Avda Port d'Aiguadolc 8, Sitges, Spain | (618) 248-8274
Quiet location overlooking Sitges Port
Two-minute walk from nearest beach and some eateries
Hotel is packed with impressive works of modern art
Hotel offers art classes and gallery tours
Spacious, contemporary rooms with terraces, toiletries, and TVs
Some units are individually decorated and painted by artists
Bi-level swimming pool with sea views
Meeting spaces with lovely artworks
Free Wi-Fi
About a 20-minute walk to town center
Some complaints of noise issues
Some furnishings and bathroom fixtures look dated
Worn loungers are in short supply
No gym or spa on-site
Wi-Fi can be spotty
As its name implies, the upper-middle-range Hotel Estela Barcelona has a vast collection of striking modern art. Artwork of all sizes fills common areas, and 16 of the 65 rooms were painted by artists for an impressive effect. Entry-level units are on the bland side, but they have mostly contemporary furniture, minibars, desks, and furnished balconies. However, there are no kettles. Set just a few minutes' walk from the port, the hotel offers pleasant sea views, including from the small bi-level outdoor pool. That said, the historic center of Sitges is a 20-minute walk away. The all-day Mediterranean restaurant serves buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch and dinner meals, but there are no gym or spa facilities here. Families may prefer the more kid-friendly Dolce Sitges Resort, which has multiple pools and daily activities.
Scene
Quiet hotel with stunning art collection and manicured grounds overlooking port
Removed from the town center, Hotel Estela Barcelona is a quiet property that stands out for its huge collection of modern art. The impressive collection includes everything from paintings and sculptures, to site-specific installation works, such as a staircase to nowhere above a water feature and below a cascade of silver and glossy black balloons. An indoor shop sells pieces of art, and guests can book one of 16 rooms that have been individually painted by various artists. The Mediterranean restaurant and bar are both home to their fair share of art, and a big terrace is available for al fresco dining in the warmer months. Outside, a bi-level, cascading pool has pleasant port views, but old metal loungers surround it and are in short supply. The quiet setting and lack of kid-friendly amenities make this a better pick for art-lovely couples on vacation.
Location
Close to Sitges Port and the beach, but removed from town center
The Hotel Estela Barcelona has a quiet location a two-minute walk from the port. The nearest beach is just a few minutes' walk away, and more can be reached in 20- to 30-minute walks. The marina has several bars and restaurants, while many more can be found in the town center, about a 20-minute walk away. Sitges Station, which allows guests easy access around the region, is 20 minutes away by foot, or a five-minute drive. Expect a 25-minute drive to Barcelona-El Prat Airport, while Reus Airport is between 45 and 60 minutes away.
Rooms
Pleasant rooms with artwork, flat-screen TVs, and AC, but some dated-looking furnishings
Rooms here vary in style, from the underwhelming entry-level rooms to impressive Artist Rooms that were individually painted and decorated with unique themes. All units have some artwork. The Standard Rooms have neutral-tone furnishings that are largely contemporary, though some wood paneling and blush-colored bathroom shower/tub combos and toilets look dated. Nevertheless, they're comfy and come with AC, mini-fridges, desks, flat-screen TVs, sofas, and wardrobes, plus furnished balconies with lovely views. Upgraded rooms have more style, artwork, and modern bathrooms -- some with big jetted tubs. Hairdryers and free toiletries are provided across the board. Note that some guests have complained of noise issues from the nearby bars and boats.
Features
A small outdoor pool and variety of art-related activities
Much of what the Hotel Estela Barcelona offers is linked to its huge art collection. There are exhibitions of local artists’ work, guided tours of the collection, and art classes, not to mention a shop selling artworks. There are no spa or gym on-site, but the small, bi-level outdoor pool is attractive. The surrounding terrace is spacious and often shaded, but it's showing wear and the metal loungers are worn and in limited supply. The all-day Mediterranean restaurant serves buffet breakfasts (fee) and a la carte meals for lunch and dinner. Food largely receives positive reviews. In the summer months, al fresco seating with pretty views is available. Meeting rooms decorated with artwork are on-site. Wi-Fi is free, but some guests have reported that it's spotty.