Kimpton Vividora Hotel By IHG
A stylish Gothic Quarter hotel with a panoramic rooftop terrace and open-concept bathroom layouts.
The verdict
Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.
Located in the Gothic Quarter, this boutique property offers stylish wood-floored rooms and a standout rooftop terrace with 360-degree city views. The staff is consistently praised for helpful service, from arranging dinner reservations to managing check-in. However, bathroom privacy is a frequent complaint, as the open layouts lack traditional dividing walls and omit toilet exhaust fans. Morning breakfast service can also run quite slow. 1217186
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- The Gothic Quarter location is a standout for sightseeing, with the unassuming facade placing guests steps from major attractions. 2921
- The Terraza de Vivi rooftop terrace consistently impresses with sweeping 360-degree city views and al fresco dining. 231217
- Bedrooms provide comfortable king-size beds, dedicated desks in premium rooms, and thoughtful touches like handwritten messages on mirrors. 23
- Breakfast and dining receive high marks for quality, with cooked-to-order options like smoked salmon sandwiches and crepes. 176
The catch
Who it's for
- — Sightseers wanting a central Gothic Quarter location
- — Couples comfortable with semi-open bathroom layouts
- — Guests who enjoy rooftop drinks and panoramic city views
Skip it if
- — Travelers requiring fully enclosed, traditional bathrooms
- — Anyone wanting a quiet poolside atmosphere in the afternoon
Seen on camera
1 moments · 1 video · Kimpton Vividora Hotel By IHG
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“so this location is very cool for the kind of the historic center of barcelona and romblance is right right next door bu…”
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Booking direct costs no more here and keeps IHG One Rewards points, elite nights and eligible benefits.
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This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.
Confidence: low · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.
Score breakdown
How the 94/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
96Food
94Location
97Noise
92- “But the Kimpton Vividora is a marvel in that it physically puts you in that world, then calmly removes you-offering you a cocoon of a bed, rooftop cava, and some impressive sound-proofing.” 24
Room
91- “The top floor is home to arguably one of the most impressive aspects of this property - the Terraza de Vivi. It is quite breathtaking to get a 360 degree view of Barcelona from this rooftop terrace that is not like anything I've seen before - thanks to very few super tall high rise buildings in the centre.” 12
- “The room was perfect for a city break and we loved the social hour.” 18
Service
95Bed & Sleep
93- “The bed was big and comfy with crisp white linen and a leather headboard with reading lights.” 18
- “The bed itself is a decent King Size that is more than big enough for two people to relax in whilst the cool greys of the plush cushions and blanket contrast excellently with the vivid, leather-effect headboard. I slept really well here and the temperature was just right to get a good rest” 12
Value
89- “Back inside the room, it does all the right things with design. The color palette has location-perfect sunset shades: tan leathers, a mustard chair, ochre bathrobes and 50 shades of clay. It feels expensive, and it smells expensive.” 24
- “The upper tiers of the Guestroom category offer small Juliet-style balconies, but the Suites go big on terraces-and it's worth it.” 24
Where it is, how to reach it
Details checked 2026-08-26
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Beats what $$ usually buys
Scores 5 points above the mid-range median of 89, across 494 hotels in the same bracket. In Barcelona it sits 5 points above the local median of 89.
