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Hotel Introduction
Located slightly away from the bustling heart of Barcelona, in the Diagonal Mar district, AC Hotel Barcelona Fórum by Marriott is a sleek city hotel that perfectly captures the essence of modern Barcelona. Set along the waterfront, it boasts sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and stands as a contemporary landmark in this vibrant coastal city.
From the higher floors, guests are treated to panoramic views of both the sea and the city. At dusk, the silhouette of the Sagrada Família bathed in sunset hues creates a scene of breathtaking beauty. While offering a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, the hotel remains well-connected via metro and tram lines, making access to major attractions easy and convenient. Its proximity to the convention center also makes it an excellent choice for business travelers.
Inside, the hotel features a clean and stylish design. One standout feature is the rooftop pool and bar with views of the Mediterranean—perfect for enjoying a cocktail under the sun and embracing the resort-like atmosphere. The breakfast buffet is another highlight, offering a delicious start to the day with Spanish specialties such as Jamón Ibérico and churros.
The guest rooms are simple yet highly functional, with signature Marriott bedding and amenities that ensure restful nights after a full day of exploring. Whether you’re here for leisure or business, the hotel provides a balanced and refreshing urban retreat.
The surrounding area also offers much to see and do, from the nearby beach and the Diagonal Mar shopping mall to the art and cultural attractions of the Fórum district. It’s a stay that combines the best of city sophistication and seaside relaxation.
Exterior & Entrance
Rising above Barcelona’s coastline, the hotel is housed in a sleek, futuristic high-rise with a striking modernist façade. The all-glass exterior reflects the Mediterranean sunlight, making the structure shimmer beautifully and blend seamlessly with its breezy surroundings.
Entering through the spacious automatic glass doors, guests step into a serene and refined space. The lobby, with its minimalist aesthetic of greys and dark wood tones, exudes quiet elegance and the signature hospitality of the Marriott brand.
Multiple front desks ensure a smooth check-in experience, while the staff are courteous, efficient, and fluent in English—welcoming international guests with ease and professionalism.
Around the lobby, spacious sofas and curated art pieces provide a comfortable setting to relax post check-in or wait for companions. It’s a contemporary yet calming space that gracefully marks the beginning of a memorable stay.
Guest Room
For this visit, I was fortunate to receive an upgrade to a Junior Suite King on a high floor, offering expansive views of Barcelona’s cityscape—with the iconic Sagrada Família visible in the distance. By day, the skyline stretches endlessly under the blue sky; by night, the city glows like a constellation. It felt like being in a private observatory floating above the city.
The room features an open-plan layout with a subtle division between the living area and the sleeping space. The king-sized bed, signature to Marriott, provides exceptional comfort, helping to reset and recharge after a day of sightseeing.
Decorated in calming tones of grey and dark wood, the room strikes a balance between sleek modernity and cozy warmth, making it a welcoming haven for rest.
There’s ample storage, allowing even large suitcases to be unpacked without hassle. The bathroom includes both a separate shower and a full bathtub—a rare treat that allows guests to unwind with a relaxing soak even while traveling.
That said, some signs of the building’s age were noticeable, particularly in the room’s electrical system. With centralized lighting and outlet control, it wasn’t easy to turn on just one light at night, which caused minor inconvenience.
Still, the spaciousness and views more than made up for these quirks. Watching rain sweep across the city from this elevated suite felt like a scene from a film—a truly unforgettable perspective.
This room combines a one-of-a-kind view of the Sagrada Família with functionality and style, offering an elevated yet approachable escape within the city.
Other Facilities and Services
While I didn’t get a chance to try them all, the hotel offers a range of amenities befitting a luxury property.
Of particular interest is the Club Lounge located on an upper floor. It provides breakfast, light snacks, and evening cocktails in a refined setting with views over the city—ideal for Marriott elite members or business travelers looking for a quiet space to unwind.
The rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean is another standout. On sunny days, it becomes a prime spot for relaxation, complete with an adjacent rooftop bar. Though rainy weather prevented me from enjoying it this time, the space holds strong appeal for a future visit.
