Hotel of the week: W Barcelona, Spain

The W Barcelona is as “eyecatching” as they come, says Sophie Lam in The Independent. Designed by local architect Ricardo Bofill – also responsible for Barcelona’s sensational new airport terminal – it towers over the beach, a “vast vision of shimmering glass” nicknamed “the sail” for its distinctive shape.

The European flagship of the American Starwood chain, the hotel opened just three months ago. The restaurant is fronted by Michelin-starred chef Carles Abellán; the public spaces “evoke the sensation of being under water” and the rooms are large and light-filled, with sea views and “cloud-like” beds.
Double rooms from €257. Contact: 00 34 932 952 800;
www.starwoodhotels.com