- This hotel
- 94
- Bracket median
- 89
- Index median
- 90
Based on 494 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
- 2 mentions
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
View the 125 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
- “Stayed at the IC and had a spacious suite with a connected room. Service was good.” 29
- “The top floor is home to arguably one of the most impressive aspects of this property - the Terraza de Vivi. It is quite breathtaking to get a 360 degree view of Barcelona from this rooftop terrace that is not like anything I've seen before - thanks to very few super tall high rise buildings in the centre.” 12
- “Room was big but I had no view in my room. Nice rooftop deck/bar though does have nice views.” 29
- “My room was excellent. King w balcony (though honestly balcony is too shallow to be useful so I wish I hadn't paid for balcony room).” 21
- “The room was beautifully decorated and although it wasn't particularly big, it felt spacious.” 18
- “Room was large and had a nice view but was definitely dated.” 29
- “The room was perfect for a city break and we loved the social hour.” 18
- “Entry level and lower category rooms are tiny and on lower floors, so we don't recommend booking anything lower than the room type we were in, a King Bed Premium Higher Floor Room. Even these can range from 183-270 square feet (17-25 square meters), still very small and only appropriate if, like us, you're traveling with carry-on luggage only.” 17
- “Along with the DeLonghi espresso machine, I was happy to see a hot water kettle for tea:” 17
- “As you enter from the street, you're greeted with a modern, bright airy space that consists of a bar and lounge area. The decor is just to my taste - complimentary colours, gorgeous tiles, potted plants and luscious fabrics and textures.” 18
- “Room was big but I had no view in my room.” 29
- “I didn't ask a lot but every one of my requests was fulfilled quickly and kindly. They tidied the room 3 times a day so it always felt fresh and clean.” 21
- “The rooftop and terrace offers some great panoramic views over the city.” 18
- “If you're looking to kick back and watch television, the only place to relax is on the bed itself. The regular array of channels can be found here including local networks and BBC World News - although the internet features seemed to not work properly on our set.” 12
- “I was so glad we were in this room and managed to have this balcony even though we only spent a bit of time on it - it really made this room even greater.” 12
- “Unfortunately, it rained, so that was cancelled. We ended up doing room service, but checked out the spectacular rooftop views the next day. City views were amazing from the rooftop!” 6
- “Now onto the room itself, it's pretty compact but manages to pack in everything you will need during your stay.” 12
- “Stayed at the IC and had a spacious suite with a connected room.” 29
- “We thought the playful and distinctively Mediterranean decor and textures - courtesy of El Equipo Creativo, the local design agency behind Barcelona's celebrated Tickets restaurant - created a truly joyous ambience to wake up in each morning.” 1
- “King w balcony (though honestly balcony is too shallow to be useful so I wish I hadn't paid for balcony room).” 21
- “Stayed at the Kimpton for Christmas last month. The location was fabulous, the staff wonderful and the room tiny.” 10
- “The palette of warm, earthy tones with Mediterranean blue nodded to Barcelona's coastal character, while designer furniture and a soaking tub created a stylish but homely space.” 9
- “My Executive Suite had a wraparound corner terrace that ticked off views of the W hotel, the cathedral, Torre Agbar and the top of La Sagrada Familia.” 24
- “Our Deluxe room, in contrast, offered a real retreat from the surrounding hustle and bustle, with a private and invitingly homely feel.” 1
- “If I'm going to burn a suite upgrade, I should stay at the IC because the room is double the size and comes with club access, right? Unfortunately, the location is just awful for all the places I'm going to and Kimpton is central.” 10
- “The Kimpton is the nicest hotel but the rooms are fairly small so if size of room is important that would be a consideration but overall It is the nicest hotel IMO.” 10
- “Breakfast at the Kimpton Vividora Because of our Diamond status, breakfast was complimentary. It was a buffet, but we were also permitted to order a hot à la carte dish. The Nutella pancakes were good, as were the crepes and eggs.” 6
- “Fauna is the main eatery, where you'll find the really excellent breakfast menu, both à la carte and buffet.” 30
- “We had dinner one night at the rooftop restaurant and it was good. You're next to the art museum and a few other neat landmarks.” 29
- “Breakfast is thoughtfully presented - care has been taken with each detail from the ceramic dishes to the way the buffet platters are presented.” 9
- “What's more, the Kimpton Vividora offers three unique restaurants and bars, including the breezy rooftop eatery Terraza de Vivi, where we indulged in tapas made from locally sourced ingredients before soaking up the sun from our poolside lounger with spectacular views over the romantic old town.” 1
- “amazing panoramic views from the rooftop and there's a saltwater pool there too. We had dinner one night at the rooftop restaurant and it was good.” 29
