"Travelling with my 16-year-old twin sons, I wasn't sure what to expect. They’re very different, notoriously hard to please, and always seem to be "bored!" This summer holiday was a last-minute booking, especially since one of them initially refused to join us—it took a lot of convincing, but we finally made it. Tired of typical resorts, I hoped that a city with a beach would offer enough variety to keep everyone satisfied.
This was my fourth visit to Barcelona, and their second. I booked a triple room at Vincci Maritimo Barcelona, unsure of what to expect. Compared to other Spanish destinations we’ve visited, I was genuinely impressed by the hotel’s modern and fresh interior design, its welcoming ethos, and the professionalism of the staff. Despite the language barrier—a skill I’m now inspired to improve—the staff’s friendliness made us feel right at home. For the cost, the high-quality service was truly excellent value for money.
Our room was spotless, offering an optional daily cleaning service, with fresh bathroom and beach towels available upon request. Our room had a kettle, TV (with Netflix, which you connect via Google Chromecast), A/C, hairdryer with diffuser, and mini-fridge (which one of mine raided).
We didn’t dine in the hotel and opted for the local Mercadona and LIDL, which offered a good range and were more cost-effective than in the UK. The outdoor terrace garden and lounge area were a comforting retreat after an active day.
Previously, we were based near Nova Icaria Beach and relied on buses to get into the City. Vincci Maritimo is located further away in a quieter area near Llevant Beach, which was perfect for our needs.
Based on 'Diagonal Mar' and the construction work along the beachfront, it's based in an upcoming, more relaxed and modern side of Barcelona, shifting away from the hustle and bustle of the Gaudí-themed city centre, which is available via the Selva de Mar metro.
Overall, I felt very safe on my own; I could leave my belongings unattended on the beach and go into the sea for a swim. I was happy to let my teenagers explore the city independently both night and day too.
I can’t fault Vincci Maritimo Barcelona. My only regret is we didn’t stay longer. To make the most of our next visit, I'll do the beach during the day and the city at night! It’s the perfect balance."
