One of Barcelona's most beautiful seafront hotels has introduced happy hour during the week days. From Monday to Friday after 6 p.m., clients as well as locals can take advantage of some of the most delicious cocktails in the city, for half the price.
The W Hotel, one of the city's newer establishments, has fast become the place to be for hipsters, well-known DJs and a clientele who likes to have a good time. Its small but picturesque pool gives way onto the Mediterranean Sea, and its two terraces are both ideal for lounging, eating, drinking and relaxing.
Cocktails at the W are some of the priciest in the city, as the bartenders are handpicked. They create some of the most innovative and delicious mixes. This new happy hour is a welcome change, as usual drinks such as spicy mojitos, vanilla- and chocolate-infused daiquiris and other creative concoctions are offered at half price.
W Hotel — Photo courtesy of Sam Mednick
You can enjoy your drink either at the wet bar by the pool, in the upstairs club Eclipse (if it's open) as well as in the main lobby. And after you've had a few drinks to wet the palate, take a stroll down the boardwalk and have a glass of wine or a fresh salad at Santa Marta, one of Barcelona's best kept secrets. This restaurant is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and it faces the sea. It's packed during the sunny lunch hour, but in the evening there's usually room on the patio or indoors.
If you'd rather head into town, stroll about 25 minutes to the Gothic Quarter. There are plenty of authentic bars and tapas joints in this area, including a few cocktail and wine bars, if you don't want to change things up. Ginger Bar, in particular, is a great place for cocktails. It's right up from Via Laietana and the Jaume I metro stop on the yellow line. You can also take a five-minute taxi ride from the W if you don't feel like doing anything too "strenuous."
But be sure to check out which DJs are playing on the 26th floor at Eclipse, as there is something going on every night at the W. It's nice to get in early before the crowds and get one of the few VIP tables. The W is the perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious drinks and food, and it's open for tourists as well as locals, depending on the day and time of year.
