Why book?
Mett Barcelona does not shy away from its history; if anything, it embraces it and weaves it tightly into its story today. Without a doubt, if there were ever a time to visit one of the city’s first luxury hotels, it would be now, as it is embarking on a bold new direction. This architectural icon of Catalan Noucentisme, an architectural and cultural movement that emerged in the early 20th century, has witnessed a number of historical moments and hosted legendary figures such as Ava Gardner, Ernest Hemingway, James Stewart, Rock Hudson, Princess Fabiola of Belgium, and, before its closure just under a year ago, Tom Hanks, the Obamas, and Bruce Springsteen. The hotel has always maintained that perfect balance between discretion, history, and hospitality; perhaps that is why its excellent reputation remained intact year after year. Since its opening in 1925, it has undergone several refurbishments, the most significant of which took place 20 years ago. The aim for 2025 was to renovate and update the property, but without losing the qualities that made it stand out in the city.
The new Mett Barcelona remains an intimate and sophisticated retreat high above Barcelona, a hotel where you can take your time to enjoy the essentials. From the warmth of its restored century-old architecture to its vibrant culinary offering and exclusive Valmont Red Carpet Spa, the hotel embodies a unique way of being and feeling in the city.
Set the scene
In the heart of the lobby, at the Florida Lounge by Lladró, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a permanent display of some of the most avant-garde creations from Lladró, such as The Fantasy and The Guest collections, and Jaime Hayon’s Embraced sculpture. These pieces blend perfectly with lamps designed by Marcel Wanders, the subtle Ice Cream collection, and the natural light that floods the space, bringing the building’s century-old architecture to life. As a liquid extension of this partnership, there’s also an exclusive Lladró Cocktail.
The backstory
A listed building, Mett Barcelona is a five-star luxury hotel that reinterprets lifestyle hospitality through a Mediterranean, contemporary, and experiential lens. Following the complete refurbishment, the hotel has 70 rooms and suites, two swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor), a spa, and fitness area featuring the exclusive Valmont Red Carpet Spa, a private club, event venues, and several vibrant food and beverage options such as the Mediterranean restaurant Albarada, 1925 Vermutería, and the Florida Lounge by Lladró. One of its key attractions is the magnificent views; its terraces are a must-see during a visit to the hotel. They unfold like natural extensions of the beauty of the surroundings. These open-air spaces, with their panoramic views of Barcelona, invite you to enjoy a casual meal under the Mediterranean sun or an intimate evening under the stars or to celebrate a special occasion or personal milestone.
The rooms
The hotel retains its magnificent rooms: 70 in total, half of them suites or junior suites. Spread across six floors, all are designed to be relaxing retreats with amenities from the French brand Botanyc, which adds a sensory touch thanks to their exclusive Bal Tropical range, crafted on the French Riviera and featuring notes of bergamot, lychee, and jasmine. The spectacular Signature Suites, measuring up to 70 square meters, feature spacious interiors, separate living areas, access to exclusive facilities, and views of the expanse from the deep blue sea to the majesty of Tibidabo. In some Signature Suites, luxury takes the form of private outdoor plunge pools. For those seeking an intimate connection with nature, the Lifestyle Rooms feature a private terrace overlooking the infinity pool, creating a sense of retreat, privacy, and absolute harmony. Meanwhile, the Sea View Suites and Junior Suites turn every sunrise into an unforgettable spectacle, with the Barcelona skyline as a backdrop.
Food and drink
If there’s one thing we love most about Mett, it’s their fantastic breakfasts with incomparable city views. Since the hotel opened in its current incarnation, breakfast is now à la carte. Of course, no detail is overlooked. You can order a full English breakfast (organic eggs cooked to order with bacon, sausages, and mushrooms) or a Spanish one, complete with fine Iberian ham, fried eggs, and piquillo peppers. There’s freshly baked bread from Baluard Barceloneta that perfectly complements savory classics such as a French omelette, eggs royale, or eggs Benedict. For those with a sweet tooth, there are American pancakes or French toast with passion fruit and whipped cream. The aroma of roasted coffee completes this morning experience.
Mett Barcelona offers a delicious range of dining options from early morning until late at night, when you can also enjoy signature cocktails and live music. One of the most special spots to raise your glasses in a toast is 1925 Vermutería, a vermouth bar where you can enjoy a drink and a bite to eat between meals. Adjacent to it is the Albarada restaurant, which focuses on Mediterranean and locally sourced cuisine. The short menus consist of exquisite dishes executed without frills and where the focus is always on the excellent ingredients. Don’t miss the desserts created by Elissavet Kermanidou, one of the world’s most renowned international chefs.
The neighborhood
The hotel has stunning 360-degree views of Barcelona. In fact, none of its 70 rooms has a bad view, with vistas ranging from the Collserola hills, the city’s green lung, to the Mediterranean and the magnificent port of Barcelona. Located on the Carretera de Vallvidrera highway, on the way to Tibidabo, the hotel offers a space that draws both travelers and locals alike with its facilities, designed to offer a more accessible and welcoming form of luxury, intended to be enjoyed year-round
The location is perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city, surrounded by nature and tranquillity. Getting here is easy, and the hotel also offers a guest shuttle service (to Paseo de Gracia) so you can visit the city centre in complete comfort.
Wellness
Our visit ended on a high note at the hotel’s most impressive spot. Mett Barcelona understands perfectly that its guests (and local visitors, as this space is open to everyone) want to relax and unwind, which is why its Spa & Wellness area is an inviting sanctuary. Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Valmont Red Carpet Spa is a haven where specialist therapists, equipped with the most exclusive technology, guide each visitor on a personalized journey, selecting the treatment best suited to their needs and lifestyle. From massages that melt away tension and high-performance facial rituals that reveal radiant skin, to holistic therapies designed to renew every fiber of your being, the experience focuses on reconnecting with yourself and leisurely savoring the true art of self-care. Valmont will have an exclusive partnership with Mett Barcelona at the Valmont Red Carpet Spa experience (currently available only in New York and Los Angeles). With over 40 years of experience and a heritage rooted in the prestigious Valmont Clinic on the Swiss Riviera, the brand has conquered the world of skincare, combining advanced science, the purest natural ingredients from the Alps, and an unmistakable artistic sensibility. The wellness experience is complemented by the hotel’s spectacular indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a new sauna area, ideal for rounding off your stay at the must-visit Mett Barcelona.