- “Breakfast at Fauna Restaurant was a good if not stellar buffet, with cold cuts, smoked salmon, cheeses, tomatoes, cereals, yogurts, and juices.” 17
- “Stayed at both hotels last days, for me it is clearly the IC winning in any category except location. But room, quality of staff, breakfast, amenities, club lounge (not fair I know) to just overall experience, I would always recommend the IC over the Kimpton.” 10
- “The free breakfast was so good/extensive and was served until noon. I don't typically eat breakfast but with it going so late I was able to enjoy a couple of days.” 21
- “The approach to food here is refreshingly unpretentious, translating into honest Mediterranean cuisine with Catalan roots.” 9
- “Kimpton Vividora Barcelona: very pleasant design hotel with smiling service, very good breakfast and pleasant (small) rooftop pool.” 10
- “We had some cocktails at the rooftop bar - very well prepared, but perhaps not as cold as they should have been. We ate the first evening at the Fauna restaurant and the food was delicious, with an original take on Patatas Bravas.” 11
- “Terraza de Vivi is the perfect spot to enjoy an al fresco brunch or dinner with sweeping city views from its rooftop position.” 23
- “Dining at Fauna was a highlight. Part of the Casa de Vivi concept, the restaurant feels relaxed and elegant.” 9
- “My dinner here was enjoyed with a group, so we were brought out selection of dishes to share, which was a fantastic way to try an array of plates. I happily devoured my portions of the cheese plate; mini foie gras mi-cuit sandwich with sweet apple tatin and fig jam; salt cod fritters with honey and lime; steak tartar; Parellada rice with baby squid, cuttlefish and red prawns, and more.” 23
- “On arrival you enter into a coffee bar (by day) / cocktail bar (by night), nicely decorated.” 11
- “Whilst breakfast was nice, it wasn't exceptional. If it hadn't been included, I don't think we would've paid €24 each.” 18
- “The fantastic menus are full of delicious, traditional dishes prepared with seasonal food that not only look great, but taste fantastic too.” 23
- “The location is undeniably great for getting just about anywhere in Barcelona.” 30
- “The location was excellent, but the points redemption didn't quite measure up to the value I've come to expect from other Kimpton stays.” 6
- “Less than a 5 minute walk away is the stunning Barcelona Cathedral. We walked pretty much everywhere in Barcelona so the hotel was perfectly located.” 18
- “For our brief overnight stay, the Kimpton Vividora Barcelona was conveniently located in the lively Gothic quarter, and we even managed to walk all the way back from the Parc Guell, which took us about one hour.” 17
- “Tucked away in the lively Barrio Gótico and walking distance from the city's main shopping area and some of its most postcard-worthy attractions, the five-star number is bigger than it looks from the outside: from its 156 rooms and 10 suites, the pulse of Spain's sexiest city is amazingly tangible.” 1
- “Both hotels good enough, location of the kimpton is the better location for tourists.” 29
- “The fact that the ME is a Melia, with more than 160 rooms would put me off, too. But that hotel has a fantastic location.” 27
- “The Kimpton Vividora is a very stylish hotel, located in the heart of Barcelona.” 18
- “The main thing going for it is location. I really liked the Gothic Quarter and was able to do a good bit of exploring in the surrounding areas.” 29
- “I would select the hotel ME Barcelona for its location just 4 blocks from Gaudi's Casa Mila and Casa Battlo.” 19
- “Stayed in the Kimpton Vividora, I really liked the location.” 29
- “The Kimpton was great. As others have mentioned the location is excellent.” 29
- “Great staff, great location, I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Barcelona!” 22
- “so this location is very cool for the kind of the historic center of barcelona and romblance is right right next door but a little bit difficult to get in a car so if you rent the car don't book this hotel book something else” On camera282:57
- “Located in the Gothic Quarter the hotel was very convenient for all the sights (and not too far away from Pride, which we attended too).” 11
- “Stayed at the Kimpton for Christmas last month. The location was fabulous, the staff wonderful and the room tiny.” 10
- “I personally preferred the Kimpton due to its location and better service.” 10
- “Hotel has GREAT location in Gothic Quarter was perfect for me.” 21
- “The hotel is in such a fantastic location, every time I would return from exploring the city, I'd almost be surprised to find it here, its unassuming façade blending in with the surrounding buildings so subtly.” 23
- “The Indigo near Plaza de Catalunya would be my choice in terms of location.” 10
- “Stayed at the IC last year and found it great but Kimpton is a better location.” 29
- “Great area to wander around, and some nice tapas bars nearby.” 11
- “First time at a Kimpton and was a little disappointed with the service. Staff was friendly but breakfast service was extremely slow, called for a couple items they either never came or took more than 20-25 minutes. Otherwise, the rooms were nice.” 29
- “The service at Kimpton Vividora is exceptional: the right amount of attentive without being overbearing.” 7
- “We arrived in the mid-afternoon, and due to short staffing at the front desk, which is located on the mezzanine, there was a wait of about 15 minutes before we managed to check-in.” 17
