If you’re looking to experience Barcelona without getting swept up in the tourist throng on La Rambla, make your way to El Poblenou. This vibrant local neighborhood is close to the action but far enough to avoid the crowds. Plus, it’s just a short walk to the beach. Picture this: sun-soaked pedestrian streets (hello, Rambla del Poblenou) lined with tapas bars, outdoor terraces, and a laid-back vibe that feels more like a local hangout than a tourist magnet. The area’s former factories and mills from the Industrial Revolution have been repurposed into creative studios, craft breweries, coworking spaces, and design showrooms. Think Brooklyn, but with a Barcelona twist.
The Hoxton is the latest hospitality brand to officially endorse El Poblenou as the place to be. Opened earlier this year, The Hoxton, Poblenou marks the brand’s first venture into Spain. If you’ve stayed at one of their other locations, you’ll know they have a knack for making you feel like you’re crashing at a friend’s place. Expect the same relaxed, unpretentious vibe here: casual staff in beige t-shirts, an open lobby designed for lounging, and the hotel’s on-site pizzeria, Four Corners, serving up delicious pies.
Guestrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the space in light. Warm, homespun tapestries drape the beds, and terracotta floors nod to Barcelona’s Mediterranean roots. Local flavor is also evident in the rooms: Catalan artist Jose Antonio Roda’s illustrations adorn the room keys, while a curated collection of art by Barcelona-based John Brown Projects hangs on the walls.
And let’s talk about the rooftop—your new favorite spot for sunny afternoons. Take a refreshing dip in the pool, then grab some tacos at Tope, the hotel’s Mexican restaurant, all while soaking up panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Sagrada Familia.
In short, El Poblenou gives you all the creative energy of Barcelona without the crowds. And with The Hoxton as your home base, you’re right in the middle of it all, minus the throngs of tourists, the ubiquitous Hard Rock Cafés, and those cheesy souvenir shops hawking t-shirts emblazoned with “Barcelona” in neon.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Barcelona, Spain (El Poblenou neighborhood)
Address: Avenida Diagonal, 205, Barcelona, Spain, Sant Martí
Rating: 4-star
The vibe: Your Catalan friend who wrote the book on how not to be pretentious yet effortlessly cool.
Food & Drink: Four Corners for delicious pizza on the first floor, a lobby bar for cocktails, and a rooftop bar & restaurant called Tope serving tasty Mexican cuisine with a side of Sagrada Familia views.
Amenities: Air conditioning, Bikes available, Parking, Pool, Restaurant (two), Room service, Rooftop terrace, Two bars, Wheelchair accessible
Our favorite thing about the hotel: It’s a tie between the local flair of the neighborhood and the rooftop’s breathtaking views of the sea, Barcelona’s skyline, and, of course, the Sagrada Familia.
Any neighborhood recs?: For a stellar Spanish-style lunch, head to Kalamata Tapas, just a five-minute walk away, where the patatas bravas, pan con tomate, and sangria are absolutely worth the visit. And if you’re in the mood for a stroll, walk down the Rambla del Poblenou toward the beach—it’s a local-filled street, and the buildings only get prettier as you get closer to the sea.
What’s nearby?
Rambla del Poblenou
- Distance from hotel: 0.2 miles (about 4-5 minutes on foot)
- Expect: A lively, tree-lined street with cafes, shops, and local charm. It’s just around the corner from the hotel, perfect for a stroll.
Platja de la Mar Bella
- Distance from hotel: 0.6 miles (about 12-15 minutes on foot)
- Expect: A popular beach with a relaxed vibe, ideal for sunbathing and beachside dining.
Parc del Centre del Poblenou
- Distance from hotel: 0.3 miles (about 6 minutes on foot)
- Expect: A contemporary park with sculptures and art installations, offering a peaceful spot to relax.
Museu del Disseny de Barcelona (Design Museum)
- Distance from hotel: 1.2 miles (about 5-7 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot)
- Expect: A museum dedicated to design in all its forms, from fashion to digital, located in the nearby Glòries area.
Room Count: 240
Pricing: Starting at $170/night
Closest Airport: Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport
