Today I’m sharing tips to upgrade your Spanish travel experience from an unexpected adventure during my Barcelona trip: choosing a hotel with Sagrada Familia views. Even budget-conscious travelers who usually think “hotels are just places to sleep, so the cheaper the better” might want to reconsider this approach in Barcelona for a potentially transformative experience.
Barcelona’s Current Reality – Overwhelmed by Tourists
Barcelona is a popular city packed with attractive tourist spots like Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces and the vibrant Las Ramblas. However, recently this popularity has led to serious overtourism issues. Long queues everywhere, cold stares from locals, and the constant threat of pickpockets and theft make for a stressful tourist experience. Many travelers find themselves thinking “this wasn’t what I expected.”
Among all areas, the Eixample district remains relatively comfortable. This area features beautiful grid-pattern streets and houses Gaudí works like Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. The hotel I stayed at during this trip was also located in the Eixample district.
An Unexpected Upgrade That Changed Everything
To be honest, for this Barcelona trip, I had booked a regular room focusing on value and location. I thought “it’s just for sleeping anyway.” However, at check-in, I was shocked when told “Due to system issues, we’re upgrading you to the penthouse suite.” I thought it was a joke, but I was actually escorted to the penthouse on the top floor.
Taking the elevator to the top floor and opening the room door, I was speechless at the spacious 38m² area that spread before me. The luxurious layout with separate bedroom and living areas, SMEG refrigerator, Nespresso coffee maker… But the real surprise was the terrace.
Having Sagrada Familia All to Yourself – A New Form of Tourism
From the 30m² private terrace, I could see the “Passion Façade” of Sagrada Familia right before my eyes! It was the perfect front-row seat to have the changing expressions of the building throughout morning, afternoon, evening, and night all to myself.
Actually, during the trip planning stage, I had also booked a rooftop bar with Sagrada Familia views, but I immediately canceled it. There was no need to pay high prices while being pushed around in crowds. It’s far more luxurious to enjoy the spectacular view from your own private terrace, drinking whatever you want whenever you want.
Being able to enjoy Sagrada Familia both morning and night offers exceptional value
Smart Travel Strategies for the Overtourism Era
This penthouse experience made me realize that exploring every corner of tourist destinations isn’t necessarily the essence of travel. Especially in cities suffering from overtourism like Barcelona, “how to avoid crowds while having quality experiences” becomes crucial.
In the morning, I’d drink coffee on the terrace while gazing at Sagrada Familia, then explore the city at my own pace during less crowded morning hours. When crowds increased in the afternoon, I’d return to the hotel for a break in private space. I’d venture out again in the evening, and instead of going to crowded bars at night, I’d enjoy wine on the terrace while admiring the illuminated Sagrada Familia.
Being freed from the stress of standing in long queues at tourist sites or receiving cold stares from locals, the hotel time actually became the best memory of the trip—a shocking experience for someone who’s usually a hurried budget traveler.
Which Hotel Was It?
Getting to the point a bit late, the hotel that provided this experience was “Europark.” Located at 323-325 Aragó Street, it’s just a 6-minute walk from Girona metro station. Despite being a 3-star hotel, the quality of facilities and service is high, complete with a rooftop pool & terrace and fitness center.
The spacious terrace of the penthouse is the main selling point
Of course, upgrades can’t always be expected, but there might be chances during off-season or weekday stays. Alternatively, booking the penthouse suite from the start could be a valid way to dramatically enhance your Barcelona travel experience.
Even without staying in the penthouse, you can use the rooftop pool terrace
Of course, there are many other hotels with terrace rooms, or hotels with rooftop bars and restaurants even if the rooms don’t have terraces, so please research based on your budget and availability!
Final Thoughts
When visiting popular tourist destinations like Barcelona, it’s worth abandoning the fixed notion that “hotels are just places to sleep” and choosing them as “destinations themselves.” Especially in cities exhausted by overtourism, quality hotel time can become the best memory of your trip.
Why not choose a room with Sagrada Familia views for your next Barcelona trip? A luxurious experience awaits where you can avoid the crowds while having the best views all to yourself!
