But checking into the newly opened Moxy Barcelona in the neighbourhood of Sants quickly set the tone which made the trip vibrant, playful, and full of the kind of energy that makes even a quick getaway feel unforgettable.
We checked in at the bar instead of a traditional desk and were handed a token for a free drink to use at any point during our stay.
It was a small gesture, but one that instantly made the experience feel personal, welcoming, and fun.
I stayed from October 21st to 23rd and it was the perfect city break, just long enough to see the highlights and still have time to relax.
The hotel itself was bursting with personality with a games area that had a pool table, arcade machines, a fully equipped gym, and flexible meeting rooms, all adorned in bright colours, neon signs, and playful design.
The bar sits at the heart of the hotel, doubling as the check-in area, and there’s a stunning terrace with city views and its own bar which also became the setting for our first dinner of the trip.
It was complete with a pool and chill-out area, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the views of Barcelona.
I stayed on the 5th floor and we were lucky to arrive to pleasant weather, still warm at around 20°C.
As soon as I stepped into my room, I instantly knew that I would be sleeping like a king for the next few nights.
The room was spacious with comfortable beds, and a private balcony which was perfect for taking in the city views and relaxing after a busy day.
It was thoughtfully designed with modern furniture and smart storage, so there’s plenty of space to unpack or work if needed.
After settling in, I had a bit of downtime before heading down to the lobby for lunch and to meet the rest of the group, ready to start exploring the city.
With a short transfer from the hotel to a visit to the Fundació Miró museum which was a fascinating way to start the trip.
It was interesting to see the exhibits and get a sense of the local art and culture before heading out to explore more of Barcelona.
We then continued with exploring Sants, taking in panoramic views, wandering the colourful Fundació Miró, and riding the cable car which offered the best views of the trip.
It was then time for dinner at the hotel’s terrace bar, ending the evening on a high.
On our second day, our first stop was the iconic La Boquería Market, where we were guided through the busy stalls.
We tried fresh olives, Spanish ham, and a fruit smoothie, sampling flavours that felt authentically Barcelona.
For lunch, we stopped at a local spot and enjoyed a full spread of fresh seafood, from grilled prawns to calamari and sharing plates, along with a couple of drinks.
It was the perfect refuel before heading back out to explore more of the city.
From there, our guide then led us through some of Barcelona’s most historic streets, showing us hidden corners, local spots, and the impressive Cathedral of Barcelona.
It was a great mix of food, culture, and history, the kind of experience that makes you appreciate the city on a deeper level.
For our final evening, we headed to Rabbit’s Bar, a cosy spot that felt like the perfect place to wrap up the trip.
We started with more fresh seafood, then enjoyed some beautifully cooked steak, making for a hearty and memorable meal.
It was a lovely way to spend our last night in the city before heading back to the hotel for one final good night’s sleep.
Even though it was just 42 hours, Moxy made the trip feel much bigger than it actually was.
It’s the kind of city hotel that doesn’t just provide a place to stay, but adds personality and energy to your trip.
I left Barcelona feeling recharged and inspired, and I’d happily return, next time for longer.
