On Wednesday, November 11, the Catalan Parliament approved a law that doubles Barcelona’s tourist tax starting in April. Hotel guests will pay between 10 and 15 euros per night, depending on the hotel’s category. Until now, the maximum ranged from 5 to 7.5 euros.
If you’re hosting family or friends or booking a hotel for them, it’s a good idea to do the math before next spring.
How much will be charged at hotels and on cruises
At a four-star hotel, the city may charge up to 11.40 euros per person per night. For a two-night stay for a couple, the tax could total 45.60 euros. At five-star hotels, the maximum rises to 15 euros per night.
Cruise passengers won’t notice the change: they’ll continue to pay around 6 euros.
Vacation rentals: from 6.25 to 12.5 euros
Guests staying in vacation rentals will also pay double. The maximum rate is increasing from 6.25 to 12.5 euros per night.
According to the text of the law, one-fourth of the revenue collected will be allocated to housing.
What this might mean for you
- If you’re booking for others: The figures above are maximum rates per person per night, so the final cost depends on the hotel’s category and the number of guests.
- If you host guests in a tourist accommodation: the tax will be up to 12.5 euros per night, double the current rate.
- If you work in the hospitality industry: the increase makes the stay more expensive for travelers, something to keep in mind when informing customers of their total cost.
The law takes effect in April. Reservations for dates after that should already take the new rate into account.
