W Hotel in Barcelona is a symbol of design, art, style and energy. The hotel prides itself on being hip and ahead of the trend, as well as hosting parties where people come to see and be seen. It's a beacon of fun in the city, especially during the summer months. Every year from May through September, the hotel hosts the Wet Deck Summer Series, where the lights are dimmed, the music gets louder and the pool area transforms into a club overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
During the day, the lounge chairs on the W's poolside patio are out, while people are swimming, eating, drinking and enjoying the DJ's Ibiza-style mellow music. But around 8 p.m. on summer nights, the deck does a 180-degree turning into an open-air wet disco. The DJ switches musical gears, and the bar becomes even more crowded.
W Hotel Barcelona's stunning view from the deck — Photo courtesy of W Hotel
This is a great way to spend an afternoon and an evening in Barcelona, and all you have to do is get your name on the list, which you can do through the hotel's website or Facebook page. The dress code is "summer glam." If you want to get a VIP table, be sure to email them in advance at whappenings.wbarcelona@whotels.com. This way you not only have your name on the list but they'll also rope off a section for you and your friends. They will bring the service to you instead of making you wait at the bar.
And after the party shuts down, if you're still up for more, head to Eclipse bar and disco on the 26th floor of the W for some of the most elaborate cocktails you've ever had, or ever will have in the city. Eclipse is a well-known club that features renowned DJs weekly and has some of the tastiest (and most expensive) drinks in town.
Be sure to bring a change of clothes if you've just spent all day at the pool, as you won't be allowed in unless you have the proper attire. Men, no flip flops or shorts. And, ladies, no bathing suits.
The W's Wet Deck parties feature a different DJ weekly. Some great ones to keep an eye out for include DJ Piem, Mica and Edu Natored, amongst others.
Wet Deck parties go from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. in August and until 2 a.m. in September. July and August host Wet Deck parties daily, and in September they scale it back to Sundays through Thursdays.