The Hilton Diagonal Mar is one of four Hilton properties in Barcelona, located in the east of the city just next to the beach. The hotel is modern and newly renovated with excellent views, a nice executive lounge, and great breakfast for European standards.
Location
While not in walking distance from the city’s main attractions, I was quite happy with the hotel’s location adjacent to the beach and a massive shopping mall, and a short walk from the El Maresme metro station. Getting to the city center took about 15 minutes by train or 8 minutes by car, so it was no issue going back and forth multiple times in a single day.
Check In
After a 25 minute taxi ride from the airport, I arrived at the hotel in the late morning and was invited to check in immediately. I had a nice chat with the front desk staff who gave me some helpful tips around the city and happily upgraded me to a junior suite. Within minutes I was on my way up to the room!
Hotel Exterior 
Hotel Exterior
Hotel Exterior 
Front Desk
The Room
I was given room 2217, a junior suite on the 22nd floor with views of the sea to the south and the city to the west, offering both sunrise and sunset views. This is easily one of the best views in the city!
Through the front door you’ll come to a small entranceway leading up to the main room.
To the right is a large modern and clean bathroom, and to the left you’ll find some storage space as well as the minibar.
The main room is a long rectangle with a large double bed on the close side, a work desk by the south window, and a couch, coffee table, and TV at the far end of the room. Both exterior walls have massive windows looking out towards the sea and city.
The desk was a perfect place to work with plenty of space, outlets, a comfortable chair, and a great view. I did find it odd however, that the Nespresso maker was set up on the desk rather than with the minibar.
The couch was comfortable for lounging and large enough to invite a few guests over.
The views from the room were phenomenal, being able to see the sunrise over the sea every morning and the sunset over the city each evening.
Sunrise From Bed 
Sunrise From Bed
Sunrise
Sunset
Sunset
This was easily one of the nicest rooms I’ve had at a European hotel. While not huge, this room was the perfect size for one or two people, modern, clean, and practical.
Breakfast
Breakfast was served each morning at the hotel’s main restaurant on the 2nd floor. Surprisingly, breakfast was the best I’ve ever had at a European hotel with rotating special options, a large buffet, and extremely friendly staff.
The main buffet consisted of the usual breakfast options like bread and pastries, fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses, eggs, juices, coffee, and several hot options.
As I mentioned, each day there were two rotating special options like custom sandwiches, bagels, waffle, pancakes, and even cappuccinos with writing printed on top.
The staff were consistently walking through the restaurant offering drinks, omelets, and the special of the day.
Executive Lounge
The executive lounge at this hotel is one of the best I’ve experienced in Europe in terms of the design, service, and food offered. The lounge is massive with plenty of indoor and outdoor space, work areas, couches, and a large dining and buffet area.
Lounge Entrance
Executive Lounge
Executive Lounge
Executive Lounge
Outdoor Seating
Breakfast and dinner were served at the lounge, as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day. Dinner options were different each evening with a wide selection of bread, salads, hot and cold appetizers, hot main dishes, and a range of drinks including alcohol.
Hotel Amenities
The hotel offers several onsite restaurants, as well as a full gym and outdoor pool deck which I didn’t take advantage of. On a hot summer day, it looks like one of the best pool decks in the city to relax on after returning from the beach.
(Picture Taken from Tripadvisor)
(Picture Taken from Tripadvisor)
Bottom Line
I’ve stayed at a lot of Hilton hotels in Europe and this was probably my favorite. The hotel is beautifully renovated including large and modern guestrooms and a spacious executive lounge. Breakfast was fantastic by European standards, and location was great without being central. I’d be curious to check out the other Hilton properties in Barcelona, however the Hilton Diagonal Mar certainly exceeded my expectations and I’d happily stay here again.