- “Staff was friendly but breakfast service was extremely slow, called for a couple items they either never came or took more than 20-25 minutes.” 29
- “First time at a Kimpton and was a little disappointed with the service.” 29
- “At check-in you're offered a drink, including Cava - which I thought was a lovely touch and doesn't happen very often in city break hotels.” 18
- “Once that's worked out and you have someone's attention, service is a strong point-grill them for every local tip you've ever wanted.” 24
- “Passers-by could almost be forgiven for not knowing this is a hotel at all upon first impression as the reception is tucked up on the first floor. It's not to say arriving guests are overlooked though as whip smart staff are there to whisk your luggage away and get you settled in with ease.” 23
- “Upstairs, the reception is a well-lit space that makes use of the natural light from the double height windows of the façade - and it opens to a working space which you can expect to be a welcoming and stylishly decorated area, as per the rest of the hotel.” 23
- “A lofty aim, given the 156 rooms and the fact that Kimpton Vividora is part of the IHG group, which owns some big hitters: think the Crowne Plaza, Six Senses, and InterContinental hotels. But it somehow manages to feel characterful and smaller than its pedigree would suggest, helped by the friendly service.” 30
- “The brioche of pulled Iberian pork loin and mushrooms was tasty and satisfying, while VivI's bravas offered a nice twist on a Spanish classic.” 9
- “Here I'd like to give a special shout-out to the amazing Guest Experience team, and especially Lara, for all the thoughtful, personalised touches, which made my celebratory stay truly memorable.” 9
- “Room was immaculate and well designed. I always request an end of corridor/corner room, and that's what we got - nice and quiet.” 11
- “Check-in was great - really friendly welcome, explained everything we needed to know, and mention elite status, upgrade, IHG Luxury & Lifestyle rate benefits without prompting.” 11
- “Kimpton Vividora Barcelona: very pleasant design hotel with smiling service, very good breakfast and pleasant (small) rooftop pool.” 10
- “InterContinental Barcelona: beautifully renovated hotel, with great service, pleasant club lounge and outdoor pool.” 10
- “Turn-down service was nice, with extra water and chocolates left.” 11
- “Stayed at both hotels last days, for me it is clearly the IC winning in any category except location. But room, quality of staff, breakfast, amenities, club lounge (not fair I know) to just overall experience, I would always recommend the IC over the Kimpton.” 10
- “First time at a Kimpton and was a little disappointed with the service. Staff was friendly but breakfast service was extremely slow, called for a couple items they either never came or took more than 20-25 minutes.” 29
- “Great staff, great location, I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Barcelona!” 22
- “You're next to the art museum and a few other neat landmarks. We had club access which was nice too but compared to Madrid IC I felt the tapas were a little lacking.” 29
- “I do love hotel slippers! There were plenty of fluffy towels and luxury toiletries by Carner Barcelona.” 18
- “Best thing: The "Forgot it? We've got it" service.” 7
- “Anyone who has visited this city before will know just how much culture there is to soak up, and with the hotel being in such a central position, be sure to gather any information you'll need from the concierge and head out on foot or on one of the complimentary bikes to explore the surrounds.” 23
- “Greeted by helpful people at the door on every entrance / exit and escorted to the lifts on arrival to go to the check-in area on the first floor.” 11
- “Upon checkin they did a great job of explaining the AmEx Plat benefits.” 21
- “The staff were absolutely lovely and really helpful.” 18
- “Stayed at the Kimpton for Christmas last month. The location was fabulous, the staff wonderful and the room tiny.” 10
- “Staff on arrival were brilliant and they were really helpful in getting us checked in - as well as giving us some advice on places to visit in the nearby area, as well as a nearby restaurant for some late night food” 12
- “The service was great; nothing to complain about in that department.” 6
- “Absolutely loved the service at the hotel. Without exception every staff member we interacted with was really friendly, welcoming, and helpful. If things ever took more than a minute or two there was an apology (never needed!) and it all felt like perfect service.” 11
- “Catalina the hostess, was particularly welcoming - part of a really great team at the Kimpton Vividora Barcelona hotel.” 9
- “Service was exceptional. I didn't ask a lot but every one of my requests was fulfilled quickly and kindly.” 21
- “Checking in is initially confusing as reception isn't on the ground level, but one floor up.” 24
- “Nice rooftop deck/bar though does have nice views.” 29
- “I personally preferred the Kimpton due to its location and better service.” 10
- “Request for a bucket of ice to be delivered to the room was completed quicker than I've ever experienced before as well!” 11
- “Service was also great at the rooftop bar area and restaurant.” 11
- “Bathroom was spacious and the water pressue was good.” 11
- “When we got up to our rooms, the dorm room vibes began. No storage. Shower and toilet out in the open (well, the toilet did have a door), and white walls. Where is the charm that I love in Kimpton hotels?” 6
