catalan cheesecake is a must: made with artisan cheese from La Garrotxa, it’s tangy, creamy, and deeply satisfying. The perfect finale to a very local, very delicious experience.

In short: this is where traditional tapas go to glow up. A place that feels authentically Catalan, but with better lighting and a lot more style, yes the deco is as cool as it can get.

Cósmico: Rooftop magic

Easily one of the city’s best new rooftops, Cósmico is a stylish hybrid of pool bar, DJ lounge and sunset-watching sanctuary. With oversized daybeds, panoramic marina views and cocktails that border on art, it’s the kind of place where afternoons melt into nights. Order the “Moon spritz,” claim a spot by the infinity pool, and watch Barcelona blush in pinks and golds.

Coral Pool Bar & The Lobby Lounge

Looking for a slower pace? The lobby lounge is elegant without being stiff, serving artisanal pastries and international dishes throughout the day. The Coral Pool Bar is the go-to for champagne, matcha lattes and Mediterranean light bites between dips. And yes, they will remember your favourite drink by day two.

Bringing the Kids? Surprisingly Yes

Although it doesn’t shout “family hotel,” SLS Barcelona is absolutely family-friendly, in the most stylish, un-cringey way possible.

Spacious connecting rooms, baby cribs, high chairs, children’s books and even in-room bathtubs for little ones are available. There’s a shaded outdoor play zone, child-friendly menus at Lora, and attentive staff who somehow manage to make parents feel relaxed and kids feel like VIPs.

Teenagers? They’ll be all over the pools, the food, and the Wi-Fi speeds. And the fact that they can post selfies from Cósmico with zero filter needed? Major bonus.

Come for the rooftop pool and tapas. Stay for the good vibes, flawless design, and that feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

For more information and bookings visit https://slshotels.com/barcelona/