Barcelona's Beaches Experience Revival

BARCELONA, Spain (TheStreet) -- Perhaps you're a fan of architect Antonio Gaudi. Maybe you recently saw Woody Allen's Vicky Christina Barcelona. In any case, you're yearning to explore Barcelona, Spain.

While the city is filled with art nouveau buildings and nightlife options, it's also quickly becoming Europe's top beach destination. Barcelona's downtown seafront is enjoying a revival, especially the Barceloneta neighborhood.

Barcelona's bustling beach promenade in the Barceloneta neighborhood.

If you're going to Barcelona, you can choose a hotel that's big and luxurious or small and hip. You'll want to stay as close to the waterfront and center of town as possible. For those looking for the summer beach experience, check out the Hotel Arts or Hotel Miramar at least until Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide(HOT Quote) opens the W Hotel Barcelona in October.

The Hotel Arts, managed by Ritz-Carlton, has stood as a beacon of Barcelona luxury since opening just after the 1992 Olympics, and its age shows. Despite its spa, top-notch pool and Frank Gehry sculpture, the hip lobby leads to guest rooms with Mediterranean views but also frayed furnishings, stained rugs and worn marble bathrooms.

Hotel Miramar was originally built for the 1929 World's Fair. The colonnades facing a hilltop park are all that's left of the former building. It now reflects Bauhaus influences with stacked concrete blocks and massive glass panels that allow for infinite Barcelona views from all the guest rooms. A grassy outdoor pool and cafe is one of Barcelona's most underused, and room prices that start at 150 euros add to its appeal.