Moxy Barcelona Hotel Review: Colourful, Stylish, and Full of Energy

Introducing the Moxy Barcelona…

It was not my first rodeo visiting the captivating city of Barcelona; the sun-dappled city and I have history. After seven visits, I thought we’d agreed on a little break, but then came an invitation to the brand-new Moxy Barcelona in Sants, and just like that, I was back under the city’s spell.

I’ve long been a Moxy fan — their hotels are effortlessly fun and full of character — but what I really appreciate is how each one captures the essence of its own neighbourhood through design and detail.

Moxy Barcelona Hotel Review: Where Design Meets Festival Energy

The Moxy Barcelona is not just a place to sleep; it is a full sensory experience rooted in the creative spirit of the city. Opened in the vibrant Sants neighbourhood, the hotel draws on Barcelona’s festival atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door. Mosaic nods to Gaudí, playful trencadís-inspired details, and a gig ticket wall honouring icons like Depeche Mode and The Cure make every corner a conversation starter. Rooms are bright, surprisingly spacious, and packed with personality, from local artist murals to retro rotary phones and thoughtful touches like reusable water bottles.

The Rooftop Pool and Bonavista Bar Are Worth the Trip Alone

The real showstopper at Moxy Barcelona is the tenth-floor rooftop, where a poolside paradise meets sweeping city views and a dining concept rooted entirely in local inspiration. The Bonavista Restaurant and Bar buzzes with energy day and night, serving inventive cocktails and small plates with a playful nod to the 1970s. Whether you are watching the sun set over the Sants neighbourhood with a perfectly crafted drink in hand or simply soaking in the city views, this space captures everything a Barcelona city break should feel like. If you are after a fun, design-led hotel with serious character, Moxy Barcelona belongs at the top of your list.

As Coco’s Music Editor, I was intrigued to learn that the Moxy Barcelona was inspired by Barcelona’s festival atmosphere, and this is clear from the moment you step into the hotel.

The play room where you can relax with a drink, play arcade games, or pool is a music fan’s dream. Across one wall is a colourful mosaic of gig tickets paying homage to bands such as Depeche Mode, Ride, and — be still my beating heart — The Cure! This area, like the hotel itself, is an Instagrammer’s dream!

If you are looking for a quirky yet cool bolthole whilst visiting Barcelona, the Moxy Barcelona ticks all the boxes and more! The hotel’s design seamlessly nods to Barcelona’s creative icons — from the surrealism of Dalí and Miró to the bold modernism of Gaudí. The result? An explosion of colour, whimsy, and charm that is the perfect foil to the Moxy Barcelona’s urban cool vibes.

Think trencadís mosaics reimagined through an industrial lens which gives a vibrant, playful space that feels every inch a love letter to Barcelona.

The check-in process was smooth and fuss-free, and we were handed a token for a welcome drink at the bar on the third floor, the perfect reward after our trip from the UK. After a quick lunch at the Level 3 restaurant and a gluten free beer, it was time to check out my room which would be my home for the next couple of days.

Murals and flamingos!

As I expected, the room was full of the quirky charm that permeated the rest of the hotel, but it was still full of light and was surprisingly spacious for a city centre hotel. There was a map of the region emblazoned on the walls created by local artist Sira Lobo, a pink flamingo on the room’s table, and a retro-tastic rotary dial phone by the side of the bed. There were little thoughtful touches such as a reusable water bottle (obviously in pink!) which you could use throughout your stay.

From the ‘I woke up like this’ cushion to the brightly-coloured chairs on the balcony, the Moxy Barcelona has perfectly curated every detail, and I am here for it! It’s a fantastic blend of design and comfort — the bed was super comfy. I loved the little drinks holders which were the aforementioned flamingo and a little moomin creature — just adorable!

Breakfastin’ in Barcelona

At every corner of the Moxy Barcelona, you are greeted with an eye-catching design that’s practically made for the ‘gram! From the breakfast buffet to the chill out areas, it’s a place where you will need your phone out at all times!

A showstopping swimming pool and rooftop terrace!

However, when it comes to winning decor, Moxy Barcelona’s showstopper has to be its rooftop on the tenth floor which effortlessly blends a poolside paradise and chill-out spot with sweeping city views. Top tip — sunset is just chef’s kiss! Unfortunately, due to my tight schedule, I didn’t have time to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, but I will most definitely don my trusty one piece when I return — and that I will!

By day and night, the Rooftop Restaurant & Bar Bonavista buzzes with energy, welcoming both locals and travellers to enjoy a small-plates dining concept that is rooted in local inspiration. We enjoyed dinner there which has a nod to the playful decor of the ‘70’s — which is 100% my vibe! The cocktails are inventive, carefully-crafted, and are absolutely delicious. What better way to relax and watch the sun set over the Sants neighbourhood than at the Bonavista?!

Looking for a whimsically designed, nostalgia-soaked hotel with a rooftop pool and serious hipster cred? The Moxy Barcelona should most definitely be top of your bucket list!