- “The Carner bathroom amenities, from a local Barcelona perfumer, included everything from shower essentials to moisturiser and lip balm, turning everyday routines into small pleasures.” 9
- “Nothing is ever like home. Bed height was a little low for me, and grab bars around the toilet didn't work well for me.” 22
- “Amenities are available in the form of their own branded shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser with a beautifully scented Amber and Cedar Wood smell.” 12
- “An unexpected plus: a gigantic bathtub, beer by local microbrewery Ocean Beer, as well as sachets of sun cream in case you forgot it.” 24
- “Transfer space next to the bed, Roll-in shower, Shower grab bars, Shower was small for a wheelchair user” 22
- “Kimpton ist nice if you want to explore City and just sleep, but else rooms are too small below suites and the bathroom setup is experimental.” 10
- “My only slight irritation with the design is that the wash basin and tap is located within the primary room space which is to save space - but I just prefer having a separate integrated area for the washing and toilet facilities.” 12
- “Outdoor pools at IC and Kimpton are both open (as is the indoor pool at IC, though the spa pass is pricey).” 10
- “The room cost us 70k IHG points/night, although there are rooms that cost even more points, depending on the date. Considering that this is the same points cost of the Kimpton Grand Roatán and the Kimpton Seafire, this felt like a lot less of a value.” 6
- “The upper tiers of the Guestroom category offer small Juliet-style balconies, but the Suites go big on terraces-and it's worth it.” 24
- “Back inside the room, it does all the right things with design. The color palette has location-perfect sunset shades: tan leathers, a mustard chair, ochre bathrobes and 50 shades of clay. It feels expensive, and it smells expensive.” 24
- “The shower room features a handheld and overhead rainfall-style shower which has all the power and warmth you expect at this price point. It is a little dark thanks to the navy blue tiling but there is significant lighting that does enough to make it a cozy atmosphere.” 12
- “My Juliette balcony - there are also suites, some with wraparound balconies - looked over a small side street; a snapshot into the lives of locals on their own terraces and tourists sipping cerveza at the café below. It all felt welcoming and comfortable, and made the undoubtedly expensive black-tiled shower seem less Playboy mansion than it might otherwise have been.” 30
- “I asked for a firmer pillow, as they were a bit on the soft side for my liking, and one was provided.” 18
- “The bed was big and comfy with crisp white linen and a leather headboard with reading lights.” 18
- “The bed itself is a decent King Size that is more than big enough for two people to relax in whilst the cool greys of the plush cushions and blanket contrast excellently with the vivid, leather-effect headboard. I slept really well here and the temperature was just right to get a good rest” 12
- “Nothing is ever like home. Bed height was a little low for me, and grab bars around the toilet didn't work well for me.” 22
- “While they are super small, they do seem to be the original balconies from when the building was originally built and the view across this Catalan city is beautiful - and a perfect morning sunrise even in the middle of January (when we visited).” 12
- “But the Kimpton Vividora is a marvel in that it physically puts you in that world, then calmly removes you-offering you a cocoon of a bed, rooftop cava, and some impressive sound-proofing.” 24
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Noise rests on 1 source — too thin to rely on.
- 27 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about Kimpton Vividora Hotel By IHG
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 59/100We read 30 sources for this property, and pulled 164 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-28.
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Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
6 of 6 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 30 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 7Kimpton Vividora, Barcelona, hotel reviewthe-independent.comReview site2026-04-16Current5 quotes used
“The service at Kimpton Vividora is exceptional: the right amount of attentive without being overbearing.”
Read originalthe-independent.com - 3Kimpton Vividora, Barcelona review: the hotel where ...standard.co.ukReview site2024-10-12AgeingRead originalstandard.co.uk
- 30Kimpton Vividora — right next to Las Ramblas, but don't let ...standard.co.ukReview site2023-08-22Ageing7 quotes used
“The location is undeniably great for getting just about anywhere in Barcelona.”
Read originalstandard.co.uk - 1Kimpton Vividora Barcelona, Spain. Hotel review by ...outthere.travelReview siteDate not stated6 quotes used
“Tucked away in the lively Barrio Gótico and walking distance from the city's main shopping area and some of its most postcard-worthy attractions, the five-star number is bigger than it looks from the outside: from its 15…”
Read originaloutthere.travel - 2Kimpton Vividora Hotel, an IHG Hotel, Barcelona, Spainmyboutiquehotel.comReview siteDate not statedRead originalmyboutiquehotel.com
- 4
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