Other facilities include a 24-hour fitness center, massage services (by reservation), meeting rooms, and a business center, making the hotel well-suited not just for tourists, but also for long-term stays and workations.
Ironically, not using these amenities this time only increased my curiosity. With better weather, I look forward to experiencing the full range of what the hotel has to offer.
Breakfast – A Morning Delight
One of the true pleasures of any hotel stay is breakfast—and at the AC Hotel Barcelona Fórum by Marriott, it’s an experience worth savoring. Served buffet-style in a spacious, light-filled dining room encased in glass, the setting itself adds a sense of calm and openness that gently welcomes you into the day.
The breakfast spread is abundant and diverse. Local favorites like Jamón Ibérico and an assortment of Spanish cheeses sit alongside smoked salmon, omelets, sausages, and baked beans—a well-rounded mix of continental and international hot dishes. A fun touch: you can layer slices of jamón into your own toasted bread, creating a DIY bocadillo-style sandwich that instantly immerses you in the flavors of Spain.
One particularly memorable detail was the sunny-side-up eggs, served individually in small ceramic cocottes. This elegant presentation added a touch of refinement to the buffet, reflecting the hotel’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Salads are beautifully arranged in mason jars, showcasing both color and freshness. For those leaning toward lighter options, the buffet also features cereals, yogurt, and an assortment of pastries, making sure both sweet and savory preferences are well catered to.
But perhaps the most delightful part of the experience is the ambience—natural sunlight pouring through the expansive windows, with views of the street below offering a subtle connection to the city waking up. It’s a space that encourages you to slow down, sip your coffee, and simply enjoy being in Barcelona.
Whether you’re preparing for a day of sightseeing or setting the tone for a business meeting, this breakfast delivers both nourishment and a moment of calm—an exceptionally satisfying start to the day.
Location & Surroundings
AC Hotel Barcelona Fórum by Marriott is situated in the northeastern part of the city, in Diagonal Mar. While it’s a bit removed from popular spots like the Gothic Quarter or Las Ramblas, that distance brings a sense of calm and space that is hard to find in the city center.
The hotel faces the coastline and a wide boulevard, offering an open and breezy atmosphere characteristic of port cities. This blend of city energy and coastal openness makes the area ideal for those seeking both relaxation and access to urban experiences.
Within walking distance is the Diagonal Mar Centre, a large shopping mall offering everything from restaurants to supermarkets—very convenient for everyday needs. The nearby El Maresme-Fòrum metro and tram stations provide easy access to the city center in about 15–20 minutes. Famous landmarks like the Sagrada Família and Plaça de Catalunya are easily within day-trip range.
Adjacent to the hotel is the Centre de Convencions Internacional de Barcelona (CCIB), making it a strategic choice for business visitors as well.
With its peaceful setting, refreshing sea breezes, and seamless connection to city life, this location offers the best of both worlds—a unique combination that elevated my overall experience.
Hotel Stay Review
Set in the calm Diagonal Mar neighborhood, slightly removed from Barcelona’s buzzing center, AC Hotel Barcelona Fórum by Marriott offered a refined and restful stay. Thanks to a lucky upgrade, I enjoyed a Junior Suite King with sweeping views of the city and the Sagrada Família on the horizon.
Despite the rainy weather, the moody sky and city lights made the scenery all the more atmospheric and memorable. The room’s modern, simple interior and the bed’s superb comfort made for a deeply relaxing stay. On the flip side, the centralized control system for lighting and electronics felt somewhat outdated and clunky.
Breakfast featured a well-thought-out spread with Spanish touches like Jamón Ibérico, tortilla española, and layered salads in mason jars—perfectly capturing the balance between regional charm and hotel-level refinement. Enjoying it while gazing over the city was one of the trip’s highlights.
Although I wasn’t able to take advantage of all the facilities this time, the presence of the Club Lounge, rooftop pool, and fitness amenities clearly shows the hotel’s strong potential. I’m already looking forward to returning on a sunny day to enjoy everything it has to offer.
A city hotel that caters to both leisure and business, while offering a touch of indulgence—this is the ideal stay for those seeking the sweet spot between urban convenience and restorative retreat.
- ADDRESS
Paseo Taulat 278, 08019 Barcelona, Spain
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