Barcelona’s hotel scene is as eclectic as the energetic Catalan capital itself, including a collection of five-star hotels that remain at the top of their game. Among them is the Hotel Arts, the W and the Mandarin Oriental, soon to be joined by Soho House. But a very different independent hotel opened this weekend on the Passeig de Colom.
The 30-room Serras could easily be called a vanity project — named after its owner, former global IT consultant Jordi Serra, who on returning to his native Barcelona decided to open a five-star design hotel on the waterfront. History is provided by Picasso, one of many artists long inspired by the city, whose first studio, where he painted Ciencia y Caridad, was in this classic 19th-century building.
Interiors are by Spanish designer Eva Martinez, who turns traditional on its head — tiles used as headboards, with iron and wood reflecting the district’s industrial past.
Food will be overseen by Michelin-starred Marc Gascons with local dishes prepared in the open kitchen.
Doubles from €150 room only (introductory rate until February 23, then €250), hoteliers.com