Soft-launched 15 March, following an intensive restoration, Barcelona’s Grand Hotel Central has emerged as a triumph of contemporary luxury; a homage to its own weighty history and grandeur, yet breathing the fresh air of modern Catalunya.
With 147 reimagined rooms and suites, inspired eateries, a small but perfectly formed wellness suite, and a rooftop that leaves one breathless, Grand Hotel Central does not simply invite its guests through those quintessential revolving doors, rather it enfolds them in the essence of its legacy. You can feel the heaviness of history in the building itself, its walls resonant with stories of Barcelona past, ready for the narrative of tomorrow to unfold.
Channeling both the elegance of the Catalan ‘Noucentisme movement’ and the Chicago School — both key influences in the original design of the building — Juan Alvarez of studio Sagrada has brought fresh vigour to the imposing property designed by Adolf Florensa in 1926 as the home of Francesc Cambó, a politician and patron of the arts. Expect bespoke furniture inspired by Noucentisme, a reaction against the famous Modernisme made world famous by Gaudí; rich natural materials and a soft luxuriant colour palette; and every single inch of the rooms designed with harmony in mind.
A marvel of rationalist architecture, pioneering in its time, Cambó chose to live on the building’s upper floors, a somewhat defiance of the bourgeois conventions of the era, and largely in part to this being the first property in the city to have a lift. The ‘principal’ floor long revered by the upper classes, those higher reserved for their hired help, Cambó’s extravagant Via Laietana residence flipped that notion on its head; the politician a trailblazer for penthouse living.
Back to today, though. Following a swift check-in with a complimentary glass of cava, we arrive at our decadently appointed room. The bed is vast and inviting, the materials throughout are heavy with the weight of luxury, the design is clean and unfussy, with period touches reminding you of the building’s history. We can’t wait for a soak in the bathtub with luxe amenities from Barcelona-based Carner, but before we do, ensure that we take advantage of the delicious bottled cocktails from Copenhagen’s Aeris that await us in a nicely stocked mini-bar; the artisanal spirit that defines the new Grand Hotel Central summed up in one sumptuous brown butter old fashioned.
Suitably slipped into the laidback spirit of a luxury hotel stay, we venture from our city centre cocoon for an impressive tour of Francesc Cambó’s former home, largely untouched since he was in residence. It’s one of a series of guest experiences that one can opt for, others including a trip to the workshop of La Manual Alpagartera to craft a personalised pair of espadrilles; a tradition that, like the hotel, has been revived with care and authenticity. For those with a taste for Catalunya’s famed wines, nearby bodegas private tastings that capture the essence of the region in every glass. All without mention of the stunning ancient Roman city of ‘Barcino’ that has evolved over centuries into the historic Gothic Quarter, and can be explored literally from the hotel’s front door.
It’s not all history, though, the new Grand Hotel Central a bold, living celebration of Catalan culture. On the eighth floor, Terraza del Central sets the stage for leisurely afternoons and lively evenings, with Mediterranean-inspired dishes and cocktails served up alongside unparalleled views of the city’s skyline. As the sun dips behind Barcelona’s rooftops, DJs bring a pulse that lingers late into the night, creating an atmosphere that encourages the drinks to flow. And, for those who seek the height of urban indulgence, the rooftop pool offers a front-row seat to the rhythm of the city and a much needed respite in the long, hot summer months.
The new restaurant led by Oliver Peña Luque, Can Bo, adds another layer to the hotel’s offerings, with a considered tapas menu celebrating the region’s seasonal bounty, as well as a wine list curated by noted sommelier Amador Marín. The street-side gem is open to locals and guests alike, and delivers big on an authentic Catalan dining experience.
We kick off with meaty oysters in a refreshing lettuce vinaigrette before working our way through an amberjack carpaccio, braised leeks in romesco sauce, the iconic ‘pà amb tomàquet’ (bread with tomato and garlic), a decadent crispy octopus brioche, and Iberian pork a la brasa, before finishing off with a selection of local cheeses and a wee dram of whisky. It’s quite the introduction to a new gem that is sure to solidify a serious reputation among local bon vivants.
More than simply a place to stay, the new Grand Hotel Central offers an invitation to experience the true soul of the city, a place where history and modern luxury coalesce. Having reimagined its aesthetic and its offerings, this is a reminder that the true heart of a city can always be found between its past and present, this time in a place that redefines what it means to feel at home.
Photography, courtesy Grand Hotel Central Barcelona / © We Heart.
